Recently, I was astounded to hear that Washington has been backsliding on a rule that prevents pharmacists from refusing to dispense FDA-approved medication on the basis of their personal beliefs. Every individual who goes into a pharmacy should be able to have her or his prescription filled in a timely manner. It is completely unfair and unreasonable for a pharmacy not to have a staff member available to perform this task. No one should have to experience delay or discrimination when picking up legally prescribed medication. As part of the health care system, pharmacies should really place patients’ needs as their first priority. I hope that the Board of Pharmacy realizes how incomprehensive this is and chooses to uphold the original rule.

Cameron Michels, Kirkland