North Dakota has effectively eliminated corporate chain pharmacies by implementing a law that mandates pharmacies to be owned by licensed pharmacists. This means that corporations owning pharmacies must be majority-owned by licensed pharmacists.
It is worth noting that this law was enacted in 1963 as a response to concerns about the unethical practices of chain pharmacies, which were accused of prioritizing profits over patient care. The law was seen as a way to promote local ownership and ensure that pharmacists had more control over their businesses.
The North Dakota law has also been a point of interest for policymakers and healthcare experts in other states, with some suggesting that similar regulations could help address issues related to prescription drug prices and access to care. However, critics argue that such regulations limit competition and may result in higher prices for consumers.
Despite the controversy surrounding the law, North Dakota remains the only state in the US with this requirement, and many of its residents value the local ownership and community-focused approach to healthcare that it promotes.
