Michael Dowell Analyzes How Telepharmacy is Combating Pharmacy Closures and Improving Health Equity

Hinshaw partner Michael Dowell authored a byline published in the October 2025 edition of the U.S. Pharmacist, which explores how telepharmacy and remote dispensing are being used to combat the rising number of pharmacy closures and pharmacy deserts in underserved urban and rural areas.

Michael outlines a rapidly changing legal landscape—28 states now allow some form of telepharmacy, while 22 restrict or do not authorize it—resulting in complex supervision, licensing, and operational requirements for health systems and multistate operators. He reviews state-by-state approaches to pharmacist oversight, technician ratios, distance and site limits, interstate licensing models, and strict restrictions on controlled substance dispensing despite temporary federal flexibilities.

Finally, his article emphasizes several advantages of telepharmacy, including better adherence and outcomes for chronic diseases. Michael also provides policy suggestions to align state laws, update reimbursement methods, facilitate cross-state practice agreements, and promote technological innovations like secure kiosks and AI-powered adherence tools to improve health equity.

Read the full article (PDF).

• U.S. Pharmacist: "The Evolving Telepharmacy Dispensing Landscape" (October 2025 Edition)