What AB 1794 does
An act to amend Section 4059 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
Existing law, the Pharmacy Law, requires the California State Board of Pharmacy within the Department of Consumer Affairs to license and regulate the practice of pharmacy, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies. Under existing law, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, compound, furnish, sell, or dispense a dangerous drug or dangerous device, or to dispense or compound a prescription unless they are licensed, as specified. Existing law authorizes the distribution of drugs and devices directly to dialysis patients pursuant to regulations adopted by the board and other specified conditions.
This bill would also authorize a pharmacist, manufacturer, or wholesaler to participate in an arrangement or agreement to deliver enteral nutrition supplements or replacements directly to a patient’s residence pursuant to a valid order from a prescriber acting within their scope of practice, and in accordance with the services and activities provided by a pharmacist, consistent with the accepted standard of care, as specified. For these purposes, the bill would define “enteral nutrition supplements or replacements” to mean medical food used as a therapeutic regimen to prevent serious disability or death in patients with medically diagnosed conditions that preclude the full use of regular food. The bill would also make nonsubstantive changes to existing provisions.
Summary from the Legislative Counsel's Digest of the enrolled text, August 27, 2026. Read the full text on leginfo.
How it got here
Assemblymember Ransom introduced AB 1794 on February 10, 2026. The text was amended 2 times, 1 in the Assembly and 1 in the Senate, and heard in 3 committee hearings before its final floor votes.
- Assembly Floor, May 11, 2026: 73 ayes, 0 noes.
- Senate Floor, August 24, 2026: 39 ayes, 0 noes.
- Assembly Floor, August 25, 2026: 78 ayes, 0 noes.
Committee votes along the way:
- Assembly Business and Professions, April 14, 2026: Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations], 18-0.
- Assembly Appropriations, April 29, 2026: Do pass., 14-0.
- Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development, June 15, 2026: Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations], 11-0.
Who supports and opposes AB 1794
The Senate Floor Analyses analysis dated July 1, 2026 lists 3 organizations in support and 0 in opposition. When Assembly Business and Professions first listed positions on April 12, 2026, the count was 3 in support and 1 opposed. By the Senate Floor Analyses analysis of July 1, 2026 it was 3 to 0.
In support: California Association of Medical Product Suppliers (sponsor); Biocom; California Life Sciences Association.
Read the Senate Floor Analyses analysis.
What happens next
It reached the Governor's desk on August 31, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
The Governor can sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until the decision, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect. If signed, most provisions take effect January 1, and implementation moves to the agencies named in the bill.
What it means for pharmaceutical organizations
Two decisions follow from a bill at this stage. The first is whether to weigh in with the Governor's office before the thirty-day window closes. The second is how to prepare for implementation if it becomes law: which agency writes the rules, when the comment period opens, and which obligations begin January 1.
The pharma group at Capitol Axis handles that for pharmaceutical clients.
Questions about AB 1794
What does AB 1794 do?
This bill would also authorize a pharmacist, manufacturer, or wholesaler to participate in an arrangement or agreement to deliver enteral nutrition supplements or replacements directly to a patient’s residence pursuant to a valid order from a prescriber acting within their scope of practice, and in accordance with the services and activities provided by a pharmacist, consistent with the accepted standard of care, as specified. For these purposes, the bill would define “enteral nutrition supplements or replacements” to mean medical food used as a therapeutic regimen to prevent serious disabilit
Has AB 1794 passed the California Legislature?
It reached the Governor's desk on August 31, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
Who supports and opposes AB 1794?
The Senate Floor Analyses analysis dated July 1, 2026 lists 3 organizations in support and 0 in opposition. Supporters include California Association of Medical Product Suppliers (sponsor); Biocom; California Life Sciences Association.
What happens next with AB 1794?
The Governor can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until then, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect.