Germany Advances Pharmacy Reform with ApoVWG Law to Strengthen Rural Access and Healthcare Services
- ipharmaservices
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On May 22, 2026, the German Bundestag approved the Pharmacy Services Development Act, known as ApoVWG, introducing wide-ranging reforms to reinforce the country’s pharmacy network and expand patient care services.
The legislation is designed to secure consistent access to medicines across Germany, with a strong focus on underserved rural regions. It combines financial support, regulatory simplification, and expanded professional responsibilities for pharmacies.
Financial Support and Rural Pharmacy Expansion
To improve the viability of pharmacies in less populated areas, the law significantly increases compensation for emergency duty services. It also introduces a new payment model for partial emergency coverage. These measures are intended to make rural pharmacy operations more sustainable.
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In addition, regulatory changes will simplify the process of opening branch pharmacies in remote locations. However, these branches must still operate under an existing licensed pharmacy nearby, maintaining the current ownership framework.
A pilot approach will also allow experienced pharmaceutical technical assistants to temporarily manage pharmacy operations in rural settings to prevent service interruptions.
Expanded Clinical and Preventive Services
ApoVWG broadens the role of pharmacies by allowing them to deliver more healthcare services directly to patients. This includes access to vaccinations, excluding live vaccines, along with rapid diagnostic testing and preventive screenings.
Pharmacies will also be permitted to perform blood sample collection for diagnostic purposes in adults. New pharmaceutical care services will target early detection and prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Smoking cessation counseling is also included as part of the expanded service portfolio.
Prescription Flexibility and Access to Medicines
The reform introduces provisions that allow pharmacies to dispense certain medications without a new prescription in specific situations. This applies to follow-up prescriptions for chronic treatments and for clearly defined minor acute conditions.
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, working with medical and pharmacy associations, will establish criteria for these conditions within one year. The Ministry of Health will then formalize these rules through regulation.
Pharmacies will also be allowed to supply an available equivalent medicine when a prescribed discounted product is not in stock. In parallel, insurers will no longer be permitted to reject reimbursement claims based solely on administrative discrepancies if the dispensed product is therapeutically equivalent.
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Workforce Flexibility and Operational Changes
To improve workforce management, the law allows branch pharmacies to be jointly managed by two individuals. This aims to support more flexible working arrangements and address staffing challenges.
Vaccination authority is also extended beyond pharmacists. With appropriate medical training, pharmaceutical technical assistants, pharmacy engineers, and trainees will be able to administer vaccines.
Reform of Pharmaceutical Services Funding
Funds previously accumulated in the pharmaceutical services fund will now be released and gradually phased out. Going forward, pharmacies will bill these services directly to health insurers. This transition is expected to be balanced by a reduction in drug pricing for payers.
Supply Chain and Biosimilar Policy Adjustments
To strengthen medicine supply security in Europe, the law introduces a temporary suspension of exclusive discount agreements for biosimilars. This measure is intended to support domestic and regional production capacity.
Ongoing Policy Developments
Additional pharmacy-related reforms are under development through separate legislation. These include regulations on mail-order medicines, reinstatement of certain discount mechanisms, and adjustments to pharmacy remuneration through negotiated agreements.
At the same time, discussions are ongoing regarding an increase in the fixed dispensing fee for pharmacies. The current coalition agreement proposes raising this fee to €9.50 per prescription medicine.
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