SB948: Pharmacist scope of practice; initiation of treatment for certain diseases and conditions.

Legislative Summary

Pharmacist scope of practice; initiation of treatment for certain diseases and conditions. Allows pharmacists to initiate treatment with, dispense, or administer controlled substances or devices for the initiation of treatment of group A Streptococcus bacteria infection, influenza virus infection, COVID-19 virus infection, and urinary tract infection to persons 18 years of age or older with whom the pharmacist has a bona fide pharmacist-patient relationship in accordance with regulations set forth by the Board of Pharmacy. The bill directs the Board of Pharmacy to adopt a statewide protocol for the initiation of treatment with and dispensing and administering of drugs and devices by pharmacists in accordance with the provisions of the bill by November 1, 2023. The bill provides that such protocol shall be developed by a work group consisting of representatives from the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Medicine, and the Department of Health and directs the Board of Pharmacy to adopt emergency regulations to implement the provisions of the bill.