Pharmacists may test and treat some illnesses and provide HIV prevention

A pharmacist may order and interpret certain tests and may start treatment when test results show it is needed. Treatment is limited to eligible people age 12 or older, or the higher age required for the treatment. It covers influenza, strep throat, COVID-19 or another coronavirus respiratory illness, and conditions tied to a public health threat identified by the state health department when an official order or rule applies. The tests must be FDA-authorized and covered by federal laboratory rules; treatment must follow a board-approved statewide protocol and recognized clinical guidance. A pharmacist is not required to provide these services and may not use this authority to start opioid treatment.

A pharmacist may start and dispense HIV prevention medicines under a board-approved statewide protocol. The pharmacist may dispense up to a 30-day supply of medicine taken before exposure or one full 28-day course after exposure. The protocol must set training and recordkeeping rules. Before starting prevention medicine taken before possible exposure, the pharmacist must confirm a negative HIV test and check health risks and medicine interactions. For medicine taken after possible exposure, the patient must come within 72 hours; an HIV test is required if feasible under the protocol. The pharmacist must counsel the patient and provide a written referral for follow-up care. For medicine taken after possible exposure, the patient must present within 72 hours of the potential exposure.

Pharmacists who provide testing or treatment must follow patient safety, notice, recordkeeping, and privacy requirements. These requirements apply to pharmacists and pharmacies when they provide testing or treatment under the provisions described here. A parent or guardian must give written consent before a pharmacist tests or treats a minor. Pharmacies must tell patients that a physician does not oversee these services and advise them to consult a primary care provider if symptoms continue. Pharmacists must notify an identified primary care provider after treatment and after a reported or witnessed adverse reaction, keep specified records for at least seven years, and maintain professional liability insurance. Pharmacies must provide a private area. A primary care provider must be notified within 72 hours after treatment starts and within 48 hours after a pharmacist learns of a related adverse reaction.