Pharmacists could provide some care under approved written plans

Pharmacists would be allowed to provide patient care services under a written protocol approved by a practitioner who is not a pharmacist. These are paid medical services intended to treat or prevent disease, reduce symptoms, or slow a disease process. Patient care services do not include prescribing an abortion-inducing drug. The text names January 1, 2026, as the effective date if the bill becomes law.

Pharmacists providing care under the collaborative practice section would have to recognize the limits of their education, training, and experience, and consult with or refer patients to other practitioners as appropriate. This applies when pharmacists prescribe or administer a drug or device under the collaborative practice section. Consulting with or referring patients is required when appropriate.

The bill text sets out education requirements for pharmacist licensing and license renewal, including pain management and opioid use and addiction. The renewal education requirement applies to pharmacists seeking to renew a license. The text allows an exception to the licensing education requirement for applicants who do not currently hold a valid federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration number. The board may exempt licensees from the two-hour renewal education requirement if their practice does not include pain management and opioid prescribing or administration, or if they do not currently hold a valid federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration number. The two renewal education hours must fall within the two years before the renewal application.

The text allows the board to license some out-of-state pharmacists through reciprocity if they meet listed qualifications. This applies to pharmacists licensed in another jurisdiction who apply for an Alaska license. The other jurisdiction must allow similar licensing for Alaska pharmacists. Applicants must meet Alaska's licensing qualifications, hold a current license without specified restrictions, pass an Alaska pharmacy law exam, meet the pain and opioid education requirement, and pay required fees. Applicants must have practiced pharmacy for at least one year immediately before applying.