Indiana pharmacists could test and prescribe under state health orders

Pharmacists could perform listed tests and prescribe or dispense qualifying medicines under a state health order. The tests cover COVID-19, group B strep, RSV, and flu. The medicines must treat a diagnosed condition. Tests need federal approval or authorization and a federal lab waiver. Medicines must have federal authorization for the diagnosed condition and appear on a list set by the pharmacy board with the health department. If enacted, these provisions would take effect July 1, 2026.

Pharmacists would document care, while registered technicians and interns could help give tests. The pharmacist duties cover the listed tests and medicines under state orders. Technicians and interns may only collect samples and give tests. Pharmacists must take an approved course, keep records for at least seven years, report positive results when required, and give written follow-up advice. They must send a visit summary to a named primary care provider if the patient consents. A supervising pharmacist must be on site and remains responsible for results, medicines, and records. If enacted, these provisions would take effect July 1, 2026.

The pharmacy board would set service rules, and covered pharmacists would have limited protection from civil damages. The protection covers listed testing and the prescribing or dispensing of listed medicines. A pharmacist must follow a statewide order and board rules in good faith. The protection does not cover gross negligence, meaning extreme carelessness, or reckless or intentional wrongdoing. The board must set rules on protocols, reporting, age and dose limits, and training with input from the health commissioner. The board would begin making rules before July 1, 2026. If enacted, the liability provision would take effect July 1, 2026.