Bill would let pharmacists provide infection care and prescribe devices

The bill would let pharmacists with a medication therapy plan authority certificate provide medication services for influenza, group A strep, and COVID-19 under rules set by two state boards. This applies to pharmacists who hold a certificate of medication therapy plan authority. The state pharmacy board and the state board for healing arts must jointly make rules for these services.

The bill would let pharmacists prescribe medical devices that the two state boards authorize by rule. The device must be supplied by a supplier or home health agency and meet the bill's definition of a medical device. The devices must be Class I or II, serve a medical purpose, generally have little use without illness or injury, and be suitable for home use. The state pharmacy board and the state board for healing arts must jointly make rules authorizing the devices. The boards must write and put the rules into effect within six months after the act takes effect.