Bill > S2436

Introduced Session

This bill allows licensed pharmacists, consistent with federal guidance and waivers, to order or administer to any person any test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that the federal Food and Drug Administration has authorized for use. Specifically, the bill requires that: (1) the manufacturer of the test be registered with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is included in the FDA's Establishment Registration and Device Listing database; (2) a statistically significant number of samples of the test have been independently evaluated within the United States for reliability; (3) the place of manufacture provides reasonable assurance prior to or at the time of shipment that the test is genuine and conforms to the specifications of the samples that have been found to be reliable; and (4) the pharmacy practice site distributes personal protection equipment to all pharmacy staff and ensures that policies and protocols are in place to ensure all people presenting at the pharmacy for any reason maintain a level of social distancing appropriate to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 using a test administered by a pharmacist under the bill, the pharmacist will be required to ensure compliance with all State and federal requirements concerning a positive test for COVID-19, including reporting and data collection requirements. Additionally, the pharmacist will be required to advise the patient to self-isolate at home for at least 14 days and provide the individual with the COVID-19 Home Care Guide. However, if the patient is a member of a group that is at high risk for health complications from COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms of a severe adverse reaction to COVID-19, the pharmacist will be required to advise the patient to promptly seek treatment at a hospital. The Board of Pharmacy may extend the authority to order and administer COVID-19 tests under the bill to any other professional subject to licensure or oversight by the board.

Committee Categories

Daniel Benson (D)*,  Vin Gopal (D)*,  Linda Greenstein (D)*,  Dawn Addiego (D),  Chris Brown (R),  Ralph Caputo (D),  Gerald Cardinale (R),  Patrick Diegnan (D),  Lou Greenwald (D),  Jim Holzapfel (R),  Mila Jasey (D),  Tom Kean (R),  John McKeon (D),  Declan O'Scanlon (R),  Nellie Pou (D),  Bob Singer (R),  Troy Singleton (D), 

Approved P.L.2020, c.101. (on 09/30/2020)

Official Document