Bill > HB1582

This bill modifies existing Virginia law regarding collaborative agreements between pharmacists and other healthcare providers, expanding pharmacists' ability to participate in drug therapy management. Specifically, the bill allows pharmacists to prescribe, modify, continue, or discontinue drug therapy under collaborative agreements with licensed physicians, podiatrists, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants, provided certain conditions are met. The bill requires that drug therapy implementation occurs after an initial diagnosis by a licensed healthcare provider and mandates that collaborative agreements only be used for clinically accepted standard of care protocols or those approved by the Boards of Medicine and Pharmacy. Importantly, the bill introduces a new requirement that pharmacists must submit proof of a signed collaborative practice agreement to the Board of Pharmacy and obtain authorization before prescribing, modifying, continuing, or discontinuing Schedule II through V controlled substances. The legislation emphasizes patient choice, allowing patients to refuse participation in collaborative procedures, and ensures that collaborative agreements do not exceed the scope of practice for any participating healthcare professional.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1582