Bill
Bill > HB252
MS HB252
Pharmacists; authorize to test for and administer treatment for minor, nonchronic health conditions.
summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Authorize A Pharmacist To Test Or Screen For And Initiate Or Administer Treatment For Minor, Nonchronic Health Conditions; To Define The Term "minor, Nonchronic Health Condition"; To Authorize A Pharmacist To Delegate The Administrative And Technical Tasks Of Performing Certain Tests To An Intern Or Pharmacy Technician Acting Under The Supervision Of The Pharmacist; To Authorize A Pharmacist To Prohibit The Denial Of Reimbursement Under Health Benefit Plans For Services And Procedures Performed By A Pharmacist That Are Within The Scope Of The Pharmacist's License, And Would Be Covered If The Services Or Procedures Were Performed By A Physician, An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Or A Physician Assistant; To Amend Section 73-21-73, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Include In The Definition Of The Term "practice Of Pharmacy", Ordering, Performing, And Interpreting Certain Tests And Initiating, Administering, Or Modifying Drug Therapy; To Bring Forward Section 83-9-36, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relates To Prescribing Practitioners, Step Therapy Or Fail-first Protocols And Override Procedures, For Purposes Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes pharmacists to test for and treat minor, nonchronic health conditions, which are defined as short-term health issues typically managed with non-controlled drugs or minimal treatment. The specific conditions include influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, respiratory illnesses, lice, urinary tract infections, skin conditions like ringworm and athlete's foot, and other emerging public health threats identified by the State Department of Health. Pharmacists can use any Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests to guide clinical decision-making and may delegate administrative tasks to pharmacy interns or technicians under their supervision. The bill also prevents health insurance plans from denying reimbursement for pharmacist-provided services that would be covered if performed by a physician or advanced practice registered nurse. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "practice of pharmacy" to explicitly include ordering, performing, and interpreting certain tests, as well as initiating, administering, or modifying drug therapy. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, potentially expanding access to healthcare services by allowing pharmacists to provide more direct patient care for certain health conditions.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0252.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0200-0299/HB0252IN.htm |
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