Bill > H5854

This bill establishes new conditions for pharmacists to prescribe FDA-approved tobacco cessation drug therapies in Rhode Island, with several key provisions. Pharmacists must first complete specialized tobacco cessation education approved by the state board of pharmacy and can only prescribe to patients who are at least 18 years old, willing to participate in a structured cessation program, and have been educated about potential medication side effects. The bill requires pharmacists to refer high-risk patients to primary care providers, follow the most updated clinical practice guidelines, and provide counseling on cessation strategies. Additionally, the bill mandates that all health insurance carriers, including group health insurance contracts and medical expense policies, must provide coverage for tobacco cessation drug therapies starting January 1, 2026. The legislation also requires health plans to include an adequate number of pharmacists in their provider networks and allows pharmacists to be reimbursed for services without requiring supervision or referral from other healthcare providers, while ensuring that duplicative services are not paid for twice. Importantly, the bill aims to expand access to tobacco cessation treatments by enabling pharmacists to directly prescribe and support patients in their efforts to quit tobacco use.

Health and Social Services

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