Bill > S0685

This bill establishes new conditions for pharmacists to prescribe FDA-approved tobacco cessation drug therapies in Rhode Island. Pharmacists must complete specific tobacco cessation education approved by the state board of pharmacy and can only prescribe to qualified 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. Pharmacists must refer high-risk patients to primary care providers and follow the most updated clinical practice guidelines, including providing counseling and cessation strategies. The bill mandates that all health insurance carriers, including group health insurance contracts, medical expense policies, and health maintenance organizations, must cover tobacco cessation drug therapies and pharmacists' services starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill requires health plans to include an adequate number of pharmacists in their provider networks and provide coverage for these services both within and outside their network if necessary services are not otherwise available. Pharmacists must also notify the patient's primary care provider within five business days of prescribing a tobacco cessation product, and the bill includes provisions to ensure pharmacists can be reimbursed for their services without requiring supervision or referral from other healthcare providers.

Health and Social Services

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