Bill > S800

This bill aims to expand the healthcare roles of pharmacists in the state by establishing a statewide protocol for testing, screening, and treating specific health conditions. Under this proposed legislation, pharmacists would be authorized to order, test, screen, and treat conditions including Influenza, Streptococcal infections, COVID-19, and other public health threats identified by the Division of Public Health. The bill permits pharmacists to use waived Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) tests or established screening procedures, and allows them to delegate administrative and technical testing tasks to interns or pharmacy technicians under their supervision. Importantly, the bill prohibits health benefit plans from denying reimbursement for services performed by pharmacists that would typically be covered if conducted by physicians, advanced practice nurses, or physician's assistants. This legislation requires insurance carriers and pharmacy benefit managers to develop appropriate provider and consultation codes to ensure proper compensation for pharmacists' expanded healthcare services, effectively recognizing pharmacists as more comprehensive healthcare providers beyond traditional medication dispensing roles.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S800