Bill > S335

This bill expands the scope of practice for pharmacists in North Carolina by allowing them to order and perform CLIA-waived tests (simple, low-risk laboratory tests approved by the FDA) for influenza and streptococcus infections, and subsequently initiate treatment based on those test results, following statewide protocols. The bill explicitly prohibits pharmacists from treating conditions with controlled substances in Schedules I through IV. Additionally, the legislation requires health insurers to cover healthcare services provided by pharmacists if those services would have been covered when performed by another healthcare provider and were conducted within the pharmacist's licensed scope of practice. The bill mandates that by October 1, 2025, the State Health Director will issue a standing order authorizing these pharmacist-administered tests and treatments, and the North Carolina Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy must jointly develop comprehensive rules to implement the new provisions. These rules will include approved treatment protocols, patient safety guidelines, potential treatment frequency limits, audit mechanisms, and criteria for when patients should be referred to other healthcare providers. The goal is to expand patient access to healthcare services while maintaining appropriate medical standards and patient safety.

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https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S335