Bill > SB5924

This bill expands the authority of pharmacists in Washington state to prescribe certain medications and devices, aiming to improve healthcare access and chronic disease management, particularly in areas with provider shortages. Beginning December 1, 2027, pharmacists will be authorized to prescribe immunizations, opioid antagonists and addiction treatments, epinephrine autoinjectors, antihistamines, tobacco cessation products, medications to prevent HIV, tuberculin purified protein derivative products, hormonal contraception, medications for travel-related diseases, and other drugs or devices for conditions that do not require a new diagnosis, are generally self-limiting, or can be guided by specific waived tests or devices, or are part of team-based care with a shared medical record. The bill also amends existing law to reflect this expanded scope, removing previous limitations on pharmacist prescribing that were tied to drug therapy guidelines and practitioner approval, and instead allowing them to prescribe as authorized by chapter 18.64 RCW and commission rules. The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is empowered to adopt rules to implement these changes.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5924&Year=2025&Initiative=false