Bill > SB2555

This bill authorizes pharmacists in Mississippi to test for and treat minor, nonchronic health conditions, which are defined as short-term illnesses typically managed with non-controlled drugs or self-care, including conditions like influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, urinary tract infections, and certain skin issues. Pharmacists can now order, perform, and interpret tests that are waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and can initiate, administer, or modify drug therapy for these conditions. The bill also allows pharmacists to delegate certain testing tasks to pharmacy interns or technicians under their supervision and prohibits health insurance plans from denying reimbursement for services provided by pharmacists that would be covered if performed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant. Additionally, it clarifies that the practice of pharmacy includes these expanded testing and treatment capabilities, and it brings forward existing law regarding step therapy or fail-first protocols, which require insurers to grant overrides for treatments if a prescribing practitioner demonstrates clinical evidence that the preferred treatment is ineffective or would cause harm.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2555.xml