Bill > H2041

This bill aims to expand the role of pharmacists within the healthcare system by officially recognizing them as healthcare providers and authorizing them to perform certain medical procedures. Specifically, it amends existing laws to include "registered pharmacist" in the definition of a healthcare provider, ensuring they are recognized alongside other medical professionals. The bill also mandates that government health programs, like MassHealth (referred to as "the division" in the text) and the state employee health plan (referred to as "the commission"), provide coverage for drug therapy management services performed by registered pharmacists for patients with chronic diseases, provided these pharmacists have a signed agreement with a physician. Furthermore, it modifies regulations concerning physician-pharmacist collaborative practice agreements, allowing pharmacists in retail settings, under such agreements, to administer drugs and biological products ordered by a supervising physician. Crucially, the bill empowers licensed pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives and nicotine replacement products, provided they follow standardized procedures developed by a physician, complete required training, and adhere to reporting requirements to the Department of Public Health.