Yesterday, Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced a bill that is necessary for pharmacies to continue to provide services effective January 1, 2025. The full Arizona Senate will vote on this important legislation by the end of the week and NACDS RxIMPACT is calling for your help TODAY!
When the PREP Act expires December 31, Arizona pharmacy “test and treat” services will change – and not for the better. To continue current pharmacy services beyond December 31, a proposed legislative remedy (SB1085) would grant pharmacists independent authority to test and treat individuals six years of age and older for influenza; group A streptococcus pharyngitis; any other respiratory illness, condition or disease; or a condition related to an emerging or existing public health threat identified by the Department of Health Services for which a statewide standing order, rule or executive order is issued. Criteria for treatment of an eligible person will be based on the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy’s statewide written protocol. A pharmacist may delegate the task of performing a test to another licensed staff member. Pharmacies must maintain the results of any testing or screening for a period of seven years.
Put simply, this bill would expand access to pharmacy care at in rural/underserved areas, fill the gaps in health care system, and sustain access points for Arizonans to seek care where and when they need it.
December might seem far off, but in order for this legislation to become reality it must be approved by the Arizona Senate and then vetted by the House of Representatives when there are ONLY 54 WORKING DAYS LEFT IN THE ARIZONA LEGISLATURE!
Join this NACDS RxIMPACT effort calling for Senators to support SB1085 and to take the bold steps necessary to ensure this bill becomes law! Simply click on the take action button below, type in your contact information, and the system will generate personalized communications.
If you have any questions or would like any assistance, please contact Sandra Guckian via telephone at 703-774-4801 or email or Heidi Ecker via telephone at 703-837-4121 or email.