Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes pharmacists to provide vaccines that are recommended by the Pennsylvania Health Department.

Highlights:

• Requires the State Board of Pharmacy to establish education and training standards for pharmacists to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations to individuals eight years of age or older, and influenza and COVID-19 immunizations to individuals five years or older (Sec. 2).

• Requires the standards and guidelines established by the Board to include the following (Sec. 2):

• Satisfactory completion of an academic and practical curriculum that includes current guidelines and recommendations of relevant federal health authorities;

• Maintenance of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate;

• That the administration of injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations be in accordance with a set of treatment guidelines established by a physician and consistent with recommendations of the state Department of Health and relevant federal health authorities;

• That a minimum of two hours of the 30 hour requirement for continuing education for license renewal be dedicated to administering injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations;

• That parental consent be obtained prior to administration for individuals under 18;

• Maintenance of liability insurance coverage; and

• Notification of the individual’s primary care physician within 48 hours of administration, and the Department of Health within 72 hours of administration.

• Authorizes a pharmacy technician to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations if they meet all requirements described above, and under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a pharmacy or pharmacist to order and perform laboratory examinations for COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and streptococcal infections if it holds a valid certificate of waiver issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department of Health to report on pharmacy-administered vaccines to the leadership of the Pennsylvania House and Senate (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text