JUNEAU – By a vote of 33-5, the House passed legislation yesterday by Rep. Liz Snyder which would update and define the patient care services that pharmacists and pharmacy support staff can independently provide.
The coronavirus pandemic has shown that pharmacists can engage at an elevated level to help deliver necessary healthcare to all Alaskans. Pharmacists have provided COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and telehealth visits, and have helped patients manage chronic health conditions. House Bill 145 will modernize statute for a post-pandemic world to allow pharmacists to continue to provide these essential services.
Furthermore, HB 145 allows pharmacist technicians to administer vaccines when under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and empowers the Board of Pharmacy to regulate pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy support staff who provide these services.
“HB 145 is a long overdue update to statute that helps both pharmacists and the public. Pharmacists have played a key role in ensuring continued health care access for Alaskans in the last two years,” said Representative Liz Snyder (D – Anchorage). “This is a great step forward for making sure they can continue providing that care and be appropriately reimbursed for their services. I am so glad it received non-partisan support and am looking forward to the next steps.“
HB 145 now heads to the Senate.
