Committee advances bill moving pharmacy rules into statute, supporters say it stabilizes practice

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 200 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the bill sponsor and pharmacy stakeholders.

Representative Jordan Redmond, R-Kootenai County, told the committee the bill continues a two-year effort to move Board of Pharmacy rules into statute. He said the measure makes no substantial policy changes, does not expand or shrink practice authority, and is intended to provide stability for business owners and continuity of care for patients.

Ed Sperry, identified as a former public member of the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, testified in support and said the board’s role is to protect the public. Marcus Hurst, a pharmacy director who testified remotely, said Idaho’s expanded scope of pharmacy practice allows pharmacists to perform point-of-care testing, independently prescribe under existing authority and bill Medicaid for services. Hurst said the change helps pharmacists in rural communities and urged support for the bill.

Representative Redmond asked that the committee send House Bill 200 forward with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Burkey moved to send the bill to the floor; the motion was seconded by Senator Harris and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

As described in committee, the bill codifies existing Board of Pharmacy rules into statute and proponents said it will promote regulatory stability for pharmacists and businesses without changing the scope of practice.