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Committee OKs bill letting pharmacists test and treat flu, expands limited physician dispensing
Summary
The committee passed HB 1373 to allow pharmacists to test and treat certain acute conditions (influenza and strep) under statewide protocols, permit same-class substitution by default, and to expand physician dispensing for short-term acute and maintenance medicines; sponsors said pharmacies and medical society supported the compromise language.
Representative Lee Johnson, sponsor of HB 1373, said the bill removes operational barriers to care by expanding pharmacists' authority to test and treat common acute illnesses and permitting same-class substitution by default unless a physician forbids it. "It expands the scope for pharmacists to allow them to treat certain acute conditions as can be tested for within their pharmacy on clear wave testing, specifically, influenza and strep," Representative Johnson said.
Jamie Cook, secretary for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety (present in support earlier in the meeting on a different bill), and pharmacy and medical stakeholders indicated the bill was negotiated across groups and would be regulated by statewide protocols under the medical board. The proposal also permits physician offices to dispense certain acute medications and a 30-day supply of maintenance medicines in specified circumstances to improve access to treatment.
Supporters told the committee the change reduces friction when coverage requires prescribed over-the-counter items or when delays arise from physician-pharmacist callbacks. No opponents appeared at the table and the committee passed the measure by voice vote.
Next steps: HB 1373 will move to the House/Senate floor (depending on chamber routing) for final consideration.
