Senate president introduces bill to shore up vaccine access and clarify pharmacist liability
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Summary
Senate President Maddie Daughtry told the joint health committee that LD 2146 would let Maine preserve evidence-based vaccine access, allow the Maine Vaccine Board to seek state funding if federal guidance falters, and provide malpractice protection to pharmacists administering state-recommended vaccines; pharmacy groups supported the measure while some insurers pressed for retaining ACIP.
Senate President Maddie Daughtry presented LD 2,146 to the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services, saying the bill would increase access to critical vaccinations and protect pharmacists who administer vaccines recommended through Maines process.
Daughtry said the measure would let Maine accept recommendations from trusted outside organizations so long as they "preserve and strengthen access to vaccines" and are "based on evidence from scientific and public health experts." She told the committee that clarifying malpractice liability for pharmacists was essential to keep them providing vaccinations, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The bill would also allow the Maine Vaccine Board to request funding through the state budget if necessary to maintain universal vaccination coverage should federal processes change, Daughtry said. "No older Maine or child or family should bear the cost of political instability when it comes to their health," she said.
Pharmacy and provider groups urged support. Amy Dowling Downing, executive director of the Maine Pharmacy Association and the Maine Society of Health System Pharmacists, said LD 2,146 "clarifies civil liability protections for pharmacists who administer vaccines in good faith and consistent with recognized standards of care" and does not expand scope of practice or excuse negligence. Paul Monroe Jr., pharmacy manager for Penobscot Community Health Care, described rising reliance on pharmacies for adult vaccination and said standing-order and prescriber requirements can delay access.
Some stakeholders asked the committee to refine the bill. Christine Ossenfort of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield recommended retaining the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as a reference for insurer coverage consistency with the Affordable Care Act and warned that effective dates should align with plan certification cycles. Representative Bob Foley asked whether the bills immunity provision would affect a patient's ability to pursue vaccine-injury remedies; pharmacy witnesses did not provide a definitive answer and said they would seek clarification for the work session.
The public hearing was closed with the committee signaling a work session to follow. The committee did not take a formal vote during the hearing.
