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Test‑and‑treat bill sparks sharp debate over pharmacistsscope; committee pauses SB 221
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Summary
Supporters urged allowing pharmacists to perform CLIA‑waived tests (strep A, influenza, COVID‑19, RSV) and treat under standing orders; physician groups warned the measure risks fragmenting care and exceeding pharmacists' diagnostic training. Committee held the bill for further drafting.
SB 221 would extend standing‑order authority to allow pharmacists to administer CLIA‑waived tests and treat common acute infections (influenza, COVID‑19, RSV, Group A strep) under Department of Health protocols. Chain and independent pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and retail groups told the committee that pharmacists are trained to perform CLIA‑waived tests, use exclusion criteria, and refer patients who fall outside protocols.
Supporters emphasized access gaps in rural and underserved counties where primary care is scarce. Butler University pharmacy faculty said 65% of community pharmacies already hold CLIA waiver certificates and pharmacists routinely perform testing and follow‑up in states with similar laws.
Physician groups — including the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians and emergency physicians — cautioned that test results must be interpreted in clinical context and that pharmacists do not perform full history and physical exams; several raised concerns about scope creep because the bill's language could be read to permit pharmacists to prescribe for an existing diagnosed chronic condition. A drafting error (the bill lists Group B strep where throat swabs test for Group A) surfaced and was identified as fixable.
Because committee members had subsequent hearings and debate was unresolved, the chair adjourned and the committee held the bill for further work. No committee vote was taken.
