Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Healthcare Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House backs pharmacy test‑and‑treat expansion for minors with referral and HIPAA protections
Summary
The House passed HB 13‑36 to expand pharmacy test‑and‑treat access for minors down to younger ages with requirements to notify or refer to primary care providers, a HIPAA‑compliant referral amendment, and negotiated protections to exclude controlled substances.
The House passed an amended HB 13‑36 to broaden pharmacist test‑and‑treat authority and increase access in underserved communities, while adding guardrails intended to protect patient privacy and safety.
Rep. Lindsey and co‑sponsors moved amendments (L5, L7) to the committee report requiring notification or referral to a primary care provider for certain age brackets and ensuring the referral procedures comply with HIPAA. AML Winter and other supporters argued the bill addresses access gaps, particularly in rural areas with limited pediatric capacity, noting that a typical rural district may have very few pediatricians and long waits for appointments.
Opponents raised safety concerns about lowering the age threshold; Rep. Gilchrist and others urged caution, arguing pediatric diagnosis can require broader clinical assessment. Sponsors said tests would be CLIA‑waived where appropriate and that referrals would be made when symptoms fall outside parameters; the House adopted the committee report and passed the amended bill.
