Committee backs amendment to SB504 to clarify pharmacist authority, keeps bill on regular calendar

The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee voted to adopt amendment 1742H to Senate Bill 504 and moved the bill 'ought to pass' as amended.

According to sponsors, the amendment inserts the phrase "in accordance with applicable state and federal law" into the sections governing pharmacists' prescribing, ordering and administration of laboratory tests and certain drugs to avoid creating an unintended shortcut that would permit prescribing controlled substances without required federal agreements with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The sponsor said the change "does not close the door" on any future policy to allow pharmacist prescribing of specific medication‑assisted treatments but ensures that any prescribing remains constrained by state and federal law and DEA controls.

The amendment also addressed the role of certified pharmacy technicians in vaccine administration and added language to limit references to external guidance in favor of current standards of practice. Committee members raised concerns about a required licensure exam administered by a national testing authority; the sponsor said the test authority agreed to provide the board with examination materials under a non‑disclosure agreement so the board can verify scope‑of‑practice content before the board enforces the requirement.

The committee adopted the amendment and reported SB504 'ought to pass' with amendment 1742H; the sponsor said the measure is an important step for rural health transformation and preserving access to pharmacy services while safeguarding controls on controlled substances. The chair said SB504 will remain on the regular calendar to allow for any further tightening of juristprudence exam language if needed.

The committee recorded the adoption of the amendment and the committee vote in the transcript; the chair said staff will prepare the committee report reflecting the adopted changes.