In August of 2020, the Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) granted pharmacists, pharmacy interns and licensed technicians’ temporary authority to administer immunizations to children three years old and up. Although a new May 11 guidance extends many authorities until December 2024, it is critical states use this time to safeguard patient access by codifying state laws to the level of PREP Act pharmacy-access amendments. A legislative solution – House Bill 471 by Representative Barbara Freiberg – would allow pharmacists, pharmacy interns supervised by a pharmacist and licensed technicians supervised by a pharmacist to administer immunizations to individuals that are seven years old or older.
Temporary federal PREP Act allowances have allowed pharmacy providers to play a vital role in connecting the broader public to essential healthcare services. Over the last three years, pharmacies have taken extraordinary measures to meet Americans’ needs for essential healthcare services. From keeping doors open and lights on in the early days of the pandemic, to getting shots in arms and providing important testing services, the pharmacy community has played a vital role in expanding patient access to care and helping communities reopen and return to normal.
The House Health and Welfare Committee advanced the bill by a vote of 14-2. Now we need your help urging the Louisiana House of Representatives to vote YES on HB 421.
With 85% of Louisianans saying it is very or somewhat easy to access pharmacies, ranking their accessibility the highest among healthcare destinations tested, pharmacies have effectively connected millions of patients – including those who do not otherwise have a primary care provider – to important healthcare services. In fact, a poll commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Morning Consult found that 60% of Louisiana adults believe “learning the lessons of the pandemic means keeping in place policies that make it easier for patients to access services from pharmacists and other pharmacy team members.”
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If you have any questions or would like any assistance, please contact NACDS’ Mary Staples via telephone 817-442-1155 or email, or Heidi Ecker via telephone at 703-837-4121 or email.