The proposed bill would update current statutes by granting pharmacists in Arizona the authority to independently order, perform, and interpret certain FDA-authorized medical tests, as well as initiate treatment for patients aged 12 and older who test positive for specific conditions such as influenza and COVID-19. It mandates the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy to develop a statewide written protocol that includes documentation, record retention, patient screening requirements, and treatment instructions. The bill also establishes an independent advisory committee with revised composition, increasing the number of primary care physicians and including a licensed nurse practitioner, while removing a physician licensed by the ABOE.

Additionally, the bill introduces several requirements for pharmacists, including notifying a patient's primary care provider after initiating treatment and maintaining records for seven years. It clarifies that pharmacists' treatment does not create liability for primary care providers regarding adverse outcomes and requires pharmacies to inform patients that treatments are conducted without physician oversight. The bill also allows for the delegation of testing tasks to licensed pharmacy staff under pharmacist supervision, while prohibiting the delegation of clinical judgment or treatment tasks, and sets a repeal date for the new provisions after December 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1979.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-1979.04