The proposed bill would update current statutes by granting pharmacists in Arizona the authority to independently order, perform, and interpret certain FDA-authorized tests, as well as initiate treatment for specific medical conditions, such as influenza and COVID-19, for individuals aged 12 and older. 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 to assist in developing these protocols, while ensuring that pharmacists maintain communication with patients' primary care providers and adhere to evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Additionally, the bill introduces new language clarifying that treatments initiated by pharmacists do not create liability for primary care providers for adverse outcomes, and it requires patient consent paperwork to inform patients about the lack of physician oversight. The advisory committee's structure is modified to increase the number of primary care physicians from one to two, with specific requirements for one to focus on children and adolescents, and it adds a licensed nurse practitioner. The bill also removes the previous requirement for one physician to be licensed by the ABOE, aiming to enhance oversight and ensure patient safety in pharmacist-led treatments.

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