Existing law defines the term “practice of pharmacy” for the purpose of determining which activities require a person to be registered and regulated by the State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacist. (NRS 639.0124) Section 1 of this bill requires the State Board of Pharmacy to prescribe a protocol to allow a pharmacist to: (1) order any laboratory test necessary for therapy that uses a drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for preventing the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus; (2) conduct such tests as necessary for such therapy; and (3) prescribe, dispense and administer such drugs without a prescription from a practitioner. Section 1 authorizes a pharmacist who is covered by sufficient liability coverage, as defined by regulations adopted by the Board, to take the actions authorized by the protocol. Section 2 of this bill provides that the practice of pharmacy includes actions authorized by the protocol. Section 8.5 of this bill makes a conforming change to account for the provisions of section 1 authorizing a pharmacist to dispense a drug that has not been prescribed by a practitioner. The Board would be authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a pharmacist who orders or conducts a laboratory test or prescribes, dispenses or administers drugs under the protocol issued pursuant to section 1 without complying with the provisions of the protocol. (NRS 639.210) Sections 4-7, 10, 12, 13, 15-17 and 20 of this bill require public and private health plans, including Medicaid and health plans for state and local government employees, to: (1) provide coverage for drugs that prevent the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus and any related laboratory or diagnostic procedures; and (2) reimburse laboratory testing, prescribing, dispensing and administering by a pharmacist in accordance with section 1 at a rate equal to that provided to a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse for similar services. Sections 3, 11 and 14 of this bill make conforming changes to indicate the placement of sections 6, 10 and 13, respectively, of this bill in the Nevada Revised Statutes. Section 19 of this bill authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to suspend or revoke the certificate of a health maintenance organization that fails to comply with the requirements of section 17 of this bill. The Commissioner would also be authorized to take such action against other health insurers who fail to comply with the requirements of sections 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 20 of this bill. (NRS 680A.200)

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 639.0124, 232.320, 287.010, 287.04335, 422.4025, 422.403, 687B.225, 689A.330, 689C.425, 695C.050, 695C.330
Reprint 1: 639.0124, 232.320, 287.010, 287.04335, 422.4025, 422.403, 683A.179, 687B.225, 689A.330, 689C.425, 695C.050, 695C.330
Reprint 2: 639.0124, 232.320, 287.010, 287.04335, 422.4025, 683A.179, 689A.330, 689C.425, 695C.050, 695C.330
As Enrolled: 639.0124, 232.320, 287.010, 287.04335, 422.4025, 683A.179, 689A.330, 689C.425, 695C.050, 695C.330