The bill amends the Revised Code to expand the role of pharmacists in Ohio by authorizing them to screen, test, and treat certain respiratory health conditions. It requires health insuring corporations and sickness and accident insurers to provide payment or reimbursement to pharmacists for the health care services they deliver, aligning their reimbursement with that of other health care providers. The bill introduces a new section, 4729.392, which details the specific activities pharmacists can perform, such as conducting screenings, ordering and administering laboratory tests, evaluating results, and treating conditions like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus under a statewide written protocol established by the state board of pharmacy.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Medicaid program's payment structure to ensure pharmacists are compensated similarly to other health care providers for their services, including managing drug therapy and administering immunizations. It mandates the board to adopt necessary rules to implement these changes and repeals existing sections of the Revised Code that conflict with the new provisions, thereby streamlining the approach to pharmacist services within the Medicaid framework. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance access to health care services and improve patient outcomes by leveraging pharmacists' expertise in managing respiratory health.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1751.91, 3923.89, 4729.01, 5164.14, 5167.051