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, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. It mandates that health insuring corporations and sickness and accident insurers reimburse pharmacists for the healthcare services they provide, aligning their reimbursement process with that of other healthcare providers. This includes managing drug therapy, conducting screenings, and administering laboratory tests, as long as these activities are authorized under the new section 4729.392 of the Revised Code. The bill also introduces new legal language that clarifies the responsibilities of pharmacists and updates definitions related to the practice of pharmacy.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Medicaid program's payment structure to ensure that pharmacists are compensated similarly to other healthcare providers for services authorized under Chapter 4729. It allows pharmacists to initiate drug therapy and delegate tasks to pharmacy interns and technicians under their supervision. The bill also mandates the state board of pharmacy to adopt necessary rules to implement these changes and repeals existing sections of the Revised Code that conflict with the new provisions, promoting a streamlined approach to pharmacist services within the Medicaid framework.

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