The bill amends the Revised Code to expand the role of pharmacists in Ohio by allowing them to screen, test, and treat certain respiratory health conditions. It mandates that health insuring corporations and sickness and accident insurers provide payment or reimbursement to pharmacists for healthcare services, aligning their compensation with that of other healthcare providers. This includes managing drug therapy, conducting screenings, administering laboratory tests, and treating conditions such as influenza, pharyngitis caused by group A Streptococcus, and COVID-19. The state board of pharmacy is tasked with developing a statewide written protocol to guide pharmacists in these activities, ensuring proper patient eligibility and treatment instructions.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Medicaid program's payment structure to ensure pharmacists are compensated similarly to other healthcare providers for services authorized under Chapter 4729 of the Revised Code. It specifies coverage for managing drug therapy, conducting screenings, administering immunizations, and administering drugs by injection. The bill also repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code and establishes that the amended sections will apply to contracts and policies modified or renewed after the bill's effective date, reflecting a significant shift in recognizing pharmacists as integral healthcare providers capable of delivering a broader range of services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1751.91, 3923.89, 4729.01, 5164.14, 5167.051
As Reported By Senate Committee: 1751.91, 3923.89, 4729.01, 5164.14, 5167.051
As Passed By Senate: 1751.91, 3923.89, 4729.01, 5164.14, 5167.051