The bill amends Chapter 23-6.3 of the General Laws, adding a new section that authorizes licensed pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, or administer HIV prevention drugs, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), under specific conditions. These conditions include the patient being HIV negative based on a recent test, showing no signs of acute HIV infection, and not taking any contraindicated medications. Pharmacists are required to counsel patients on PrEP use, notify their primary care provider, document the services, and maintain records. The bill mandates the department of health to establish drug therapy protocols within six months of the bill's effective date and limits pharmacists from furnishing a 60-day supply of PrEP to a single patient more than once every two years. There are no deletions from the current law indicated in the provided text.

Additionally, the bill updates the definitions section of the same chapter, introducing the term "HIV prevention drug" and specifically defining "pre-exposure prophylaxis" in line with FDA approval and CDC guidelines. It also renumbers subsequent definitions to accommodate these new insertions. The bill outlines the role of pharmacists in the prevention of HIV, allowing them to provide PrEP services once every two years to eligible individuals, with the requirement of counseling and the involvement of a primary care provider for continued treatment. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5876: 23-6.3-2