The bill amends the "Pharmacies" chapter of the General Laws to allow licensed pharmacists to prescribe and dispense FDA-approved tobacco cessation drug therapies to eligible patients. To qualify, patients must be at least eighteen years old or meet the minimum age according to FDA guidance, be willing to participate in a structured tobacco cessation program, and receive education on nicotine toxicity and medication effects. Pharmacists are required to complete approved tobacco cessation education, adhere to updated care standards, refer high-risk patients to other healthcare providers, and notify the patient's primary care provider of the screening and follow-up care within five business days.

The bill also mandates that health insurance companies and Medicaid in Rhode Island cover tobacco cessation drug therapies and pharmacist services within their scope of practice, as long as these services would be covered if performed by a physician or other healthcare provider. Health plans must include an adequate number of pharmacists in their networks and provide coverage for mandated benefits even outside the network if necessary services are not available within it. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to make any necessary changes to allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation therapies. The provisions related to pharmacists' prescribing authority and insurance coverage will take effect on January 1, 2025, while the rest of the bill will be effective upon passage. There are no deletions from current law mentioned in the summary provided.