The bill, S.B. No. 623, amends Section 551.006 of the Occupations Code to grant pharmacists exclusive authority to determine whether to administer vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. The new legal language specifies that pharmacists have the authority to both dispense drugs and administer vaccines, thereby clarifying their role in public health and vaccination efforts.

This legislation aims to streamline the process for vaccine administration by empowering pharmacists, who are often more accessible to the public than traditional healthcare providers. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 551.006 (Occupations Code 551)