The proposed bill aims to establish the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act in West Virginia, which would empower pharmacists to prescribe low-risk medications to patients. The bill outlines the purpose of this act, which is to allow pharmacists to utilize their education and training fully. It specifies that pharmacists can prescribe certain medications, excluding controlled substances, under specific conditions, such as not requiring a new diagnosis or being guided by waived tests indicating minor, self-limiting conditions. Additionally, it mandates that pharmacists notify a patient's primary care physician within 72 hours of any prescriptions made, particularly if the supply exceeds 10 days.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that limit prescriptions to a maximum of a 30-day supply within a six-month period and exempts the new prescribing authority from the sunrise review requirements typically applicable to changes in the scope of practice. This legislative change is intended to enhance patient care by allowing pharmacists to address minor health issues more efficiently while ensuring communication with primary care providers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-5A-1, 30-5A-2, 30-5A-3
Committee Substitute: 30-5A-1, 30-5A-2, 30-5A-3, 30-5A-4
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 30-5A-1, 30-5A-2, 30-5A-3, 30-5A-4