Friday, July 13, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Law Making it Easier for Pharmacists to Help Patients
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation that expands pharmacists' authority to better care for patients and that enhances the availability of flu and other vaccinations.
"Improving access to important health services offered through skilled pharmacists will help improve Missourians' health and wellness," Gov. Blunt said. "This legislation improves efficiency, expands health care options and simplifies physician duties. Allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations and help manage medication increases Missouri patients' access to these important services."
Senate Bill 195, sponsored by Sen. Jason Crowell, amends the practice of pharmacy to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations and prescriptions for medication therapeutic plans as authorized by a physician. The legislation also allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccines by written protocol for Missourians over 12 years old.
"This legislation will expand the ability of pharmacists, making it possible for them to better utilize the skills they use every day when dispensing and advising patients on their critical medications," Sen. Jason Crowell said. "The expanded abilities given to pharmacists will improve patient care and simplify the tasks of physicians by promoting collaborative efforts between medical professionals."
The bill also authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to create a new "Well-being Committee" to promote early identification, intervention, treatment and rehabilitation of licensed pharmacists who are impaired by illness, substance abuse or any other physical or mental condition. The board may require a pharmacist to submit identification, treatment or rehabilitation to the Well-being Committee as a condition to issuing or renewing a pharmacist's license.