PREP ACT/PHARMACISTS.

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View NCGA Bill Details2023-2024 Session
House Bill 712 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 18, 2023
AN ACT TO ALLOW IMMUNIZING PHARMACISTS TO ADMINISTER CERTAIN AUTHORIZED VACCINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS.
Intro. by Sasser, Cunningham, Lambeth.

Status: Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (Apr 19 2023)
H 712

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 18 2023 - View Summary

    Amends GS 90-85.15B (pertaining to immunizing pharmacists) as follows. Deletes requirement that an immunizing pharmacist only administer vaccines if they are recommended by the CDC, for persons at least 18 years of age, so that the only requirement is that there is a specific prescription order if an exception does not apply. Deletes the seven listed vaccines that can be administered by immunizing pharmacists under written protocols and instead refers to vaccines or immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Committee).

    In provisions authorizing an immunizing pharmacist to administer an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine recommended by the FDA to persons seven years of age or older (was, ten), deletes reference to recommendations by FDA and instead refers to the Committee. For COVID-19 vaccines authorized under an emergency use authorization by the FDS, requires recommendation by the Committee before it can be administered. Allows immunizing pharmacist to administer a combination of a COVID-19 and influenza vaccine authorized by the Committee.

    Allows pharmacy technicians and interns to administer vaccines or immunizations when supervised by an immunizing pharmacist and only if they satisfy certain training and certification requirements.

    Prior to the administration of a vaccine or immunization administered to a patient  under 18 years of age, requires an immunizing pharmacist to obtain parental consent from the parent or legal guardian of the patient. An immunizing pharmacist, a pharmacy technician, or a pharmacy intern must, if the patient is under 18 years of age, inform the patient and legal guardian accompanying the patient of the importance of a well-child visit with a pediatrician or other licensed primary care provider.

    Requires the NC Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules to govern the administration of vaccines by pharmacy technicians authorized in the act. Specifies that until such rules are enacted, pharmacy technicians may administer vaccines and immunizations in line with requirements of the federal COVID-19 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act even upon the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act. Specifies that for any new vaccination or immunization recommended by the Committee after the effective date of the act, the NC Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy joint subcommittee must review and update written protocols as needed. Authorizes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns to administer a new vaccination or immunization in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee until such rules are enacted.