Bill Summary for S 335 (2025-2026)
Printer-friendly: Click to view
Summary date:
Bill Information:
| View NCGA Bill Details(link is external) | 2025-2026 Session |
AN ACT TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO TEST AND TREAT FOR CERTAIN ILLNESSES WITH CERTAIN MEDICATIONS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF PHARMACY, TO PROVIDE FOR FAIR AND EQUITABLE REIMBURSEMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR PROCEDURES THAT ARE PERFORMED BY A PHARMACIST WITHIN THAT PHARMACIST'S SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND THAT ARE EQUIVALENT TO SERVICES PERFORMED BY OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.Intro. by Sawrey, Galey, Burgin.
| View: All Summaries for Bill | Tracking: |
Bill summary
Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Amends new GS 58-3-241, eliminating the requirement that a health benefit plan offered by an insurer in the State cover healthcare services provided by a pharmacist at at least the same rate as any other healthcare provider performing the same service if two specified conditions are met. Instead generally requires such coverage if the two previously specified conditions are met, with no qualification as to coverage rates.
Deletes the changes to GS 58-3-200(d), which required insurers, upon notice or request from the insured, to determine whether a health care provider able to meet the needs of the insured is available to the insured without unreasonably delay by reference to the insured's location and medical needs.
Adds a directive requiring the State Health Director to issue a standing order, by October 1, 2025, authorizing a pharmacist to order and perform CLIA-waived test and initiate treatment for influenza and streptococcus infections pursuant to GS 90-85.3A(e), as amended. Details required content of the standing order and provides for its effect until the earlier of either the date the required permanent rules adopted by the Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy become effective or January 1, 2027.
Makes conforming organizational changes to the act's subsections.