Advocacy News – June 29, 2023
This week, the MI Chamber advocated for legislation that would bring more accessibility and affordability of medicines to Michiganders by expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. Senate Bill 219, sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana, allows pharmacists, under certain conditions, to administer vaccines, lab tests and dispense subsequent medication. The MI Chamber sent a letter of support to the Michigan House of Representatives, where it passed with bipartisan support. SB 219 is currently awaiting a likely signature by the governor.
Letter of Support
This memorandum is to voice the MI Chamber’s support for SB 219 (Santana), legislation to allow pharmacists, under certain conditions, to order and administer vaccines, lab tests, and subsequent medication without physician supervision.
This legislation expands the scope of practice for Michigan pharmacists to include the administration of certain vaccines and qualified lab tests. Under SB 219, a qualified lab test includes COVID-19, influenza, and a respiratory infection. Based on test results, pharmacists may also dispense, without a prescription, medication determined necessary to treat either COVID-19 or influenza. In addition, this legislation may help increase access to cost-effective options for vaccines and certain laboratory tests, especially for individuals who may not have access to a primary care physician or traditional care.
Michigan pharmacists have been administering vaccines since October 2020 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance under the COVID-19 PREP Act declaration to permit qualified pharmacy technicians under a pharmacist’s supervision to administer FDA-approved vaccines to individuals 3 and older. This bill will keep these new authorities in place as the PREP Act declaration for COVID-19 medical countermeasures expires in 2024.
For questions or more information, contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.