CO HB1061

Authorizes Colorado pharmacists to prescribe and dispense HIV infection prevention drugs (preexposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis) through standing orders or statewide drug therapy protocols developed by pharmacy, medical, and nursing boards.

Requires pharmacists to hold a current Colorado pharmacy license, have earned a doctorate of pharmacy degree or five years of experience, carry adequate professional liability insurance, and complete an accredited training program before prescribing HIV prevention medications.

Prohibits insurance carriers from requiring step therapy or prior authorization before pharmacists may prescribe and dispense HIV infection prevention drugs to covered persons.

Requires insurance carriers to reimburse pharmacists employed by in-network pharmacies for prescribing and dispensing HIV prevention drugs, with consultative fees or enhanced dispensing fees equivalent to those provided to physicians or advanced practice nurses.

Appropriates $13,347 to the Division of Insurance for 2020-21 fiscal year and establishes August 1, 2020 deadline for Department of Public Health and Environment to implement a standing order for post-exposure prophylaxis, with statewide drug therapy protocols to be finalized by January 1, 2021.