CS/CS/HB 509 Summary

• Expands pharmacist authority to administer influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine (with written prescription), and epinephrine autoinjections within an established protocol under a supervising physician.

• Requires pharmacists to maintain at least $200,000 in professional liability insurance and complete approved training/certification before administering vaccines or epinephrine autoinjections.

• Mandates pharmacists forward vaccination records to the state registry of immunization information and maintain patient records for a minimum of 5 years using same confidentiality standards as other healthcare practitioners.

• Requires certified pharmacists to complete a 3-hour continuing education course on safe vaccine and epinephrine administration every two years; failure to comply results in revocation of authorization.

• Makes the bill effective July 1, 2012, except provisions regarding continuing education requirements which take effect October 1, 2012.