SB3147 Summary

• Director of Public Health (or Medical Director if applicable) shall establish a standing order authorizing pharmacists to dispense smoking cessation products, including oral drugs, transdermal patches, chewing gum, and lozenges approved by the FDA.

• Pharmacists must complete accredited educational training and require patients to complete a self-screening risk assessment based on the Modified Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence before dispensing cessation products.

• Health insurance policies and managed care plans amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date must cover patient care services provided by pharmacists for smoking cessation assessments and consultations.

• Medical assistance (Medicaid) program shall cover pharmacist-provided smoking cessation assessments and consultations, with reimbursement at 85% of the physician service fee schedule, subject to federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.

• The Pharmacy Practice Act is amended to include assessment, consultation, and dispensing of tobacco and nicotine cessation drugs and products as part of the definition of pharmacy practice.