NC S575

Immunizing pharmacists may administer vaccines and long-acting injectable medications to persons at least 18 years of age under written protocols with supervising physician oversight.

Immunizing pharmacists may prescribe and dispense tobacco cessation medications, oral hormonal contraceptives (after CDC eligibility assessment), prenatal vitamins, and controlled substances for HIV prevention including post-exposure prophylaxis.

Clinical pharmacist practitioners receive the same prescribing and dispensing authority as immunizing pharmacists for the medications listed above, in addition to their existing drug therapy management functions.

Pharmacists administering vaccines or medications must maintain patient records for five years, notify primary care providers within 72 hours, record administration in the North Carolina Immunization Registry, and provide counseling on preventative care when dispensing hormonal contraceptives.

The North Carolina Medical Board and Board of Pharmacy must develop joint rules and protocols to certify both immunizing pharmacists and clinical pharmacist practitioners by October 1, 2022, with provisions effective October 1, 2022.