H 654 Summary

• Pharmacists may order and perform CLIA-waived laboratory tests to assist with clinical decision-making and to diagnose and treat influenza, COVID-19, pharyngitis caused by group A streptococcus, and other health conditions using Board of Pharmacy-approved protocols, but cannot use controlled substances classified in Schedules I through IV.

• Immunizing pharmacists may administer vaccines to persons ages 3 years and older (down from age 18) per ACIP immunization schedules under written protocols with supervising physicians; influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to persons ages 6 and 10 respectively with specific prescriptions.

• Pharmacy interns and technicians supervised by immunizing pharmacists and with approved continuing education may administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to persons ages 10 and older.

• Health insurers in North Carolina must reimburse pharmacists at the same rate as nurse practitioners or physician assistants when providing equivalent health care services within the pharmacist's scope of practice.

• Insurers must accept credentialing for pharmacists employed at contracted health care facilities and must reimburse directly for covered services whether or not the pharmacist participates in the insurer's provider network; drug benefit network participation does not satisfy requirements to include pharmacists in medical benefit networks.