HB 1498 Summary

• Expands the definition of "drug administration" to allow qualified home pharmacists to maintain drug delivery devices used in home infusion therapy when nursing services are unavailable.

• Authorizes pharmacists to administer immunizations and vaccinations by injection to individuals age 11 and older, and flu vaccines to individuals age 5 and older, upon physician/nurse practitioner order or written protocol.

• Permits pharmacists to provide subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections of other drugs to individuals age 18 and older under physician/nurse practitioner authorization.

• Requires pharmacists administering drugs to obtain a certificate of authority from the pharmacy board and complete a minimum 20-hour educational program covering immunology, vaccine information, adverse event management, and injection techniques.

• Mandates pharmacists maintain current CPR certification, complete 6 hours of continuing education every two years, and report drug administrations to patients' primary care providers and the state health department.