RI H7534

Licensed pharmacists who complete board-approved tobacco cessation education may prescribe and dispense FDA-approved tobacco cessation drug therapies to patients aged 18 or older who agree to participate in a structured cessation program

Pharmacists must refer or consult with primary care providers for high-risk patients or those with contraindications, and notify the patient's primary care provider within 5 business days of prescribing

All group health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 must cover pharmacist services within their lawful scope of practice at the same level as services performed by physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants

Health plans must include pharmacists in their networks as medical providers, separate from pharmacy participation in drug benefit networks, and cannot require physician supervision or referral for pharmacist reimbursement

Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation therapies prescribed by pharmacists requires approval of a Section 1115 demonstration waiver