House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB200 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Expanding the pharmacist's scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for influenza, strep throat or urinary tract infection, pursuant to a statewide protocol adopted by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 14, 2022
Elizabeth Patton, State Director, Americans for Prosperity Kansas, provided testimony in support of SB200 (Attachment 4). Since 2020, federal and state leaders have issued emergency orders and guidance allowing pharmacists to authorize pharmacists to provide care for routine health maintenance, chronic care management, and other services without authorization from a physician. SB200 expands these reforms by authorizing pharmacists to prescribe and administer a variety of essential , and low risk medications. These medications must meet four requirements: do not require a new diagnosis, are minor and self-limiting, have a low risk test to identify the condition, and present an immediate danger and require quick treatment. Pharmacists have received years of comprehensive training to prepare them to initiate these drug therapies.This bill would empower pharmacists to deliver essential services and expand healthcare access to Kansans, especially in rural areas. States such as Idaho, Montana, Florida, North Carolina and New Mexico have authorized pharmacists to prescribe and administer an expanded array of therapies.
Mitch DePriest, on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chain Drug Stores, provided testimony in support of SB200 (Attachment 5). Just as the legislature provided for pharmacists to dispense naloxone to a patient subject to a statewide protocol, SB200 provides a similar approach to influenza, strep throat, and UTIs. Pharmacists are already allowed to test for these conditions through a FDA approved process. The bill allows for the treatment of Kansans at a point of care. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned and recognized members of the healthcare team. Mr. DePriest noted that this bill was a compromise between all parties.
Mr. DePriest responded to questions from the committee.
Amanda Applegate, Pharmacy Clinical Services Coordinator, Balls Food Stores, provided testimony in support of SB200 (Attachment 6). The bill allows pharmacists to meet the healthcare needs of their patients and communities in limited situations when the timing of treatment is important. Early treatment is most effective with influenza, strep throat and UTIs. With access to pharmacists in 103 of the 105 counties in Kansas, testing and prompt treatment can help avoid additional workplace illness and the worsening of an individual's condition. Several states have enacted similar legislation. The bill also allows for the physicians and pharmacists appointed to the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Committee to put forth narrowly defined statewide protocols for pharmacists to address these public health needs. All protocols require reporting back to the known primary care physician.
Ms. Applegate responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided proponent written-only testimony:
Alexandra Blasi, Executive Secretary, Kansas State Board of Pharmacy (Attachment 7)
Aaron Dunkel, Executive Director, Kansas Pharmacists Association (Attachment 8)
Christie Kriegshauser, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Kansas Chamber (Attachment 9)
Ryan Irsik, Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations, Walmart (Attachment 10)
Morgan Buntin, Richey’s Drug Stores (Attachment 11)
Rob Tinsley, CEO, CURRUS (Attachment 12)
