Scope of Practice
Expansions in Florida The Florida Legislature has passed three bills that expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and advanced practice registered nurses. These bills were a top priority for House Speaker Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes), however, some of this legislation has not been welcomed by everyone in the healthcare community. For decades, scope of practice expansions have been vehemently opposed by the American Medical Association and Florida Medical Association, and they believe patients will be put at risk with this new legislation.
Expansions for Pharmacists House Bill 389, sponsored by Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island), authorizes licensed pharmacists to enter into a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement with a physician to manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, Type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, obesity or any other chronic condition.
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The bill also allows pharmacists to test and treat minor health conditions such as the flu, strep throat, lice, skin conditions and minor infections. There will be protocols in place that lay out instructions for treatment, and a process and schedule for the pharmacist to provide patient information to the supervising physician and the physician to review the pharmacist’s actions. The bill also states that pharmacists may not prescribe any controlled substances. It also requires pharmacists to advise
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