#United States #healthcare #Washington #APhA #PREP Act

HHS Extends Pharmacists' Authority

On December 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a significant extension of the authorities granted to pharmacy personnel, in alignment with a request from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). This decision allows licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians to independently administer COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as COVID-19 tests, through December 31, 2029.

The actions taken by HHS are seen as vital in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Michael D. Hogue, executive vice president and CEO of APhA, emphasized that pharmacies often serve as the only healthcare providers in these areas, making their ability to offer these essential services critical. According to Hogue, these measures will not only help save lives but also reduce overall healthcare costs.

Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, licensed pharmacists across all 50 states have leveraged federal authorities provided by the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act to administer vaccinations and conduct testing. This update also marks a crucial moment for expanding the scope of care pharmacists can provide, especially concerning children between the ages of 3 and 18, who previously faced limitations in certain states.

The amendment highlights several key components:

• - Extension of PREP Act Coverage: The amendment extends the coverage of the PREP Act, ensuring that the immunity from liability for pharmacists will be upheld through the end of 2029. This means pharmacists can confidently continue their critical work in public health without the fear of litigation related to the services they provide.
• - Vaccine and Testing Authority: Pharmacy staff are now empowered to order and administer COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines to individuals aged three and older, as well as to conduct COVID-19 tests. This is especially important as vaccination rates continue to be a top priority in the fight against ongoing health crises.

The movement to secure the authority bestowed under the PREP Act is gaining traction beyond just the federal level. Some states have already made moves to solidify these permissions into more permanent law. By advocating for legislative changes, the APhA aims to ensure that pharmacists will continue to play an integral role in public health long after the current emergency declarations end.

In an era where healthcare access remains a pressing issue, particularly for marginalized populations, these enhancements reflect a necessary shift towards recognizing the critical role that pharmacists play within the healthcare ecosystem. The ability for pharmacies to act as first responders reinforces the concept of decentralized healthcare, catering to the needs of populations who may otherwise face barriers in reaching traditional health facilities. Healthcare professionals and advocates alike welcome the HHS’s decision as a progressive step towards fostering a robust and responsive healthcare system that prioritizes public service and community health.

Overall, the extension of these federal authorities marks a progressive step in recognizing pharmacists as vital components of the nation’s healthcare framework. The APhA and many other stakeholders continue to push for permanent changes that will further enhance the capabilities of pharmacy personnel in serving public health needs.