On Thursday, the Senate passed IPA's practice advancement bill, SF 296, on a 47-0 vote. This moves the bill one step closer to final passage and ensures the bill is “funnel proof” for the 2021 Legislative Session. The bill now only needs to be voted on in the House before it is sent to the Governor's desk.  

SF 296 includes provisions to: 

• Allow pharmacists to prescribe CDC-recommended and FDA-approved immunizations to patients ages 3 and up. 

• Order and administer all tobacco cessation products (Rx and OTC).  

• Order and administer test/treat services for flu, strep, and COVID-19. 

• Establish broad collaborative practice authority for pharmacists. 

Senator Jeff Edler (R- State Center) floor managed the bill. Both he and Senator Liz Mathis (D- Hiawatha) served on the subcommittee and spoke highly of pharmacists' ability to serve as access points for critical health services. You can watch the discussion and vote on the bill here.