Weather across the state cancelled most of the committee and subcommittee work Thursday with legislators seeking to return to their districts ahead of blizzard conditions. However, two crucial pharmacy bills were still considered in subcommittee in the Senate.

SSB 1095, IPA's COVID and Immunization Response Bill, advanced out of subcommittee unanimously on a 3-0 vote. The bill will now move to the full Senate Human Resources Committee for consideration. The Board of Pharmacy's bill, SSB 1111, moved out of subcommittee in the Senate unanimously this week as well. The bill would update pilot project authority for the Board of Pharmacy and broaden the delegation of technical functions under a pharmacist. Both bills have House companions that should be considered by full committees soon.

Governor Reynold's proposal to allow pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception under a statewide standing order, HSB 121, advanced out of full committee on Tuesday. A senate companion to this bill was also introduced this week. 

Finally, legislation to address detrimental PBM practices in Iowa is expected very soon. The bill is currently being drafted by the Legislative Services Agency. Be on the lookout for an Advocacy Alert from IPA when this bill is introduced, as a strong grassroots push will be crucial to gain momentum for this bill.

Each week throughout the session, we will keep you updated in the #1 section of the TOP 5 e-newsletter. IPA provides a bill tracker, listing all bills IPA is following on behalf of our members. If you are interested in taking on a greater role in pharmacy advocacy this year, consider signing up for IPA's Champion Advocate initiative. In addition, watch your inbox for Advocacy Alerts from IPA asking you to take part in a grassroots effort on particular legislation, telling you who to contact and what you need to say. These grassroots efforts are critical to our advocacy efforts.