Department of the Environment - Vessel-Based Microplastic Particle Removal Technologies - Study
Summary
HB1315 expands the authority of pharmacists to administer vaccines and updates the list of childhood immunizations that must be covered under certain health insurance and nonprofit health service plans. Under the bill, pharmacists may administer influenza, COVID-19, and public-health-emergency vaccines to children as young as 3, and a broader set of CDC-recommended or FDA-approved vaccines to individuals age 7 and older, subject to training, CPR certification, written protocols, and reporting requirements. For adults, pharmacists may also administer vaccines recommended for international travel, again under specified conditions.
The bill also revises Maryland’s required minimum package of child wellness services to include childhood and adolescent immunizations recommended by either the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or, as of December 31, 2024, the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule. It preserves the existing prohibition on deductibles for these covered child wellness services and authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to adopt implementing regulations. The bill applies to policies and plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
Impact
HB1315 amends the Health Occupations Article and the Insurance Article to broaden pharmacist vaccination authority and to expand mandated insurance coverage for pediatric immunizations and related wellness services. It affects pharmacists, insurers, nonprofit health service plans, pediatric patients, and families by increasing access to vaccines and ensuring coverage for a wider set of recommended childhood immunizations without deductibles. The bill also ties Maryland’s coverage and pharmacist rules to federal and professional guidance as of December 31, 2024, with room for later updates through regulation.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests the bill ultimately received substantial support, passing the House and Senate by comfortable margins. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the final enactment indicates broad legislative acceptance of expanded vaccine access and insurance coverage. The rejection of one floor amendment in the Senate suggests there was at least some disagreement over the bill’s details, though not enough to derail passage.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccinations, the age thresholds for children, and whether coverage requirements should track CDC recommendations, American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, or both. Another likely issue was how much discretion to give regulators in updating vaccine coverage and pharmacist protocols after December 31, 2024. The rejected Senate floor amendment indicates at least one attempt to alter the bill’s terms, but the available record does not identify the specific policy dispute or sponsor.
Relating to the regulation of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy, including the administration of a medication and the ordering and administration of an immunization or vaccination by a pharmacist.