AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO PROVIDE IVERMECTIN TO PATIENTS WHO ARE EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER PURSUANT TO A VALID COLLABORATIVE PHARMACY PRACTICE AGREEMENT CONTAINING A NON-PATIENT-SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIVE ORDER AND STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES DEVELOPED AND EXECUTED BY ONE OR MORE AUTHORIZED PRACTITIONERS; TO DIRECT THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO ADOPT RULES TO ESTABLISH STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR THE PROVISION OF IVERMECTIN BY PHARMACISTS, INCLUDING PROVIDING THE PATIENT WITH A SCREENING RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL, PROVIDING THE PATIENT WITH A STANDARDIZED FACTSHEET, AND EITHER DISPENSING THE IVERMECTIN OR REFERRING THE PATIENT TO A PHARMACY THAT MAY DISPENSE THE MEDICATION AS SOON AS PRACTICAL; TO AUTHORIZE THE CHARGING OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT IN ADDITION TO COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISPENSING OF IVERMECTIN AND PAID BY THE PHARMACY BENEFIT; TO PROVIDE THAT A PHARMACIST OR PRACTITIONER ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND WITH REASONABLE CARE INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF IVERMECTIN PURSUANT TO THIS ACT IS IMMUNE FROM DISCIPLINARY OR ADVERSE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS FOR ACTS OR OMISSIONS DURING THE PROVISION OF IVERMECTIN; TO PROVIDE THAT A PHARMACIST OR PRACTITIONER INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF IVERMECTIN PURSUANT TO THIS ACT IS IMMUNE FROM CIVIL LIABILITY IN THE ABSENCE OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT FOR ACTIONS AUTHORIZED BY THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will substantially alter the regulatory framework surrounding the dispensing of ivermectin in Mississippi. The Board of Pharmacy is tasked with creating rules that will standardize the procedures for pharmacists, ensuring consistent patient care and information dissemination. The act also proposes the option for pharmacists to charge administrative fees for their services, which may incentivize participation while potentially affecting medication accessibility for patients.
Summary
House Bill 1182 seeks to empower pharmacists to provide ivermectin to patients aged eighteen and older, contingent upon a valid collaborative pharmacy practice agreement. This agreement must include a non-patient-specific prescriptive order and standardized procedures established by authorized practitioners. The bill aims to ensure that when pharmacists dispense ivermectin, they adhere to specific guidelines that encompass risk assessment tools and factual information for patients regarding the medication's use.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB1182 revolves around the responsibilities and liabilities of pharmacists. The bill provides immunity to pharmacists and practitioners from civil liability and disciplinary actions, provided they act in good faith. Critics may argue that this immunity could lead to less scrutiny of prescribing practices and a potential decline in the quality of care. Supporters, however, contend that removing liability fears may encourage pharmacists to practice their professional judgment without hesitation, ultimately benefiting patient access to necessary medications.