COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new bill introduced in the Ohio House would expand the role of licensed pharmacists by allowing them to prescribe certain medications and drug therapies.
House Bill 629, known as the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act, would authorize pharmacists to treat patients ages 13 and older for a range of minor health conditions, including the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, lice, urinary tract infections and some skin conditions. Supporters say the measure would improve access to care, particularly in rural areas.
The bill was introduced Dec. 11 by State Reps. Tim Barhorst, R–Fort Loramie, and Jennifer Gross, R–West Chester. It would also allow pharmacists to provide HIV prevention medications and, in limited cases, prescribe treatment for tuberculosis with a referral to a provider.
Under the proposal, pharmacists would operate under protocols approved by a health care provider within 40 miles of the pharmacy. Current Ohio law allows pharmacists to prescribe only limited treatments through formal consult agreements with physicians.
