Louisiana Senate Bill SR122

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/11
• Passed: 6/21/11

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy to study certain aspects of the administration of certain immunizations.

Impact

The resolution aims to assess whether authorized health care providers beyond physicians, such as specially trained pharmacists, should be permitted to administer immunizations. This could potentially lead to changes in state laws, outlining who is eligible to provide immunizations and setting standards for their training and capabilities. By reviewing immunization practices and outcomes across different health care settings, the study could influence future policy decisions to enhance immunization rates and health accessibility.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 122 (SR122) urges the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to collaborate on a comprehensive study regarding the administration of immunizations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring that citizens have maximum access to quality health care while considering the possible expansion of roles for various health care providers in immunization delivery.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR122 appears to be generally supportive, as it seeks to improve public health measures while aiming to reduce barriers to access in immunization services. Stakeholders involved in health care are likely to view the resolution as a proactive step toward meeting health recommendations and improving the overall health of the community. However, there may be concerns around the adequacy of training for non-physicians administering immunizations, which could lead to discussions about public safety and effectiveness.

Contention

One point of contention may revolve around the comparative study of immunization rates in states where pharmacists are allowed to administer immunizations vs. those where a physician's prescription is mandatory. This aspect of the study could raise debates about the efficacy, accessibility, and safety of immunizations when administered by non-physicians. Additionally, discussions may occur concerning the scope of practice for pharmacists and how to ensure that non-physician immunizers are adequately trained and monitored.