Oklahoma Senate Bill SB228

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Practice of pharmacy; authorizing pharmacist to enter into certain collaborative practice agreements. Effective date.

Impact

Should SB228 pass, it will amend Section 353.30 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, officially recognizing collaborative practice agreements within pharmacy practice. This will create formal protocols wherein pharmacists may engage directly in specific patient care functions that currently require tighter regulation. The implementation of this bill is expected to expand the capabilities of pharmacists and allow them to function more similarly to physician assistants in certain circumstances, thereby improving healthcare outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 228 (SB228) aims to modernize the practice of pharmacy in Oklahoma by allowing pharmacists to enter into collaborative practice agreements with licensed practitioners. This legislative change enables pharmacists to play a more active role in patient care, particularly in administering therapeutic injections and immunizations without requiring patient-specific prescriptions. The bill is intended to streamline healthcare delivery by utilizing pharmacists’ expertise, thus potentially enhancing patient access to necessary medications and treatments.

Contention

One of the primary points of contention surrounding SB228 involves the extent of authority granted to pharmacists. Advocates argue that empowering pharmacists in this way will relieve pressure on the healthcare system by expanding care accessibility, particularly for immunizations and injections. Conversely, some healthcare professionals express concerns about potential overreach, claiming that there needs to be stringent oversight to ensure quality patient care and that pharmacists are adequately trained to handle such responsibilities effectively.