Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB678

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  
Report Pass
3/8/23  
Engrossed
3/13/23  
Refer
3/14/23  
Report Pass
3/27/23  
Enrolled
3/30/23  
Chaptered
5/3/23  

Caption

Health Insurance - Reimbursement for Services Rendered by a Pharmacist

Impact

By enacting SB678, Maryland aims to enhance healthcare access and efficiency, recognizing the essential role pharmacists play in patient care. The legislation will ensure that patients can receive a broader range of services from pharmacists, which can alleviate some burden from other healthcare providers, potentially leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes across the state. The bill also supports initiatives to promote preventative care by allowing pharmacists to conduct screenings and administer various medications without the previous restrictions.

Summary

Senate Bill 678 focuses on expanding the scope of health insurance reimbursement for services provided by licensed pharmacists. The bill mandates that the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, the Maryland Children's Health Program, and various private insurers cover all services rendered by pharmacists within their lawful scope of practice. This is a significant shift from prior regulations that limited coverage to only certain services performed by pharmacists, aligning them more closely with other healthcare practitioners.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB678 appears largely positive among healthcare advocates and pharmacists, who see it as a progressive step towards improving patient care and making healthcare services more accessible. However, there may be concerns from some healthcare providers about the implications of allowing pharmacists to perform additional roles traditionally reserved for physicians, highlighting the ongoing debate about the scope of practice and collaboration among healthcare providers.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the extent of services that pharmacists can provide and the potential impact on physician-led care models. Critics might argue that by increasing the role of pharmacists in patient care without sufficient oversight, patient safety could be at risk. Nevertheless, proponents assert that pharmacists are highly trained and capable of providing these services effectively, which will lead to better health management at the community level.

Companion Bills

MD HB1151

Crossfiled Health Insurance - Reimbursement for Services Rendered by a Pharmacist

Previously Filed As

MD HB1151

Health Insurance - Reimbursement for Services Rendered by a Pharmacist

MD HB1278

Pharmacists - Status as Health Care Providers and Reimbursement

MD HB1219

Pharmacists - Status as Health Care Providers and Study on Reimbursement

MD SB661

Pharmacists - Status as Health Care Providers and Study on Reimbursement

MD HB229

Pharmacists - Administration of Injectable Medications for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

MD SB19

Pharmacists - Administration of Injectable Medications for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

MD AB1366

Reimbursement for pharmacist services.

MD HB2207

Insurance; reimbursement rates; pharmacists

MD HB1265

Pharmacists; authorize reimbursement for under certain insurance policies, plans, or contracts.

MD SB64

HIV Prevention Drugs - Prescribing and Dispensing by Pharmacists and Insurance Requirements

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