Missouri Senate Bill SB1455

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/24
• Refer: 3/7/24

Caption

Modifies vaccines that shall not be ordered or administered by pharmacists

Impact

This legislation is expected to have significant implications on state laws regulating pharmacy practices. By defining which vaccines pharmacists can administer, SB1455 aims to ensure that only certain vaccines are not administered by pharmacies, potentially leading to heightened control and monitoring of vaccination protocols. This might assist in maintaining patient safety and ensuring the correct administration procedures are followed, particularly for vaccines that may have severe implications if improperly administered.

Summary

Senate Bill 1455 seeks to modify existing laws concerning the administration of vaccines by pharmacists in Missouri. The bill proposes the repeal of section 338.010, which will subsequently be replaced with new provisions that clarify the scope of pharmacy practice. One of the notable changes is the specific vaccines that pharmacists will be allowed to administer. The bill delineates a list of vaccines that remain under the purview of physicians, thus limiting pharmacists' roles in public health vaccinations.

Contention

There are points of contention associated with this bill, primarily revolving around the balance between increasing access to vaccinations and the safety concerns of allowing pharmacists to administer specific vaccines. Supporters argue that empowering pharmacists to administer vaccines can help address public health needs, especially in underserved areas. However, critics may express concern about the overarching control being placed on pharmacists, suggesting that it might limit their ability to respond flexibly to community health needs during public health emergencies. Additionally, there are worries about how this bill could affect the pharmacist's role in managing comprehensive patient care.