Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Impact
The implementation of S07435 is likely to have significant implications for state laws, particularly within the education law section governing healthcare practices. By allowing pharmacists to dispense these medications, the bill not only expands the role of pharmacists in patient care but also addresses barriers that individuals might face in accessing HIV prevention tools. This change may lead to increased awareness of HIV prevention and facilitate timely intervention, potentially decreasing the number of new infections. It aims at equipping pharmacists with the necessary training and tools to support their patients effectively.
Summary
Bill S07435 is aimed at enhancing healthcare access by authorizing licensed pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The bill's provisions enable pharmacists to provide a seven-day starter pack of PEP following potential HIV exposure, and allow for a supply of PrEP to be dispensed for a period ranging from thirty to sixty days. This is intended to improve the accessibility of critical HIV prevention medications to individuals who may be at risk, thus supporting public health initiatives aimed at reducing the rates of HIV infection in New York State.
Contention
While the bill is expected to receive support for its public health benefits, there may be points of contention regarding pharmacist training and oversight, particularly concerning the adequacy of training programs and the assurance that patients are receiving comprehensive care. Concerns could also arise around the possibility of under-regulation in dispensing such critical health interventions, emphasizing the need for proper guidelines and monitoring to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment outcomes.
Relates to prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage for individuals that have taken or are currently taking pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV or post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection.
Relates to requiring insurance coverage by every large group policy which provides medical, major medical, or comprehensive-type coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection.
Relates to requiring insurance coverage by every large group policy which provides medical, major medical, or comprehensive-type coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection.
Prohibits health insurers, health care plans and HMOs from requiring prior authorization for pre-exposure prophylaxis used to prevent HIV infection, provided that the health insurer, health care plan or HMO can confirm that the insured prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis has tested negative for HIV within the previous one hundred and twenty days.
Prohibits discrimination against individuals who were prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis medication for HIV prevention with respect to life, accident, and health insurance coverage.
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.