Provides that licensed pharmacists may administer certain vaccines where a non-patient specific order exists or immunizations are authorized by the commissioner of health and are recommended for use by the New York state immunization advisory council or are identified by the department of health as necessary to address public health emergencies, outbreaks, or chronic disease prevention.
Impact
The bill is designed to enhance the accessibility and distribution of vaccines across New York State. By empowering pharmacists to administer vaccines and not solely based on patient-specific orders, the legislation aims to streamline the vaccination process and ensure that populations, especially those in underserved areas, have better access to necessary immunizations. This measure could significantly impact community health outcomes by allowing for rapid response to health emergencies and increasing vaccination rates.
Summary
Bill S08495, introduced in the New York Senate, seeks to amend the education law and public health law to authorize pharmacists to administer certain vaccines. This can occur under a non-patient specific order or as approved by the commissioner of health. The bill emphasizes the role pharmacists may play in vaccination efforts, particularly in response to public health emergencies, disease outbreaks, or chronic disease management, which is timely given the ongoing discussions surrounding public health improvements following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contention
Notable points of contention around Bill S08495 may arise from the responsibilities given to pharmacists versus traditional healthcare providers. Concerns about potential overreach into the medical authority of other health professionals could be a topic of debate. Additionally, discussions might center on the adequacy of training and supervision required for pharmacists to responsibly administer vaccines, as well as public confidence in receiving vaccinations from pharmacists rather than physicians.
Authorizes certain nursing students to administer certain vaccines pursuant to patient specific orders or non-patient specific orders; authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a patient specific order or non-patient specific order to a nursing student to administer certain vaccines.
Authorizes certain nursing students to administer certain vaccines pursuant to patient specific orders or non-patient specific orders; authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a patient specific order or non-patient specific order to a nursing student to administer certain vaccines.
Permits any child who is at least fourteen years of age to have administered to himself or herself, regardless of parental consent, certain immunizations required or recommended by law.
Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.
Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.
Requires employees at children's overnight camps, summer day camps and traveling summer day camps to receive immunizations that have been recommended by the department of health.
Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.
Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.
Requires health care providers and practitioners to provide patients with a list of ingredients contained in vaccines, the manufacturer product insert, the vaccines' potential side effects and where to report vaccine-adverse events forty-eight hours prior to immunization.