Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.

Rhode Island Pharmacist Test-and-Treat Authority Act

This bill would expand what licensed pharmacists in Rhode Island are allowed to do when it comes to patient care. Currently, pharmacists primarily dispense medications prescribed by doctors and other healthcare providers. Under this bill, pharmacists would be authorized to order, perform, and interpret certain medical tests — specifically those classified as "CLIA-waived," which are simple, low-risk tests like rapid strep throat tests, flu tests, COVID-19 tests, and similar screenings. Based on those test results, pharmacists would also be allowed to prescribe certain medications to treat the conditions identified.

The term "CLIA-waived" refers to tests approved by the federal government as simple enough to be performed safely outside of a traditional lab setting. The specific tests and medications pharmacists could handle would be defined by a statewide protocol, meaning there would be established guidelines setting clear boundaries on what pharmacists can and cannot do under this new authority.

This bill would affect Rhode Island residents who use pharmacies for routine health needs, potentially giving them faster and more convenient access to diagnosis and treatment without needing a separate doctor's appointment. It would also affect pharmacists, who would take on expanded clinical responsibilities. Additionally, the bill requires all health insurance carriers in Rhode Island to cover these new pharmacist services, meaning patients with insurance would not have to pay out-of-pocket for tests or prescriptions provided through this process.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further legislative action is taken.