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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
pharmacists; vaccines
Purpose
Permits licensed pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for a person who is at least six years old without a prescription. Allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to a person who is at least three years old but not older than six years old with a prescription order.
Background
The ACIP is a federal advisory committee that is composed of medical and public health experts and that provides advice and guidance to the Director of the CDC and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the most effective means to prevent vaccine‑preventable diseases. ACIP’s guidance includes the use of vaccines and can also include recommendations for the administration of immune globulin preparations and antimicrobial therapy that has shown to be effective in controlling a disease for which a vaccine is available (CDC).
Current statute allows a licensed pharmacist to administer vaccines without a prescription if the vaccines are recommended for adults by the CDC and the CDC's health information for international travel. Additionally, pharmacists are authorized to administer the following services to minors without a prescription: 1) influenza immunizations to a person who is at least three years old; 2) booster doses for the primary adolescent series as recommended by the CDC; and 3) immunizations recommended by the CDC to a person who is at least 13 years old. Pharmacists are additionally allowed to administer vaccines to a person who is at least 6 years old and under 13 years old only with a prescription order. Statue requires the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules for the administration of vaccines with regard to: 1) protocols based on the protocols approved by the CDC; 2) recordkeeping and reporting requirements; 3) requirements and qualifications for pharmacist certification; 4) vaccine information and educational materials for those requesting vaccines; and 5) the administration of emergency medication (A.R.S. § 32-1974).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Permits pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended by the ACIP on immunization practices for a person who is at least six years old without a prescription.
2. Allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to a person who is at least three years old and not older than six years old with a prescription order.
3. Allows a pharmacist to identify the person's primary care provider by checking the Arizona State Information System established by the Department of Health Services (DHS).
4. Requires a pharmacist who administers a vaccine or emergency medication to:
a) report information to the Arizona State Information System;
b) notify the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System in accordance with ACIP recommendations;
c) provide vaccine information and educational materials for those requesting vaccines, including written information about the importance of pediatric preventive health care visits as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics; and
d) follow protocols and policies adopted by the pharmacy or institution where the vaccine is administered that are based upon the vaccine administration protocols and immunization practices published in the CDC's morbidity and mortality report.
5. Requires DHS to establish and maintain a list of vaccines authorized for administration to adults or minors by a pharmacist pursuant to a prescription order.
6. Removes the ability of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules for the administration of vaccines regarding:
a) protocols that are based on the protocols approved by the CDC and any advisory committee appointed for the purpose of recommending protocols;
b) vaccine information and educational materials for those requesting vaccines and immunizations; and
c) the administration of emergency medication.
7. Defines emergency education.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Requires a pharmacist who administers a vaccine or emergency medication to provide specified vaccine information and educational materials for those requesting vaccines.
2. Requires pharmacists to follow protocols and practices based on the vaccine administration protocols and immunization practices published in the CDC's morbidity and mortality weekly report.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Senate Action
HHS 2/20/20 DPA 5-1-2
Prepared by Senate Research
February 24, 2020
CRS/KS/gs/kja