Governors in South Carolina and Hawaii have signed two bills into law that expand pharmacy services. South Carolina and Hawaii join over 30 states that have expanded vaccination and testing services. Those that have not passed similar practice act modernization will see limited access to these services in pharmacies when the PREP Act Declaration for COVID-19 Medical Countermeasures expires at the end of 2024.
H 3988 in South Carolina permits licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to individuals 12 and older and to initiate CLIA-waived tests for COVID-19 and flu. HB 2553 allows licensed pharmacists in Hawaii to order and administer all FDA-approved and ACIP-recommended vaccines to patients 3 years and older without a prescription. Also, the bill allows pharmacy technicians and interns to vaccinate patients under the direction and supervision of licensed pharmacists.
