All three of the Texas Pharmacy Association's 2021 legislative priorities have now been formally introduced in the 87th Texas Legislature. This week, State Representative Donna Howard (D-Austin) filed House Bill 2049, which would increase patients' access to care by allowing pharmacists to "test and treat" by furnishing medications for positive results from a CLIA-waived test for conditions such as influenza and strep throat. Pharmacists may already perform CLIA-waived tests on patients for flu and strep. However, they can’t furnish medication to treat these conditions should the patient receive a positive result, creating unnecessary delay in treatment and care for the patient.
TPA is pleased that Howard, a nurse who understands these issues, has sponsored this bill. Howard participated in a panel discussion during last week's TPA Virtual Pharmacy Day at the Capitol and later met with constituents to discuss this and other issues.
TPA's lobby team is now looking at potential Senate sponsors as well as joint authors in the House.
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