TPA Testifies in Support of Expanded Immunization, Test & Treat Bills

Texas Pharmacy Association members and CEO Debbie Garza testified Wednesday, April 14, before the Texas House Public Health Committee in support of two bills representing major legislative priorities for the Association this session.

Garza testified in support of House Bill 678 by Rep. Philip Cortez, which would keep Texas children safe and healthy by making permanent the expanded pharmacist and pharmacy technician immunization authority under the federal PREP Act during the pandemic. "Pharmacists are highly educated, well-trained, and experienced immunizers, well-positioned to collaborate with primary care physicians to improve childhood immunization rates," Garza said. TPA members Casey Nicholas and Jeff Loesch also testified in support of the bill, which is opposed by physician groups. View the testimony online (beginning at 1:06:27).

TPA members Carter High, Shawn Sams, and President Michelle Beall at the Capitol with Rep. Philip Cortez, author of legislation to make permanent expanded pharmacist immunization authority.

Pharmacy was well-represented at the state Capitol on April 14. Pictured are TPA P4 student intern Shelby Humpert, former TPA intern and current H-E-B resident Katherine Bennett, TPA board member Lauren Clark, Rep. Donna Howard, TPA CEO Debbie Garza, and TPA member and Dallas Area Pharmacy Association president Jeff Loesch.