Pharmacists Testify in Support of Test & Treat Legislation

Texas Pharmacy Association Past President Raj Chhadua and CEO Debbie Garza both testified April 17 before the House Public Health Committee in support of House Bill 2079 by Rep. Jacey Jetton that would allow pharmacists to “test and treat” for influenza, strep throat, and COVID-19. The bill is one of TPA’s top priorities for this legislative session.

Chhadua explained that under temporary federal authority pharmacists can currently furnish the antiviral medication Paxlovid to patients who test positive in a pharmacy for COVID-19, but can only provide over-the-counter options for symptom relief if a CLIA-waived test is positive for flu or strep throat. “Pharmacists are highly qualified to initiate treatment for flu, strep, or COVID-19 based on a positive test result,” Chhadua said. “Getting therapeutic treatment quickly for any of these three conditions is extremely important.”

Garza reminded legislators that pharmacists are the state’s most accessible health care providers, and that the committee approved similar legislation last session. “With this legislation the ability to initiate treatment in the form of an antiviral for flu or COVID-19 and an antibiotic for strep throat, following a positive CLIA-waived test, would be conducted in accordance with clinical guidelines established by infectious disease experts,” she said.

Following testimony by physicians in opposition to the bill, Rep. Jetton summed it up by saying, "The idea is not to replace a physician but to allow for faster care for Texans."

Click here to view video of the hearing; discussion of HB 2079 begins at 1:36:00 and TPA testimony begins at 1:39:00 and 1:52:52.