NACDS lauds 3 Georgia laws increasing patient access to pharmacist-provided healthcare services

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is applauding the enactment of three pieces of legislation in Georgia (Act 19, Act 240 and Act 292) which greatly increase patient access to the quality healthcare services provided by pharmacies and pharmacy teams. The measures were signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

The first measure (Act 19), signed into law on April 21, increases the pharmacy technician-to-pharmacist ratio from 3:1 to up to 4:1 — a move which will allow pharmacies and pharmacy staff to more efficiently and effectively meet Georgians’ health and wellness needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The second piece of legislation (Act 240) — signed into law by Gov. Kemp on May 6 – will statutorily allow Georgia pharmacists to order, administer and interpret COVID-19 tests for up to 12 months after the expiration of the Federal State of Emergency.

The third bill now law — Act 292 — was enacted on May 10 and permits Georgia pharmacists the ability to administer any adult vaccination approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and under a vaccine protocol agreement with a physician.

“NACDS thanks Governor Kemp and the Georgia state legislature for advancing legislation which will optimize patient care and increase patients’ access to routine vaccinations and point-of-care testing, such as COVID-19 testing,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “Pharmacies, highly trained pharmacists and their staff teams continue to serve Georgians – particularly those in under-served and rural communities – throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Georgia’s new legislation is a major step forward in maximizing critical and convenient access points to care, and we applaud these state leaders for their efforts.”