Pharmacists in California will soon have an increased scope of practice, thanks to a new bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Under the new law, pharmacists can provide preventive care, wellness screenings, chronic disease management, immunization delivery and medication therapy management, according to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. Also, pharmacists in the state with specialized training will be recognized as advanced practice pharmacists.
The law gives an expanded care delivery role to pharmacists and is designed to help alleviate the physician shortage in the state. The bill was originally introduced by Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina).
"At a time when millions of new patients will be entering an already overburdened healthcare system, using highly trained pharmacists to deliver more primary care is the right thing to do," Edith Rosato, RPh, CEO of AMCP, said in a news release.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014.