A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to allow pharmacists to administer injectable DRUGS.
Whereas, it is the intention of the North Carolina General Assembly to improve access to care and health outcomes for its citizens; and
Whereas, North Carolina citizens benefit from health care providers practicing at the top of their license; and
Whereas, pharmacists are essential health care providers; and
Whereas, the COVID‑19 pandemic has increased the demand for services from all health care professionals; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 90‑85.3A reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑85.3A.  Practice of pharmacy.
…
(b)	A pharmacist may advise and educate patients and health care providers concerning therapeutic values, content, uses, and significant problems of drugs and devices; assess, record, and report adverse drug and device reactions; take and record patient histories relating to drug and device therapy; administer injectable drugs; monitor, record, and report drug therapy and device usage; perform drug utilization reviews; and participate in drug and drug source selection and device and device source selection as provided in G.S. 90‑85.27 through G.S. 90‑85.31.
(c)	An immunizing pharmacist is authorized and permitted to administer injectable drugs as provided in G.S. 90‑85.15B, and in accordance with rules adopted by each of the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Nursing, and the North Carolina Medical Board. These rules shall be designed to ensure the safety and health of the patients for whom such injectable drugs are administered.
…."
SECTION 1.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2021, and applies to licensed pharmacists and immunizing pharmacists on or after that date.
SECTION 2.  The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act no later than October 1, 2021. The Board may adopt temporary rules to comply with the deadline set in this section. Any temporary rules adopted in accordance with this section shall remain in effect until permanent rules that replace the temporary rules become effective.
SECTION 3.  Except where otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.