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. 90‑85.15B reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑85.15B.  Immunizing pharmacists.
…
(e)	Pursuant to a specific prescription order initiated by a prescriber following an examination of the individual patient that conforms to the standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice in North Carolina, an immunizing pharmacist is authorized to administer drugs and biologicals that are FDA approved via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection to human patients who are at least 18 years old, in accordance with the rules, including drug‑specific written protocols, adopted jointly by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the North Carolina Medical Board, which may include continuing education requirements. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of immunizing pharmacists to administer vaccinations and immunizations in accordance with subsections (b) or (c) of this section."
SECTION 1.(b)  This section becomes effective July 1, 2022, and applies to immunizing pharmacists on or after that date.
SECTION 2.  No later than April 1, 2022, the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the North Carolina Medical Board shall jointly adopt rules to (i) implement the provisions of this act, (ii) establish and maintain a list of drugs and biologicals adopted pursuant to this act, including specific protocols for each drug or biological, that pharmacists may safely administer by injection, and (iii) develop record‑keeping requirements, including a requirement that the pharmacist report administration of the drugs or biologicals authorized by this act to the prescriber within 72 hours. Drug‑ and biological‑specific protocols shall address the essential considerations and precautions the immunizing pharmacist shall take before administering the drug or biological, including the age of the patient, potential side effects of the drug or biological, and any other matter deemed appropriate by the Boards.
SECTION 3.  Except where otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.