The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) has announced that its advocacy efforts have led to changes in the final rules regarding pharmacy test and treat services, as published in the Illinois Register last week.
According to ISMS, the new rules ensure that pharmacists are only permitted to test and treat for medical conditions specifically listed in the current statute. The original draft of the rules would have allowed automatic expansion of these services if future legislative changes occurred.
The final version also requires pharmacists to document both the name and address of a patient’s primary care physician. Additionally, pharmacists must notify the primary care physician promptly after each therapeutic administration. In earlier drafts, there was no explicit requirement for this documentation, and notification could be left to the pharmacist’s professional judgment.
Another change mandates that pharmacists advise patients to follow up with their physician if symptoms persist, worsen, or if testing is inconclusive. This conversation must be documented by the pharmacist. The initial draft did not include language about advising patients to consult their physicians in case of adverse responses.
ISMS stated: “Safeguards are now in place to make sure that patients who are receiving services from pharmacists for the limited conditions authorized are protected and that their primary care physicians remain in the loop.”
For further information, ISMS encourages contacting its Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.
