House Finance hears divided testimony on pharmacist prescribing bill

JUNEAU — The Alaska House Finance Committee heard public testimony Monday on legislation that would expand pharmacists' ability to prescribe medications and provide patient care services. Supporters cited improved access to care. Opponents raised concerns about abortion medication.

The committee took testimony on House Bill 195 during an April 12 meeting. Chair Foster limited testimony to two minutes each because 34 people had signed up to testify on the measure, which builds on 2022 legislation that allowed pharmacists to practice at the top of their training.

What the Bill Does

The legislation would clarify that pharmacists can provide patient care services including independent prescriptive authority and direct patient care. Pharmacists would be able to test for and treat conditions like influenza, strep throat and urinary tract infections.

"This bill is about meeting patients where they are and reducing unnecessary delays in care," said Deborah Herron, representing Walmart's nine Alaska pharmacies. "It allows pharmacists to act when appropriate, refer when needed, and collaborate more effectively with physicians."

Representative Genevieve Mena, the bill's sponsor, said the measure is among policies included in Alaska's Rural Health Transformation Program. The Legislature would need to pass it to ensure the state keeps federal funding awarded through the program.

Support from Healthcare Providers

Multiple physicians testified in support. Dr. Dan Hartman, speaking for Southcentral Foundation, said the legislation would help the organization's dozens of pharmacists across urban and rural locations provide more accessible care.

"Pharmacists have the skills needed to appropriately use the authorities they would be given under the policy calls in this bill," Hartman said. He noted that at a time of workforce shortages, the legislation would expand the healthcare workforce that can take on certain care responsibilities.

Brittany Keener, a pharmacist leader within Alaska's tribal health system, said Alaska has received funding through the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program. She called it "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our healthcare system."

Jane LeBlanc, a clinical pharmacist in Fairbanks, described seeing patients two to four weeks after their primary care visits to ensure progress on care plans. Most providers in her clinic have appointment wait times of six to eight weeks, she said.

"Fairbanks is not a rural community, but we suffer from many of the same problems that rural communities do, which is inability to get in to see primary care physicians in a timely manner," LeBlanc said.