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Ohio implements emergency expansion of pharmacist consult agreements
We are pleased to report that building on the success of HB 188 in the 131st General Assembly that empowered pharmacists to work with physicians to manage drug therapy for patients, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and Governor Mike DeWine have issued emergency guidance that expands pharmacist collaboration to certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and physician assistants (PAs) in hospitals and institutional facilities.
The move, which was requested by OPA, and in consultation with the Medical Board and Nursing Board, will enable pharmacists to be better activated to manage chronic diseases in collaboration with providers who may need the additional expertise and resources to provide care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The guidance comes as OPA works with legislators to draft permanent legislation to expand pharmacist collaborations with mid-level providers in inpatient and outpatient settings. Expect announcements on those efforts in the coming weeks.
OPA would like to thank the Board of Pharmacy for addressing and implementing our request, and we'd like to thank the Medical Board and Nursing Board for approving this change. Lastly, we'd like to thank Governor Mike DeWine for granting this expansion as well, continuing Ohio's status as a nationwide leader in our state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To view the Board of Pharmacy's guidance on this emergency change, click here.
For a list of sample physician consult agreements that can be used and adapted for these purposes, click here.
For more information on OPA's efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
