A bill that would expand the scope of medical authority for Delaware pharmacists is heading to the governor for his signature, despite concerns from House Republicans that the move could inadvertently endanger public health.
Proponents say Senate Bill 320 (as amended) would authorize pharmacists to practice to “the full extent of their education and training.”
Under the proposal, pharmacists would be permitted to independently evaluate patients, identify health conditions, order and prescribe laboratory tests, and prescribe drugs or devices without reliance on statewide protocols, formularies, or specified lists of conditions.
Retired nurse, State Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner (R-Georgetown) took issue with the bill. Among her objections was that the legislation exceeds the scope of similar laws enacted elsewhere and that it grants pharmacists authority to prescribe new medications based on existing diagnoses.
“If we have somebody who has a cardiac arrhythmia, there are about six different diagnostic codes within that, and you could do a lot of damage (if you lack the appropriate detailed knowledge),” she said during the debate. “I take my mother to an electrophysiologist, and they are very specific about treating her very specific arrhythmia. The vagueness of [the wording of the bill] lends itself to harm.”
State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard), a retired doctor of optometry, also expressed concerns. “I, too, favor expansion of scope when it’s appropriate, with the underlying tenet that we do no harm,” he told the bill’s sponsor.
However, Rep. Hilovsky said allowing pharmacists to order and interpret lab tests was a step too far. Click here or on the graphic to see Rep. Hilovsky’s comments on the House floor. (length 3:41)
Both Reps. Jones Gilter and Hilovsky urged caution and asked that the bill, which was introduced May 14, be tabled and reevaluated. House Democrats dismissed the concerns and passed the measure without Republican support.
