In advance of the House and Senate health committee interim hearings this summer studying the pandemic response, NACDS and our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) provided joint letters to both the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Health Care Reform highlighting how Texas pharmacies, empowered through federal authorizations to expand access to essential care services, were instrumental in providing millions of vaccinations, tests, and access points for antivirals. We urged lawmakers to take action to maintain critical access to care at pharmacies, allowing pharmacies/pharmacists to order and administer vaccinations approved by CDC/ACIP for ages 3 and older; initiate corresponding treatment pursuant to the result of a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)– waived test; and permit pharmacy technicians’ to also administer the tests and vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.