While the 89th legislature will convene at Noon on January 14, 2025, lawmakers have already begun prefiling bills this week. Several bills of interest to pharmacies include:
- Pete Flores (R) re-filed legislation (SB 254) that would allow pharmacists independent authority to order and administer immunizations to anyone three years of age and older without a prescription order.
- John Bucy (D) re-filed clean-up legislation (HB 632) on dispensing emergency insulin.
- Donna Howard (D) re-filed a bill (HB 845) that would allow pharmacists under a written protocol to furnish treatment without a prescription to a patient after a positive CLIA flu or strep test.
- Matt Shaheen (R) re-filed legislation (HB 1027) removing restrictions on operating telepharmacies.
Also in Texas, the House Republican Caucus is scheduled to meet December 7, 2024, to endorse a candidate for Speaker.
Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Diabetes Prevention and Control Program updated materials, including two diabetes educational brochures — Could You Have Diabetes? and Could You Have Prediabetes? These brochures provide information regarding diabetes and prediabetes risk factors and symptoms, helping individuals determine their risk.
Finally in Texas, at the Drug Utilization Review Board’s late October meeting, the board recommended clinical prior authorizations, changes to the preferred drug list and retrospective drug utilization criteria. The next quarterly meeting will be held on January 31, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.