On May 12, the Vermont legislature approved HB 305, which would revise the definition of pharmacy technician to mean an individual who, only while assisting and under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, performs tasks relative to dispensing prescription drugs, administering immunizations and performing tests for SARS-CoV. Pharmacy technicians may administer immunizations and perform tests for SARS-CoV. This measure also outlines requirements for pharmacy technicians in order to administer immunizations. They may only administer immunizations to individuals 18 years of age and older. Regarding patients five years old and older for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, a licensed pharmacist must be present to assist as needed. Pharmacy technicians may only administer immunizations that: (1) are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; and (2) licensed pharmacists are permitted to administer under the State clinical pharmacy protocol. This measure allows a pharmacist to prescribe, order or administer self-administered hormonal contraceptives, including subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as well as, for patients 18 years of age or older, vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and administered consistently with the ACIP-approved immunization schedules, as may be amended from time to time. Lastly, this measure exempts persons dispensing over-the-counter hearing aids from provisions for audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. The bill now awaits signature from the Governor.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.