FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 3, 2025
Arizona Senate Passes Legislation to Provide Citizens More Health Care Options Amid Physician Shortage
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— A bipartisan bill to open up opportunities for Arizonans to receive medical tests and treatments at their local pharmacies is advancing to the Arizona House of Representatives after the Senate overwhelmingly approved it Monday.
Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, SB 1214 allows a pharmacist to independently test for and treat eligible patients for certain medical conditions, alleviating a severe doctor shortage in the state.
"This bill is an important step to help ensure Arizonans can receive routine health care services when they need them," said Senator Shope. "I've spoken with many people who desire to go to their local pharmacies for diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses. With this proposal, we give our citizens the choice to expand their health care options. It's a win-win for Arizonans and Arizona pharmacies – many of which have qualified men and women who are fully capable of handling these tests and treatments, especially amid a physician shortage. I'm grateful for all the input and support I've received for this legislation, and I look forward to the bill's continuation through the Arizona Legislature."
Pharmacists in Arizona are licensed and regulated by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (ASPB). SB 1214 would allow a pharmacist to independently order, perform, and interpret tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). The bill gives pharmacists the ability to independently initiate treatment to eligible people who test positive for influenza group A streptococcus pharyngitis, COVID-19 or other coronavirus respiratory illnesses, HIV preexposure prophylaxis or postexposure prophylaxis, or a condition related to an emerging or existing health threat identified by DHS for which a statewide standing order, rule, or executive order is issued.
Under the new policies set by this legislation, the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy would retain jurisdiction in setting the written protocol for the application of these independent tests and treatments. Pharmacies would be directed to correspond with the patient’s primary care provider, if one is identified, to ensure continuity of health care.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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