Health Quality Subcommittee Passes Rep. Tyler Sirois’ House Bill 389 Dealing With Treatment of Influenza

By  //  November 15, 2019

Senator Travis Hutson has filed an identical bill, SB 714, in the Florida Senate

State Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) announced the Health Quality Subcommittee in the Florida House of Representatives passed House Bill 389, relating to Testing for and Treatment of Influenza and Streptococcus.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – State Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) announced the Health Quality Subcommittee in the Florida House of Representatives passed House Bill 389, relating to Testing for and Treatment of Influenza and Streptococcus.

“I thank the members of the House Health Quality Subcommittee for advancing legislation today that will increase access to care for Floridians by allowing local pharmacies to test for and treat the flu and strep under a written protocol between the pharmacist and their supervising physician,” said Sirois.

“By giving pharmacists this ability, Floridians of all ages, some uninsured, will benefit from lower costs, more options and reduced exposure to these contagious illnesses– especially in ERs and urgent care where Florida families are already having to deal with other emergent medical care needs,” continued Sirois.

“I look forward to the opportunity of presenting this good bill at its next committee stop. It is important that we open the door for faster diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses,” concluded Sirois.

HB 389 as written would:

  • Authorize a licensed pharmacist to enter into a written protocol agreement with a supervising physician for the testing for and treatment of influenza and streptococcus.
  • Require a pharmacist to use an FDA approved testing device.
  • Require a pharmacist to have 8 additional hours of continuing education and maintain $200,000 of liability insurance.
  • Require record maintenance and confidentiality in accordance with state law, and requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt specific rules pertaining to the category of patients, instructions, the process and schedule.
  • Require a pharmacist to notify the patient’s primary care provider within 2 business days, if they have one, as well as notify the protocol supervising physician of any action taken.
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HB 389 has also been referred to the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and the Health and Human Services Committee. Senator Travis Hutson has filed an identical bill, SB 714, in the Florida Senate.