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Florida House Passes Testing for and Treatment of Influenza and Streptococcus Legislation

By  //  January 17, 2020

HB 389 by Representative Sirois Passes House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee

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

“Thank you to the members of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee for today’s advancement of HB 389,” said Representative Sirois.

“This good bill would allow pharmacists to test and treat for the flu and strep and provide treatment under a written protocol between them and their supervising physician.” 

“HB 389 would not only allow for faster diagnosis and treatment of these contagious illnesses, it would reduce the number of patients, some uninsured, who are having to go to emergency rooms and urgent care centers to be seen,” continued Representative Sirois.

“As we look toward the future of health care in our state, it is important we consider innovative and convenient ways to provide additional access to care for Florida families. HB 389 does just that for the testing and treatment of influenza and streptococcus.  I look forward to continuing to see HB 389 move through the process,” concluded Sirois. 

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

HB 389 as written would:

  • The bill authorizes a licensed pharmacist to enter into a written protocol agreement with a supervising physician for the testing for and treatment of influenza and streptococcus.
  • The bill requires a pharmacist to use an FDA approved testing device.
  • The bill requires a pharmacist to have 8 additional hours of continuing education and maintain $200,000 of liability insurance.
  • The bill requires 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.
  • The bill requires the 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.

HB 389 is now in a posture to be taken up by its last committee of reference in the House, the Health and Human Services Committee.

In the Senate, SB 714 by Senator Travis Hutson has filed an identical bill.