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BOISE, Idaho – Albertsons Cos. announced this week their Idaho pharmacists can now prescribe for more health conditions under a new state law. Prior to the law’s July 1 effective date, targeted Albertsons Cos. pharmacies received agency approval to pilot the new program, making them the first large retail chain pharmacy to provide these services in the nation.
The new Idaho law, clinical care, such as recommending statins for patients with diabetes. Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority Rule Docket 27-0104-1701, allows pharmacists to evaluate and when appropriate, prescribe medications for patients experiencing a specific list of common conditions such as cold sores and urinary tract infections (UTI) and to assess and fill gaps in clinical care, such as recommending statins for patients with diabetes.
“We’re proud to pioneer this new and practical service for our patients who regularly interact with pharmacists about their symptoms related to these conditions. Now we can provide them with the treatment they need by offering easy access to quality health care services, in a convenient location, for conditions that often require urgent care,” said Mark Panzer, senior vice president of Pharmacy Health and Wellness.
Under the new regulation, Idaho pharmacists can see a patient for these conditions on a walk-in basis or by appointment at the pharmacy. The pharmacist will privately counsel them, help them fill out a patient intake form, perform a health screening, and if determined necessary, provide an appropriate prescription. The pharmacist will then notify the patient’s primary care physician and schedule a follow up appointment with the patient to assess the medication’s effectiveness. Pharmacists will work collaboratively with the patient’s physician and insurance company to ensure the patient receives the care they need as timely and cost effectively as possible.
Pam Eaton, executive director, Idaho State Pharmacists Association, commented, “Community pharmacists are already well positioned to provide patients with the comprehensive care allowed for by this new law. As the medication experts and an accessible resource for the public, this is an exciting time for pharmacists to demonstrate they are capable and knowledgeable to perform these services in a time when access to care can be limited, especially in rural areas.”
