e-Profile Login and ID Quick Search
Indiana News: Pharmacists May Immunize
Published in the August 2007 Indiana Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
Effective July 1, 2007, a pharmacist in a community setting may administer influenza immunization shots via a protocol agreement from an Indiana licensed physician. All other types of immunizations may be given by patient-specific prescription or by protocol order of the Indiana State Department of Health if a health emergency is declared by the governor.
Rule promulgation is presently underway. The Board of Pharmacy Immunization Rule Subcommittee met on June 29, 2007 and July 12, 2007. A date has yet to be set for a subsequent meeting. The Indiana legislators placed a deadline of December 31, 2007, for the rules to be promulgated and effective as some of the statutory terms sunset by that date. In the interim and as of the July 1 effective date, influenza immunization may be administered by pharmacists in accordance with the new legislation irrespective of the present rule promulgation as long as the pharmacist fully complies with the statutory requirements.
The new statute also requires the State Department of Health to (1) consult with health care providers in evaluating the immunization data registry system and determine ways to make the registry easier for health care providers to report to and use; and (2) report to the health finance commission.
In addition, the Board of Pharmacy is required to (1) study and make findings on the issue of the application of technology in the dispensing of drugs and to report the Board’s findings to legislative council and the health finance commission; and (2) adopt rules concerning the qualifications, protocols, and record-keeping requirements of pharmacists who administer immunizations (as discussed above).
Note that a pharmacist may not be required to administer an immunization or complete training if the pharmacist chooses not to administer immunizations.
