Arizona Senate Approves Bill to Boost Health Care Access as Physician Shortage Looms

By Jonathan Eberle |

The Arizona State Senate has successfully passed a bipartisan initiative aimed at addressing the chronic physician shortage in the state and enhancing access to healthcare for its residents. Senate Bill 1214, spearheaded by Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, empowers pharmacists in Arizona to independently administer tests and treatments for specific medical conditions, thereby offering a viable response to the escalating need for healthcare services.

This bill, which received overwhelming support in the Senate, is now set to be reviewed by the Arizona House of Representatives. Should it pass, pharmacists will be able to provide a broader spectrum of care, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and strep throat, along with administering preventative treatments.

Arizona has been grappling with a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of medicine. This scarcity has created challenges for communities seeking adequate medical care. SB 1214 aims to rectify this by permitting pharmacists to independently test and treat various conditions, thereby increasing access to fundamental health services.

With the enactment of this legislation, pharmacists will gain authorization to order, perform, and interpret FDA-approved tests that are exempt under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. Additionally, they will have the authority to initiate treatment for ailments like influenza based on directives from the Department of Health Services (DHS) through statewide standing orders, rules, or executive orders.

Furthermore, the bill facilitates collaboration between pharmacists and patients’ primary care providers to ensure continuity of care. This cooperative model aims to relieve some workload from physicians while providing timely access to medical care for patients, especially during times of high demand on the healthcare system.

Senator Shope underscored the significance of this legislation in broadening healthcare options for Arizona residents. “This bill is a vital step towards allowing Arizonans to receive routine healthcare services as needed,” he stated. “Many individuals prefer visiting their local pharmacies for diagnosis and treatment of various ailments. This proposal expands their healthcare choices.”

In addition, Shope highlighted the expertise of pharmacists, noting that many are well-equipped to carry out these tests and treatments. “It’s a win-win for Arizonans and local pharmacies, which employ qualified professionals capable of managing these medical tasks, particularly during the ongoing physician shortage,” Shope articulated.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.