Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act

12/19/2024, 9:05 AM
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill 118 hr 9365, also known as the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, aims to address the issue of limited access to healthcare services in medically underserved areas by expanding the role of pharmacists in providing care to patients. The bill recognizes that pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can play a crucial role in improving access to care, especially in areas where there is a shortage of primary care providers.

The key provisions of the bill include allowing pharmacists to provide certain healthcare services, such as administering vaccines, conducting health screenings, and managing chronic conditions, without the need for a physician's prescription. This would enable pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care to patients and help alleviate the burden on primary care providers in underserved areas.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase funding for programs that support pharmacists in underserved areas, such as loan repayment programs and grants for expanding pharmacy services. By investing in these programs, the bill aims to incentivize pharmacists to practice in medically underserved areas and improve access to care for patients in these communities. Overall, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act is a bipartisan effort to address the healthcare disparities faced by patients in underserved areas by leveraging the expertise of pharmacists and expanding their role in providing care. The bill aims to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and low-income communities, and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients in these areas.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 9365

Introduced on
2024-08-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

8/16/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill 118 hr 9365, also known as the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, aims to address the issue of limited access to healthcare services in medically underserved areas by expanding the role of pharmacists in providing care to patients. The bill recognizes that pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can play a crucial role in improving access to care, especially in areas where there is a shortage of primary care providers.

The key provisions of the bill include allowing pharmacists to provide certain healthcare services, such as administering vaccines, conducting health screenings, and managing chronic conditions, without the need for a physician's prescription. This would enable pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care to patients and help alleviate the burden on primary care providers in underserved areas.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase funding for programs that support pharmacists in underserved areas, such as loan repayment programs and grants for expanding pharmacy services. By investing in these programs, the bill aims to incentivize pharmacists to practice in medically underserved areas and improve access to care for patients in these communities. Overall, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act is a bipartisan effort to address the healthcare disparities faced by patients in underserved areas by leveraging the expertise of pharmacists and expanding their role in providing care. The bill aims to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and low-income communities, and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients in these areas.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under the Medicare program of pharmacist services.

Policy Areas
Health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.