California Seeks to Expand the Practice of Pharmacy

Earlier this month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a new California law that seeks to expand the scope of pharmacy practice within California and improve patient access to care. The bill would establish board recognition for advanced practice pharmacists who, starting January 1, 2014, will be able to perform the following tasks:

  • Perform patient assessments;
  • Order and interpret drug therapy-related laboratory tests;
  • Refer patients to other providers;
  • Initiate, adjust, and discontinue medications under physician protocol;
  • Work with other health care providers to evaluate and manage a patient’s health issues.

The law, SB 493, seeks to proactively address a growing shortage in primary care providers that is projected to increase with the expansion of the state’s Medi-Cal program under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.