Will Pharmacists be able to Test for the Flu?

With flu cases reportedly quadrupling this year as compared to 2017, Florida lawmakers proposed a bill that would give Florida pharmacists the ability to perform the rapid flu test and have a diagnosis in approximately 15 minutes.

Florida House Bill 431, if passed, would take some of the burden off doctors as patients who suspect they have the flu could go directly to their local pharmacy to receive testing and a diagnosis.

Under House Bill 431, a pharmacist would submit the test results to the patient’s physician and the physician would then authorize the Florida pharmacist to dispense the appropriate medications to treat as per their collaborative practice protocol. House Bill 431 also covers streptococcus testing.

While some lawmakers express concern that pharmacists are not qualified enough or do not have enough training, House Bill 431 requires that the pharmacist attend at least 8 hours of continuing education classes approved by the Florida Board as well as other criteria prior to performing the Flu swab test on patients.