S.2851

Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.

Introduced·3/4/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2851 authorizes pharmacists to order, perform, and interpret CLIA-waived tests and prescribe medications, with coverage mandated by all.

Rhode Island S2851, known as the Pharmacists Test-and-Treat Authority Act, authorizes licensed pharmacists to independently test for and initiate treatment of certain conditions. This includes ordering, performing, and interpreting CLIA-waived tests and prescribing medications. The bill mandates that all health insurance carriers provide coverage for these pharmacist-provided services. The act aims to improve access to care, reduce unnecessary emergency department and urgent care utilization, and support health system capacity.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Health and Human Services Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

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10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Be held for further study

8 Yea

DDRDDDDD

0 Nay

Calendar

Apr 30

12:00 AM

Senate Health and Human Services Hearing

History

Apr 30

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 24

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)

Mar 4

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services