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August 14, 2017
‘Pharmacists as providers’ legislation went into effect July 1
Tennessee saw major provider status legislation take effect on July 1. “Pharmacists as Providers” (HB 405/SB 461) gives Tennessee pharmacists formal recognition as providers through managed health insurance issuers, including reimbursement and inclusion in medical networks, as providers of care.
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) worked with legislators, managed health insurance issuers, and key pharmacy advocacy groups to introduce and pass the bill. “This legislation creates exciting new opportunities for pharmacists and also increases patient access to essential care and services,” said Micah Cost, PharmD, MS, TPA executive director.
This landmark legislation provides a pathway for pharmacists who are acting within the scope of their license or certification under state law to be credentialed with managed health insurance issuers and enable them to participate, receive referrals, and be reimbursed for covered services or indemnification. It also creates a mechanism for pharmacists to participate as members of the larger health care team, resulting in increased communication, collaboration, and patient referrals, as appropriate, to physicians and other health care providers for further assessment, management, and treatment.
“Through state-based provider laws passed in Washington and Tennessee, state associations are building the framework for implementation of H.R 592/S. 109 when it becomes law,” Cost added.
“These state-based provider laws showcase the important synergy between state and national pharmacists associations.”
