An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

This bill allows pharmacists to diagnose, test for, and treat specific health conditions like influenza, strep infections, and COVID-19 (or other public health threats identified by the department) without a physician's direct order. Pharmacists must follow department-established procedures and use approved tests, including those waived under federal lab rules. The law also requires health insurers to cover pharmacist-provided services that would be covered if performed by a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant, and to create proper billing codes for these services. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking care for these conditions, and health insurance providers.