Pharmacists; authorize to test for and administer treatment for minor, nonchronic health conditions.

HB 252 authorizes Mississippi pharmacists to test for, screen, and treat specific minor, nonchronic health conditions - such as influenza, strep throat, UTIs, lice, and common skin infections - without a physician’s prescription. The bill defines these conditions as short-term issues typically managed with noncontrolled medications or self-care, and allows pharmacists to delegate testing tasks to interns or pharmacy technicians under their supervision. It also requires health insurance plans to cover these pharmacist-provided services if they would be covered if performed by a physician or nurse practitioner. This expands pharmacists’ scope of practice to improve access to basic care for common, non-emergency health issues.