Creates provisions relating to pharmacists' authority to dispense chronic maintenance drugs

HB 2455 expands the authority of licensed pharmacists to dispense emergency supplies of chronic maintenance drugs and allows them to administer a broader range of vaccines to patients aged seven and older. To support these new responsibilities, the bill creates a certification program for pharmacists to develop and manage individualized medication therapy plans under specific written protocols from physicians. The legislation also clarifies that pharmacists cannot independently diagnose conditions or make therapeutic substitutions without explicit authorization from a doctor's prescription or protocol. Additionally, the bill mandates that rules governing these expanded services be jointly developed by the state boards of pharmacy and the healing arts to ensure patient safety and communication between healthcare providers.