Expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases.

HB 1520 expands pharmacists' authority in Washington to prescribe certain medications and devices for managing chronic diseases, directly affecting patients in rural and underserved communities facing healthcare access challenges. The bill amends pharmacy law (RCW 18.64.011) to permit pharmacists to practice at the top of their training, including prescribing within defined scope for chronic conditions. Key provisions allow pharmacists to administer, dispense, and manage medications under specific protocols, improving care coordination without requiring physician oversight for these services. This change aims to address provider shortages by leveraging pharmacists' expertise to enhance patient outcomes in primary care settings.