SRC-CDH S.B. 786 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 786 By: Madla Health & Human Services 3-24-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, under the definition of "practice of pharmacy," a pharmacist is allowed to administer medications in certain situations; however this administrative authority does not include administration of immunizations or vaccinations. Each year, approximately 60,000 Americans die of vaccine-preventable infections, and Texas' immunization rate of 71 percent ranks the state 38th in the nation. This legislation provides that nothing in the Texas Pharmacy Act shall be construed to prohibit a pharmacist from administering immunizations, in an effort to make vaccinations and immunizations more easily-accessible and improve the current health care delivery system. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 786 establishes the authority of pharmacists to administer immunizations. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 17(a), Article 4542a-1, V.T.C.S. (Texas Pharmacy Act), to establish that the Texas State Board of Pharmacy is responsible for the regulation of the conditions under which a pharmacist is authorized to administer medications, including the provision that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a pharmacist from administering immunizations. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.