Connecticut Pharmacists Now Able to Provide COVID-19 Tests
The new order took effect immediately, on May 7, according to the Connecticut Pharmacists Association.
A executive order issued on May 7 by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont provides licensed pharmacists in Connecticut with the authority to order and administer tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).1
Connecticut pharmacists may provide end-to-end COVID-19 testing utilizing testing systems authorized under Executive Order No. 7KK, including certain serology tests that do not require venipuncture.1
This authority is in line with the administration’s focus on COVID-19 testing, as Connecticut moves towards easing state restrictions. The new order took effect immediately, according to the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA).1
“Over the past several weeks, CPA has been working with the State of Connecticut to make this authorization a reality, and we are very excited to see pharmacists be granted this authority,” said Nathan Tinker, CEO of the CPA, in a press release. “As the state of Connecticut prepares to slowly re-open, testing will be paramount. Pharmacists now have the opportunity to provide broad access to COVID-19 testing to the communities they serve.”1
In an effort to support pharmacists to provide this service, the CPA has developed a training module entitled, “Pharmacist-Directed COVID-19 Testing Training Program,” which will launch early next week, according to the press release.1
“This is a comprehensive training program that will provide pharmacists the tools they need to provide COVID-19 tests safely and effectively,” added Tinker in the press release. “Pharmacists will not only get a deep dive into the different types of testing, but also a better understanding of how to assess a patient’s need for testing.”1
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) chairman of the board Richard Ashworth and president of Walgreens shared his input on the changes at a recent White House briefing.
“Pharmacy is right here in it with everyone, together in the community, and we look forward to being part of the testing like we are now; serology, whatever that might look like in the future; and eventually treatment when the vaccine does come,” Ashworth said.2
REFERENCES
- Connecticut pharmacists can now provide COVID-19 testing [news release]. Rocky Hill, CT; CT Pharmacists: May 8, 2020 [email]. Accessed May 8, 2020.
- Pharmacy front and center at White House, front and center in service to nation with other healthcare heroes. NACDS. https://www.nacds.org/news/pharmacy-front-and-center-at-white-house-front-and-center-in-service-to-nation-with-other-healthcare-heroes/. Published April 28, 2020. Accessed May 8, 2020.
