AN ACT to authorize immunizing pharmacists to administer certain controlled substances for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 90‑85.15B is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(c1)    An immunizing pharmacist may administer controlled substances for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus, including controlled substances prescribed for pre‑exposure and post‑exposure prophylaxis pursuant to guidelines and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to persons at least 18 years of age pursuant to a specific prescription order by a prescriber. An immunizing pharmacist who administers a controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall do all of the following:

(1)        Maintain a record of any administration of a controlled substance performed by the immunizing pharmacist to the patient in a patient profile or record.

(2)        Within 72 hours after the administration of the controlled substance performed by the immunizing pharmacist to the patient, notify the patient's primary care provider identified by the patient.

SECTION 1.(b)  G.S. 90‑85.3(i1) reads as rewritten:

(i1)     Immunizing pharmacist means a licensed pharmacist who meets all of the following qualifications:

…

(6)        Administers vaccines vaccines, controlled substances, or immunizations in accordance with G.S. 90‑18.15B.

SECTION 1.(c)  The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy shall collaborate with the North Carolina Medical Board and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop protocols and administrative rules to facilitate the administration of the authorized controlled substances pursuant to this act.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2021.