Community Corner
Licensed Pharmacists To Administer Coronavirus Tests
DeSantis grants Florida pharmacists power to conduct examinations
From the Florida Phoenix: By Issac Morgan - April 26, 2020
In addition to hospitals, labs, certain university campuses and other locations, Florida’s licensed pharmacists will be able to order and administer COVID-19 tests, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a Friday press conference at the state Capitol.
DeSantis said it’s important to find ways to make coronavirus testing as “simple and accessible” as possible.
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“I am going to direct the surgeon general (Scott Rivkees) to allow licensed pharmacists in Florida to order and administer COVID-19 tests,” DeSantis said.
“It’s my hope that pharmacies throughout the state consider how to offer COVID-19 testing…I do think allowing licensed pharmacists to do this, would expand testing,” he added.
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DeSantis didn’t go into much detail about the process of administering tests at pharmacies.
“My view would be if you are not symptomatic but think you may have been exposed, we want those people to be able to be tested,” DeSantis said, when asked by reporters if those seeking testing will need a doctor’s note.
Also, antibody tests are coming to Florida, as the federal government is expected to send them in May, DeSantis said. “We are expecting 200,000 serological tests,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an announcement earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a written statement:
“Giving pharmacists the authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients means easier access to testing for Americans who need it. Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering convenient access to important public health services and information. The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America’s heroic healthcare workers.”
This story was originally published by the Florida Phoenix. For more stories from the Florida Phoenix, visit FloridaPhoenix.com.
