Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is proud to cosponsor Assembly Bill A.2534, which would authorize pharmacists in New York state to initiate treatment for COVID-19, influenza and pharyngitis upon a positive test result. Smullen states that allowing pharmacists, who are licensed clinicians, to initially treat individuals will help ensure more community members receive the care they need.

“Creating more flexibility and accessibility within our state’s health care system will not only improve public health and well-being in our communities, but it will also help promote rural equity statewide,” said Smullen. “Access to quality health care and primary care providers can be limited in more rural regions of the state, making it difficult for rural residents to obtain medical orders or written prescriptions for medications they need. Bridging this gap and promoting collaboration between the commissioner of health and pharmacists to undertake treatment of individuals in need of medical care is a common-sense way to improve our state’s health care system overall.”