SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers approved a plan this spring expanding the number of ailments pharmacists can test and treat. However, the Illinois State Medical Society is upset with lawmakers as they believe pharmacists are not properly trained for this type of care.
Illinois pharmacists are now allowed to administer tests for the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, lice and RSV. Lawmakers and industry leaders believe this is a great change for customers and pharmacists because many medications for those conditions are readily available at pharmacies.
"Pharmacists are highly trained and very capable of doing more than meets the needs the patients have and often can't receive because of limited access to other providers," said Glen Schumock, Dean of the UIC College of Pharmacy. "Legislation like that discussed today is a step in the right direction to allow pharmacists to contribute so that patients can get convenient and affordable care."
The Illinois State Medical Society is frustrated that Democratic lawmakers passed legislation in the final days of session to allow pharmacists to implement the test and treat system. They argue that pharmacists do not have proper training to provide certain exams or diagnose illnesses.
Illinois pharmacists are now allowed to administer tests for the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, lice and RSV.
"Simply providing a test does not provide a thorough diagnosis," said Scott Reimers, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois State Medical Society. "This can lead to false or misleading diagnoses that will endanger patients. Pharmacists have no access to patients' medical records or medical history and have no way of communicating directly with physicians."
Although, advocates said the new law will help pharmacists fill a critical gap in care. Federal data shows one in four Americans do not have a primary care provider or health center for regular medical services.
Garth Reynolds, Executive Director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association, said 16 other states have already implemented the test and treat system.
"This enables patients in our communities, especially those in health disparity and social determinants of health areas, to be to access and be connected to care when they would not have any other option or other more expensive and delayed options of care," Reynolds said.
Lawmakers could address some of these concerns through the legislative rules process or by introducing a trailer bill when they return to Springfield.
"Pharmacists do not receive training in working with children or making clinical-based decisions," Reimers stressed. "They are not trained to assess the whole patient, provide an exam or identify other conditions that could be contributing to a patient's symptoms."
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association said pharmacists were trusted partners for screening throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. IRMA leaders also explained that pharmacists are clinically trained healthcare professionals who go through robust, doctorate-level curriculum with patient assessment, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options and aspects of dosing, monitoring and follow-up.
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