Section 4729.41 | Authority to administer immunizations.
(A)(1) A pharmacist licensed under this chapter who meets the requirements of division (B) of this section, and a pharmacy intern licensed under this chapter who meets the requirements of division (B) of this section and is working under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who meets the requirements of that division, may do any of the following:
(a) In the case of an individual who is seven years of age or older but not more than thirteen years of age, administer to the individual an immunization for any of the following:
(i) Influenza;
(ii) COVID-19;
(iii) Any other disease, but only pursuant to a prescription.
(b) In the case of an individual who is thirteen years of age or older, administer to the individual an immunization for any disease, including an immunization for influenza or COVID-19.
(2) As part of engaging in the administration of immunizations or supervising a pharmacy intern's administration of immunizations, a pharmacist may administer epinephrine or diphenhydramine, or both, to individuals in emergency situations resulting from adverse reactions to the immunizations administered by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern.
(B) For a pharmacist or pharmacy intern to be authorized to engage in the administration of immunizations, the pharmacist or pharmacy intern shall do all of the following:
(1) Successfully complete a course in the administration of immunizations that meets the requirements established in rules adopted under this section for such courses;
(2) Receive and maintain certification to perform basic life-support procedures by successfully completing a basic life-support training course that is certified by the American red cross or American heart association or approved by the state board of pharmacy;
(3) Practice in accordance with a protocol that meets the requirements of division (C) of this section.
(C) All of the following apply with respect to the protocol required by division (B)(3) of this section:
(1) The protocol shall be established by a physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.
(2) The protocol shall specify a definitive set of treatment guidelines and the locations at which a pharmacist or pharmacy intern may engage in the administration of immunizations.
(3) The protocol shall satisfy the requirements established in rules adopted under this section for protocols.
(4) The protocol shall include provisions for implementation of the following requirements:
(a) The pharmacist or pharmacy intern who administers an immunization shall observe the individual who receives the immunization to determine whether the individual has an adverse reaction to the immunization. The length of time and location of the observation shall comply with the rules adopted under this section establishing requirements for protocols. The protocol shall specify procedures to be followed by a pharmacist when administering epinephrine, diphenhydramine, or both, to an individual who has an adverse reaction to an immunization administered by the pharmacist or a pharmacy intern.
(b) For each immunization administered to an individual by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, other than an immunization for influenza administered to an individual eighteen years of age or older, the pharmacist or pharmacy intern shall notify the individual's primary care provider or, if the individual has no primary care provider, the board of health of the health district in which the individual resides or the authority having the duties of a board of health for that district under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code. The notice shall be given not later than thirty days after the immunization is administered.
(c) For each immunization administered by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern to an individual younger than eighteen years of age, the pharmacist or a pharmacy intern shall obtain permission from the individual's parent or legal guardian in accordance with the procedures specified in rules adopted under this section.
(D)(1) No pharmacist shall do either of the following:
(a) Engage in the administration of immunizations unless the requirements of division (B) of this section have been met;
(b) Delegate to any person the pharmacist's authority to engage in or supervise the administration of immunizations.
(2) No pharmacy intern shall engage in the administration of immunizations unless the requirements of division (B) of this section have been met.
(E)(1) The state board of pharmacy shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and shall include the following:
(a) Requirements for courses in administration of immunizations, including requirements that are consistent with any standards established for such courses by the centers for disease control and prevention;
(b) Requirements for protocols to be followed by pharmacists and pharmacy interns in engaging in the administration of immunizations;
(c) Procedures to be followed by pharmacists and pharmacy interns in obtaining from the individual's parent or legal guardian permission to administer immunizations to an individual younger than eighteen years of age.
(2) Prior to adopting rules regarding requirements for protocols to be followed by pharmacists and pharmacy interns in engaging in the administration of immunizations, the state board of pharmacy shall consult with the state medical board and the board of nursing.
Last updated June 2, 2021 at 3:25 PM
Available Versions of this Section
- September 12, 2008 – House Bill 283 - 127th General Assembly [ View September 12, 2008 Version ]
- March 19, 2015 – House Bill 394 - 130th General Assembly [ View March 19, 2015 Version ]
- April 8, 2019 – Amended by House Bill 101, House Bill 541 - 132nd General Assembly [ View April 8, 2019 Version ]
- May 14, 2021 – Amended by House Bill 6 - 134th General Assembly [ View May 14, 2021 Version ]