Florida Senate - 2026 SB 294
By Senator Rodriguez
40-00572A-26 2026294__
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to the Connecting to Care Act;
3 providing a short title; amending ss. 397.427 and
4 465.1893, F.S.; authorizing a pharmacist to administer
5 certain medications under certain circumstances;
6 providing an effective date.
7
8 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10 Section 1. This act may be cited as the “Connecting to Care
11 Act.”
12 Section 2. Subsections (6) and (7) of section 397.427,
13 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
14 397.427 Medication-assisted treatment service providers;
15 rehabilitation program; needs assessment and provision of
16 services; persons authorized to issue takeout medication;
17 unlawful operation; penalty.—
18 (6) A physician assistant, a registered nurse, an advanced
19 practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse, or a
20 pharmacist working for a licensed service provider may deliver
21 medication as prescribed by rule if:
22 (a) The service provider is authorized to provide
23 medication-assisted treatment;
24 (b) The medication has been administered pursuant to a
25 valid prescription written by the program’s physician who is
26 licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459; and
27 (c) The medication ordered appears on a formulary or meets
28 federal requirements for medication-assisted treatment.
29 (7) Each licensed service provider that provides
30 medication-assisted treatment must adopt written protocols as
31 specified by the department and in accordance with federally
32 required rules, regulations, or procedures. The protocol shall
33 provide for the supervision of the physician assistant,
34 registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or
35 licensed practical nurse working under the supervision of, or a
36 pharmacist acting pursuant to s. 465.1893 under an established
37 protocol with, a physician who is licensed under chapter 458 or
38 chapter 459. The protocol must specify how the medication will
39 be used in conjunction with counseling or psychosocial treatment
40 and that the services provided will be included on the treatment
41 plan. The protocol must specify the procedures by which
42 medication-assisted treatment may be administered by the
43 physician assistant, registered nurse, advanced practice
44 registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse, or pharmacist.
45 These protocols shall be signed by the supervising physician and
46 the administering physician assistant, registered nurse,
47 advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse,
48 or pharmacist.
49 Section 3. Section 465.1893, Florida Statutes, is amended
50 to read:
51 465.1893 Administration of antipsychotic medication and
52 medication for the treatment of opiate addiction by injection.—
53 (1)(a) A pharmacist, at the direction of a physician
54 licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, may administer a
55 long-acting antipsychotic medication or medication for the
56 treatment of opiate addiction approved by the United States Food
57 and Drug Administration by injection to a patient if the
58 pharmacist:
59 1. Is authorized by and acting within the framework of an
60 established protocol with the prescribing physician.
61 2. Practices at a facility that accommodates privacy for
62 nondeltoid injections and conforms with state rules and
63 regulations regarding the appropriate and safe disposal of
64 medication and medical waste.
65 3. Has completed the course required under subsection (2).
66 (b) A separate prescription from a physician is required
67 for each injection administered by a pharmacist under this
68 subsection.
69 (2)(a) A pharmacist seeking to administer a long-acting
70 antipsychotic medication or medication for the treatment of
71 opiate addiction by injection must complete an 8-hour continuing
72 education course offered by:
73 1. A statewide professional association of physicians in
74 this state accredited to provide educational activities
75 designated for the American Medical Association Physician’s
76 Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category 1 Credit or the American
77 Osteopathic Association (AOA) Category 1-A continuing medical
78 education (CME) credit; and
79 2. A statewide association of pharmacists.
80 (b) The course may be offered in a distance learning format
81 and must be included in the 30 hours of continuing professional
82 pharmaceutical education required under s. 465.009(1). The
83 course shall have a curriculum of instruction that concerns the
84 safe and effective administration of behavioral health and
85 antipsychotic medications or medications for the treatment of
86 opiate addiction by injection, as applicable, including, but not
87 limited to, potential allergic reactions to such medications.
88 Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.