This past month, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) signed into law SB 710. SB 710 aims to expand the authority of pharmacists to administer vaccines to individuals who are 7 years of age or older. Specifically, this law authorizes pharmacists to independently administer vaccines that have been recommended by the FDA and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). By expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists in this way, Montana is taking steps to increase access to vaccines and promote public health.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed into law HB 156, which adds identical regulation of pharmacy service administration organizations (PSAOs) to the current PBM statute. This new law aims to expand the existing regulations that govern PBMs to also cover pharmacy PSAOs. The legislation was introduced in response to concerns that PSAOs were operating without sufficient oversight, which could lead to conflicts of interest and unfair business practices. By adding PSAOs to the existing PBM statute, Montana is taking a step towards ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the pharmacy industry. The new law will require PSAOs to disclose their ownership and control structures, as well as any financial arrangements with pharmacies or insurers. It will also give the state insurance commissioner more power to investigate and penalize any violations of these regulations.

A new bill, Senate Bill 112, would expand Montana pharmacists' authority and give them the power to prescribe. Under the bill, pharmacists could prescribe for patients who do not require a new diagnosis, for minor conditions, or in emergencies. Supporters said the measure could help fill health care gaps in rural areas in particular, while opponents worried it would give pharmacists physician-like authority without the same education. Under SB 112, pharmacies could not prescribe controlled substances. During a Jan. 18 committee hearing on the bill, supporters also said pharmacists also would be able to provide strep and flu tests, along with diabetic supplies.

At the end of June, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte rescinded the authority of pharmacists to help oversee and administer COVID-19 vaccines - and other vaccinations. The original order was passed earlier in the pandemic to help with the demand for COVID-19 vaccinations. Now, the Montana State Board of Pharmacy has reinstated this emergency order and given pharmacists and pharmacy technicians this authority again. This was due to a surge in demand for COVID-19 vaccines as many other medical offices have stopped offering them, leading to increased pressure on pharmacies to deliver this service.

Montana Governor Gianforte has passed Senate Bill 395 into law, giving the state auditor the power to license and regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This law is essential for shedding light on how the cost of drugs is contributing to higher health insurance premiums, and the goal is to better oversee PBMs, increase transparency, and address the high cost of prescription drug prices.