HHS Authorizes Licensed Pharmacists to Order/Administer COVID-19 Tests

On April 8, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued new guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized. HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued a statement: "Giving pharmacists the authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients means easier access to testing for Americans who need it. Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering convenient access to important public health services and information. The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America's heroic health care workers." Read the full announcement.