Flu spike shows need for easier access to treatment, lawmakers say

At the peak of one of the worst flu seasons in recent history, some lawmakers are trying to make it easier for sick patients to be diagnosed and treated for the virus. 

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes and Orlando Republican Rep. Rene Plasencia are sponsoring legislation (SB 524 and HB 431) that would let some pharmacies, under the guidance of a physician, test for and treat influenza.

Brandes said on Wednesday that the proposals come at a time when the flu is especially widespread, which has led to concentrated waiting rooms at medical facilities. He said his bill would provide quicker care to patients.

“This is a very powerful tool that allows somebody to skip the extra step of going to the walk-in clinic or trying to fight for that spot at your local doctor’s office,” Brandes said.

Avon Park Republican Rep. Cary Pigman, who also is an emergency room doctor, has thrown his support behind the initiative.

Pigman said that saturated waiting rooms are common and that allowing pharmacies to handle some of the intake would be beneficial.

On weekends during Session, Pigman said he works shifts at the emergency room.

“There’s more people that need care than we have physicians and nurse practitioners to take care of them,” Pigman said. “We are busy.”

Pigman said the legislation also would help curb the spread of influenza. He said that patients in crowded medical facilities without the flu would have less exposure to patients with the virus.

“Society as a whole is benefited,” Pigman said. Pigman said the bills are balanced, and would still require a physician-trained pharmacist to diagnose and prescribe patients with Tamiflu, a common medicine used to treat the flu in its early stages.

Backing the legislation is the Florida Retail Federation, which represents pharmacists and pharmacies across the state.  

“Simply put, this is lifesaving legislation,” Scott Shalley, president and CEO of Florida Retail Federation, said.

The Senate version of the bill was temporarily postponed in Health Policy earlier this month after the bill was criticized by physicians. The House bill still awaits its first committee hearing.