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SB221 • 2026
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
Passed Legislature
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
- Sponsor
- Senator Ed Charbonneau
- Last action
- 2026-01-08
- Official status
- Introduced Senate Bill (S)
- Effective date
- Not listed
Plain English Breakdown
The official source does not provide specific details about the requirements pharmacists must meet.
Pharmacist Treatment by Standing Order
This bill allows pharmacists in Indiana to test, treat, and prescribe medications under standing orders issued by the state health commissioner if certain requirements are met.
What This Bill Does
- It requires the state health commissioner to issue a standing order, prescription, or protocol that lets pharmacists do tests, give treatments, or write prescriptions if they meet specific requirements.
- Pharmacists get protection from being sued unless their actions show very careless behavior, are done on purpose to harm someone, or clearly disregard safety rules.
- The Indiana board of pharmacy must create rules about how pharmacists can test and treat patients.
Who It Names or Affects
- Pharmacists in Indiana
- Patients who visit pharmacies
Terms To Know
- Standing order
- A general instruction from a doctor or health official that allows someone else, like a pharmacist, to do specific tasks.
- Civil immunity
- Protection from being sued in court for certain actions.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify exactly what the requirements are that pharmacists must meet.
- It is unclear how this will affect current medical practices and patient care.
Amendments
These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.
Plain English: The amendment adds a new section to the Indiana Code that requires pharmacies and pharmacy organizations to have policies against discrimination based on certain protected characteristics.
- Adds a requirement for pharmacies and pharmacy organizations to adopt policies prohibiting discrimination in employment, professional relationships, and provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
- The amendment does not specify the exact details of how these policies should be implemented or enforced.
Plain English: The amendment adds a new section to the Indiana Code that provides immunity for certain actions related to professions and occupations.
- Adds a new section to the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations, granting immunity for specific actions.
- The official text does not specify what specific actions are covered by this immunity or provide details on how it will be implemented.
- Further information is needed to understand exactly which professionals or occupations will benefit from this immunity provision.
Bill History
-
2026-01-08
Senate
Authored by Senator Charbonneau
-
2026-01-08
Senate
First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services
Official Summary Text
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
Pharmacist treatment by standing order.
Current Bill Text
Read the full stored bill text
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
Pharmacist treatment by standing order.
Requires the state health commissioner to issue a standing order, prescription, or protocol to allow a pharmacist to test, treat, or prescribe, if specified requirements are met. Provides a pharmacist with civil immunity in the testing, treating, or prescribing unless the pharmacist's actions constitute gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional wrongdoing. Requires the Indiana board of pharmacy to adopt rules concerning a pharmacist testing, treating, or prescribing for individuals.