THE VALUED VOICE

A new law, Act 42, signed into law August 2, 2017, allows pharmacy interns who have completed at least two years of pharmacy school to immunize persons over six years of age with the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. According to Sen. Patrick Teslin, co-author with Rep. Mike Rohrkaste, pharmacy students “will have access to the full gamut of experiential training.” Previous law prohibited pharmacy students from immunizing anyone under age 18, but allowed pharmacists to administer vaccines to persons older than six.

“Training consistent with expectations in the workplace is essential to a well prepared and effective health care workforce. This new law provides pharmacists better preparation for practice,” according to Ann Zenk, WHA vice president workforce and clinical practice.