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HB 7424

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- COLLABORATIVE PHARMACY PRACTICE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Casey and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill authorizes pharmacists to provide expanded clinical services under physician-approved collaborative agreements, broadening healthcare access but raising scope-of-practice and liability questions.

06/22/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7424

Legislative bill overview

HB 7424 establishes a framework for collaborative pharmacy practice in Rhode Island, allowing pharmacists to work under collaborative agreements with physicians and other healthcare providers to expand their clinical roles. The bill enables pharmacists to perform additional patient care functions beyond traditional dispensing duties, such as medication therapy management and certain clinical interventions, within defined protocols.

Why is this important

Collaborative pharmacy practice can improve patient access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas or for medication management needs, by leveraging pharmacists' expertise more fully. The bill reflects a national trend toward team-based care models and addresses potential healthcare workforce gaps, though implementation details significantly affect outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion: Defining which clinical functions pharmacists can perform without physician supervision requires careful balancing—too broad risks regulatory gaps; too narrow limits the bill's effectiveness
  • Liability and accountability: Unclear responsibility allocation between collaborating pharmacists and physicians could create legal ambiguity during adverse events or disputes over clinical decisions
  • Insurance and reimbursement: The bill's success depends on whether insurance plans will reimburse pharmacist-provided services, which remains uncertain and could limit real-world adoption

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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