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HB 689

Collaborative Pharmacy Practice for Chronic Health Conditions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel Plakon

Florida bill would have granted pharmacists independent authority to manage chronic disease medications through physician agreements, but died in committee after indefinite postponement.

Died in Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 689

Legislative bill overview

HB 689 would have expanded pharmacists' authority in Florida to independently manage chronic health conditions through collaborative practice agreements with physicians. The bill aimed to allow pharmacists to initiate, adjust, and monitor medications for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma without requiring direct physician oversight for each clinical decision.

Why is this important

Pharmacist-led chronic disease management could increase medication access in underserved areas, reduce healthcare costs, and improve medication adherence by leveraging pharmacists' expertise. However, it represents a significant shift in the traditional physician-centered healthcare hierarchy and raises questions about liability, patient safety protocols, and scope-of-practice boundaries.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional turf concerns: Physicians and their organizations may view expanded pharmacist authority as encroachment on medical practice, potentially reducing referrals and physician revenue
  • Patient safety oversight: Questions about adequate safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and what happens when pharmacist and physician disagree on treatment decisions
  • Licensing and liability: Unclear insurance coverage, malpractice responsibility allocation, and whether current pharmacy licensing adequately protects patients in expanded roles

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

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