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HB 1520

Expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Macri and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1520 expands Washington pharmacists' clinical authority to deliver direct patient care services and manage chronic diseases, increasing healthcare access in underserved communities.

First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
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Bill Summary · HB 1520

Legislative bill overview

HB 1520 expands the scope of practice for licensed pharmacists in Washington State, allowing them to perform additional clinical services beyond traditional medication dispensing. The bill aims to address healthcare access gaps and improve chronic disease management by enabling pharmacists to take on more direct patient care responsibilities.

Why is this important

Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers in many communities, and expanding their authority could help reduce wait times for routine care and disease management, particularly in underserved areas. This approach has shown promise in other states and may help address Washington's healthcare workforce shortages while potentially reducing costs by utilizing existing healthcare professionals more fully.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope clarification concerns: The bill's specific expanded authorities aren't detailed in available summaries, making it unclear which services pharmacists would gain (vaccination administration, medication therapy management, minor wound care, etc.), which could affect oversight and liability frameworks
  • Professional boundary disputes: Physicians and nurse practitioners may resist expanded pharmacist roles as potential competition or concern about fragmented patient care coordination without clear collaboration protocols
  • Regulatory and quality assurance questions: Expansion requires clear standards for pharmacist training, credentialing, and accountability; inadequate oversight mechanisms could create patient safety or liability issues for pharmacies and the state

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

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