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Bill

HB 1135

Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 16 co-sponsors

Maryland bill expands pharmacist authority to administer vaccines under standing orders, increasing vaccination access but raising questions about clinical oversight and liability.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 270
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Bill Summary · HB 1135

Legislative bill overview

HB 1135 expands the authority of pharmacists in Maryland to administer vaccines under standing orders from healthcare providers or public health officials. The bill modernizes vaccination delivery by enabling pharmacists to play a larger role in immunization administration without requiring individual patient prescriptions for each vaccine.

Why is this important

Vaccination rates depend on accessibility and convenience. By allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines under standing orders, the bill potentially increases vaccination access—particularly in areas with limited physician availability—and reduces barriers to immunization. This is especially relevant for routine vaccines, flu shots, and public health emergency immunizations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice questions: Medical associations may argue pharmacists lack equivalent clinical training for vaccine administration and patient screening compared to physicians, or conversely, that pharmacist authority should be broader
  • Liability and accountability: Unclear who bears responsibility if adverse reactions occur or if standing orders are misapplied without individualized patient assessment
  • Standing order specificity: The bill's language on what constitutes adequate standing orders—and whether they sufficiently protect patient safety through appropriate screening—may face scrutiny

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

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