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SB 294

Relating to: labeling plants as beneficial to pollinators. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 11 co-sponsors

The Connecting to Care Act allows pharmacists to administer addiction treatments, improving access to care while ensuring safe practices and integrating counseling support.

Senator Keyeski added as a coauthor
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Bill Summary · SB 294

Summary of SB 294 - Connecting to Care Act

Overview

Bill Number: SB 294
Title: Connecting to Care Act
Status: Filed
Introduced: October 28, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Primary Sponsor: Senator Rodriguez

The Connecting to Care Act aims to enhance access to medication-assisted treatment for individuals dealing with substance use disorders, particularly focusing on the administration of certain medications by pharmacists under specific conditions.

Key Provisions

1. Authorization for Pharmacists

  • The bill amends existing statutes to allow pharmacists to administer long-acting antipsychotic medications and medications for the treatment of opiate addiction via injection, provided they meet certain criteria:
    • The pharmacist must operate under an established protocol with a licensed physician.
    • The administration must occur in a facility that ensures patient privacy and complies with state regulations regarding medication disposal.
    • Pharmacists must complete an 8-hour continuing education course related to the safe administration of these medications.

2. Amendments to Medication-Assisted Treatment Regulations

  • The bill modifies sections of the Florida Statutes regarding medication-assisted treatment service providers:
    • It expands the list of healthcare professionals authorized to deliver medication-assisted treatment, including physician assistants, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, in addition to pharmacists.
    • Licensed service providers must adopt written protocols that outline how medications will be administered in conjunction with counseling or psychosocial treatment.

3. Continuing Education Requirements

  • Pharmacists wishing to administer the specified medications must complete a continuing education course accredited by recognized medical associations. This course will cover:
    • Safe and effective administration of behavioral health medications.
    • Potential allergic reactions to these medications.

Impact

The Connecting to Care Act is designed to:
- Increase Access: By allowing pharmacists to administer critical medications, the bill aims to improve access to treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
- Enhance Treatment Protocols: The requirement for written protocols ensures that medication-assisted treatment is integrated with counseling and psychosocial support, promoting a holistic approach to recovery.
- Professional Development: The continuing education requirement for pharmacists ensures that they are well-equipped to handle the complexities of administering these medications safely.

Conclusion

The Connecting to Care Act represents a significant step towards improving public health in Florida by expanding the roles of pharmacists and other healthcare providers in the treatment of substance use disorders. By facilitating better access to medication-assisted treatment, the bill aims to support individuals on their path to recovery while ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to provide these services.

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

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