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SS SCS SB 878

SS/SCS/SB 878 - This act modifies provisions relating to duties of a pharmacist. PRACTICE OF PHARMACY (SECTION 338.010) Currently, the practice of pharmacy includes the ordering and administration of vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA, but excludes certain vaccines and those vaccines approved after January 1, 2023. This act instead provides that the practice of pharmacy includes the ordering and administration of certain vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA as of January 1, 2026, but excludes certain vaccines and those that are not included by joint rules promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. MEDICATION THERAPEUTIC PLAN AUTHORITY (SECTION 338.012) Currently, a pharmacist with a certificate of medication therapeutic plan authority can provide certain medication therapy services if there is a statewide order issued by the Director or the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Senior Services if such person is a licensed physician or by a licensed physician designated by the Department. This act repeals this language and authorizes the provision of such medication therapy services pursuant to rules established by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. MEDICAL DEVICE PRESCRIPTIONS (SECTION 338.206) This act authorizes pharmacists to prescribe medical devices, as defined in the act. The Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall jointly promulgate rules to implement this provision within six months of the effective date of this act. DISPENSING OF IVERMECTIN & HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE (SECTION 338.208) Under this act, a pharmacist may dispense ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to a person, without a prescription order, upon the approval of a warning label for the use and indication in accordance with any written, standardized procedures or protocols issued by the Board of Pharmacy. NONPROFIT PHARMACY EMERGENCY WAIVERS (SECTION 338.312) The Board of Pharmacy shall have the authority to waive compliance with any Missouri rule or regulation for nonprofit pharmacies dispensing, shipping, or delivering prescription drugs into another state or United States territory that is experiencing a declared state disaster or emergency, provided that: (1) The nonprofit pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy in good standing and is authorized to ship prescription drugs into such state or territory; (2) The nonprofit pharmacy is responding to a declared state disaster or emergency; (3) The nonprofit pharmacy complies with all emergency rules and regulations for pharmacies and nonprofit pharmacies established by the state or territory for the duration of the disaster period; (4) The nonprofit pharmacy complies with all applicable federal laws and regulations; and (5) The waiver applies only to prescription drugs dispensed, shipped, or delivered to residents or health care facilities located within the geographic area specified in the declared state disaster or emergency. This provision is identical to SB 1640 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session

Bill expands pharmacist authority to prescribe medical devices, dispense ivermectin/hydroxychloroquine without prescriptions, and administer more vaccines, while reducing physician/health official oversight requirements.

Formal Calendar S Bills for Third Reading
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Bill Summary · SS SCS SB 878

Legislative bill overview

This bill expands pharmacist authority in Missouri by updating vaccine ordering/administration rules, authorizing pharmacists to prescribe medical devices, allowing dispensing of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine without prescriptions, and enabling nonprofit pharmacies to operate across state lines during declared emergencies. It also shifts oversight of medication therapy services from requiring state health officials' direct orders to rule-based governance by pharmacy boards.

Why is this important

The bill significantly broadens pharmacist scope of practice, potentially improving medication access and reducing burden on physicians for routine services. However, it raises questions about clinical oversight, particularly regarding off-label drugs and medical device prescribing authority traditionally reserved for licensed physicians.

Potential points of contention

  • Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine dispensing without prescription: These drugs gained notoriety during COVID-19 for unproven uses; allowing pharmacist dispensing "upon approval of a warning label" without physician oversight may enable off-label promotion and patient harm
  • Medical device prescribing authority: The bill grants pharmacists prescribing power for medical devices but provides no definition of scope, training requirements, or liability standards—creating ambiguity about which devices qualify and pharmacist qualifications
  • Medication therapy services deregulation: Shifting from requiring state health officer approval to board-promulgated rules removes a layer of public health oversight and may reduce accountability for clinical decisions

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

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