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Bill

HB 1315

Vaccinations by Pharmacists and Health Insurance Coverage for Immunizations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 31 co-sponsors

Allows pharmacists to administer vaccines and requires insurers to cover all recommended immunizations without patient cost-sharing in Maryland.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 738
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Bill Summary · HB 1315

Legislative bill overview

HB 1315 expands pharmacists' authority to administer vaccines and mandates health insurance coverage for immunizations in Maryland. The bill removes barriers to vaccine access by allowing trained pharmacists to provide vaccinations without requiring a physician's prescription and requires insurers to cover all recommended immunizations without cost-sharing.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses vaccine accessibility and affordability, particularly in underserved areas where pharmacies may be more readily available than physician offices. By eliminating out-of-pocket costs for immunizations, the bill aims to increase vaccination rates and reduce preventable disease transmission across Maryland's population.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Some physician groups may view expanded pharmacist vaccination authority as encroachment on medical practice or raise questions about standardized training and liability protocols
  • Insurance cost implications: Mandating zero-cost coverage for all recommended vaccines increases insurer costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums or reduced coverage elsewhere
  • Vaccination recommendation scope: Ambiguity over which "recommended" vaccines are covered (CDC, state health department, or all clinical recommendations) could create disputes over coverage eligibility

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

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