BILL ANALYSIS
AB 977
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Date of Hearing: January 21, 2010
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Kevin De Leon, Chair
AB 977 (Skinner) - As Amended: January 13, 2010
Policy Committee: Health Vote:17-0
Business & Professions 11-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
Yes Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes pharmacists meeting specified criteria and
approved by the Medical Board of California (MBC) to administer
influenza immunizations pursuant to standardized protocols until
January 1, 2015. In addition, this bill requires the Board to
evaluate the effectiveness of the pharmacy-based immunization
strategy established by this bill and report to the Legislature
by January 1, 2014. Specifically, this bill:
1)Enumerates training and continuing educational requirements
for participating pharmacists.
2)Requires immunization protocols to be consistent with guidance
provided by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices.
3)Authorizes participating pharmacists to only vaccinate
patients 18 and older.
FISCAL EFFECT
One-time fee-supported special fund cost to the MBC and the
California Board of Pharmacy (CBP), likely in the range of
$50,000 to $100,000, combined, to establish the pilot in 2011.
Ongoing absorbable costs until 2015 to provide pilot oversight.
Fee-supported special fund costs of approximately $50,000 to
complete the evaluation to be submitted to the Legislature.
COMMENTS
1)Rationale . This bill is sponsored by the California Board of
Pharmacy to increase the immunization rates among adults in
California. According to historic data, less than half of
adults who should get annual influenza vaccinations receive
AB 977
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them. According to the author and sponsor, allowing trained
pharmacists to administer vaccinations and keep detailed
records will reduce immunization barriers and improve public
health.
2)Background .The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) is a panel of medical experts that provides advice and
guidance to the federal Centers for Disease Control on the
most effective means to prevent diseases through vaccination.
The ACIP develops written recommendations for the routine
administration of vaccines to the pediatric and adult
populations, along with schedules regarding the appropriate
periodicity and dosage. The ACIP is the only entity in the
federal government that makes vaccine-related recommendations.
Many entities, including several large California health
plans, voluntarily follow the guidance of the ACIP.
Analysis Prepared by : Mary Ader / APPR. / (916) 319-2081