New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08716

Introduced
1/7/26  

Caption

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have a considerable impact on state healthcare laws, particularly regarding immunization practices. By empowering pharmacists and nurse practitioners to administer COVID-19 vaccines, S08716 aims to alleviate pressures faced by traditional healthcare providers and enhance the overall vaccination rate among residents. This change could effectively streamline the immunization process, making it more convenient for individuals to receive necessary vaccines in various settings, including pharmacies and community health centers.

Summary

Bill S08716 seeks to amend the education law in New York to expand the role of licensed pharmacists and certified nurse practitioners in the prescribing and administration of COVID-19 immunizations. Under this legislation, pharmacists would be authorized to provide COVID-19 vaccinations directly to patients aged two and older, while nurse practitioners would gain the ability to prescribe these immunizations. This bill represents a significant shift in public health policy, aimed at increasing accessibility to vaccinations amidst ongoing public health concerns related to COVID-19.

Contention

Notably, while proponents argue that this bill will improve access to vital vaccinations and help control the spread of COVID-19, there are concerns regarding the implications of such a shift. Critics may raise issues related to the training and preparedness of non-physician providers to handle vaccinations and potential adverse reactions. Ensuring patient safety remains a paramount concern, and the success of this legislation will likely depend on regulatory measures and oversight to maintain high standards of care and monitoring in the administration of immunizations by pharmacists and nurse practitioners.

Companion Bills

NY A09260

Same As Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

Previously Filed As

NY A09260

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NY S05706

Authorizes certain nursing students to administer certain vaccines pursuant to patient specific orders or non-patient specific orders; authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a patient specific order or non-patient specific order to a nursing student to administer certain vaccines.

NY A07692

Authorizes certain nursing students to administer certain vaccines pursuant to patient specific orders or non-patient specific orders; authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a patient specific order or non-patient specific order to a nursing student to administer certain vaccines.

NY A09117

Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain immunizations, medicines, drugs or therapeutic devices to the extent permitted by rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner of education and the commissioner of health.

NY LD890

An Act to Permit the Dispensing of Ivermectin Pursuant to a Standing Order upon Request for COVID-19, Flu and Cancer Patients

NY S08495

Provides that licensed pharmacists may administer certain vaccines where a non-patient specific order exists or immunizations are authorized by the commissioner of health and are recommended for use by the New York state immunization advisory council or are identified by the department of health as necessary to address public health emergencies, outbreaks, or chronic disease prevention.

NY A01407

Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer flu immunizations to persons nine years of age or older.

NY S03808

Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer flu immunizations to persons nine years of age or older.

NY S07025

Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.

NY A05152

Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.