Delaware News

Auditor McGuiness: Time is Now to Secure Provider Status for Delaware’s Pharmacists

Auditor of Accounts | Delaware Health and Social Services | Former Auditor of Accounts - Kathy McGuiness | Date Posted: Tuesday, January 18, 2022



DOVER, Del. – State Auditor Kathy McGuiness today released a new special report that reviews federal and state legislation concerning pharmacists’ provider status and shows that Delaware is one of only 13 states yet to pass reimbursement and provider status legislation.

“Pharmacists have been long on the frontlines of healthcare, which has become more obvious since the pandemic,” said McGuiness, who is a licensed immunizing pharmacist and small-business owner. “And despite widespread support, pharmacies across the country are affected by antiquated models that ask pharmacists to do more with less.”

McGuiness’ new special report, “Strengthening our Frontlines,” looks at current physician shortages and existing problems with access to care within the First State. At the beginning of the COVID-19 state of emergency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expanded the scope of authority for licensed pharmacists to order and administer select COVID-19 treatments, such as oral anti-viral medications.

“Pharmacists work alongside fellow healthcare heroes to develop protocols, administer vaccinations, establish and operate testing clinics, and provide curbside delivery for pre-pandemic health maintenance,” McGuiness said. “It is time for Delaware’s General Assembly to institute lasting changes to pharmacists’ scope of authority.”

Read the new special report, “Strengthening our Frontlines: Securing Provider Status for Delaware’s Pharmacists,” here.

About the Delaware State Auditor

The Delaware State Auditor serves Delawareans by providing independent objective oversight of the state government’s use of taxpayer dollars with the goal of deterring fraud, waste and abuse through unbiased assessments, including the use of various audits, special reports, and investigations of financial operations designed to ensure statutory compliance while enhancing governmental economy, efficiency and effectiveness. For more information, visit the website, and connect with the office on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. 

###

Contact:       

Anna Nuzzolese, Executive Assistant

302-857-3907

Anna.Nuzzolese@delaware.gov

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.

Auditor McGuiness: Time is Now to Secure Provider Status for Delaware’s Pharmacists

Auditor of Accounts | Delaware Health and Social Services | Former Auditor of Accounts - Kathy McGuiness | Date Posted: Tuesday, January 18, 2022



DOVER, Del. – State Auditor Kathy McGuiness today released a new special report that reviews federal and state legislation concerning pharmacists’ provider status and shows that Delaware is one of only 13 states yet to pass reimbursement and provider status legislation.

“Pharmacists have been long on the frontlines of healthcare, which has become more obvious since the pandemic,” said McGuiness, who is a licensed immunizing pharmacist and small-business owner. “And despite widespread support, pharmacies across the country are affected by antiquated models that ask pharmacists to do more with less.”

McGuiness’ new special report, “Strengthening our Frontlines,” looks at current physician shortages and existing problems with access to care within the First State. At the beginning of the COVID-19 state of emergency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expanded the scope of authority for licensed pharmacists to order and administer select COVID-19 treatments, such as oral anti-viral medications.

“Pharmacists work alongside fellow healthcare heroes to develop protocols, administer vaccinations, establish and operate testing clinics, and provide curbside delivery for pre-pandemic health maintenance,” McGuiness said. “It is time for Delaware’s General Assembly to institute lasting changes to pharmacists’ scope of authority.”

Read the new special report, “Strengthening our Frontlines: Securing Provider Status for Delaware’s Pharmacists,” here.

About the Delaware State Auditor

The Delaware State Auditor serves Delawareans by providing independent objective oversight of the state government’s use of taxpayer dollars with the goal of deterring fraud, waste and abuse through unbiased assessments, including the use of various audits, special reports, and investigations of financial operations designed to ensure statutory compliance while enhancing governmental economy, efficiency and effectiveness. For more information, visit the website, and connect with the office on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. 

###

Contact:       

Anna Nuzzolese, Executive Assistant

302-857-3907

Anna.Nuzzolese@delaware.gov

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.