Connecticut Pharmacists Now Able to Provide COVID-19 Tests

A executive order issued on May 7 by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont provides licensed pharmacists in Connecticut with the authority to order and administer tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).¹

Connecticut pharmacists may provide end-to-end COVID-19 testing utilizing testing systems authorized under Executive Order No. 7KK, including certain serology tests that do not require venipuncture.¹

This authority is in line with the administration’s focus on COVID-19 testing, as Connecticut moves towards easing state restrictions. The new order took effect immediately, according to the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA).¹

“Over the past several weeks, CPA has been working with the State of Connecticut to make this authorization a reality, and we are very excited to see pharmacists be granted this authority,” said Nathan Tinker, CEO of the CPA, in a press release. “As the state of Connecticut prepares to slowly re-open, testing will be paramount. Pharmacists now have the opportunity to provide broad access to COVID-19 testing to the communities they serve.”¹

In an effort to support pharmacists to provide this service, the CPA has developed a training module entitled, “Pharmacist-Directed COVID-19 Testing Training Program,” which will launch early next week, according to the press release.¹

“This is a comprehensive training program that will provide pharmacists the tools they need to provide COVID-19 tests safely and effectively,” added Tinker in the press release. “Pharmacists will not only get a deep dive into the different types of testing, but also a better understanding of how to assess a patient’s need for testing.”¹

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) chairman of the board Richard Ashworth and president of Walgreens shared his input on the changes at a recent White House briefing.

“Pharmacy is right here in it with everyone, together in the community, and we look forward to being part of the testing like we are now; serology, whatever that might look like in the future; and eventually treatment when the vaccine does come,” Ashworth said.²

REFERENCES

• Connecticut pharmacists can now provide COVID-19 testing [news release]. Rocky Hill, CT; CT Pharmacists: May 8, 2020 [email]. Accessed May 8, 2020.
• Pharmacy front and center at White House, front and center in service to nation with other healthcare heroes. NACDS. https://www.nacds.org/news/pharmacy-front-and-center-at-white-house-front-and-center-in-service-to-nation-with-other-healthcare-heroes/. Published April 28, 2020. Accessed May 8, 2020.