Warren County’s two state Senators are backing legislation to allow pharmacists to bill for COVID-19 antigen testing.

Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Erie/Mercer/Warren, is the sponsor of S.1057, which seeks to provide additional access to COVID-19 testing and treatment through pharmacists. The legislation is co-sponsored by several Republican senators, including Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warren. Also joining as a co-sponsor is Sen. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Delaware/Montgomery, Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery; and Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny.

State residents tested for COVID-19 in a health care facility can have their COVID test billed through their insurance company, but those testing through a pharmacy have to pay out-of-pocket.

“Once again, our licensed pharmacists have been underutilized in the distribution process of both testing and the administration of monoclonal antibody therapies,” Brooks wrote in her legislative memorandum. “Many of our hospitals are overrun by patients and too understaffed to provide COVID-19 treatments for those that are eligible. This, partnered with limited access to testing, is quickly waning the days of eligibility for treatment that has been proven to not only significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalizations but to save lives.”

Brooks proposes a temporary waiver that allows licensed pharmacies to be reimbursed for medical billing to administer antigen tests for six months following the end of the federal COVID-19 emergency declaration or Dec. 31, whichever is later. Brooks said the legislation will also allow any licensed pharmacist certified to administer injectables to have the authority to administer subcutaneous antibody therapies to treat COVID-19. Subcutaneous antibody therapies are for individuals at risk of significant reactions (hospitalization, severe illness, or death) after testing positive for COVID-19 and would require physician authorization to administer them in accordance with state and federal prioritization guidelines, until the therapies are more broadly available. Unlike other monoclonal therapies, subcutaneous antibodies are administered through an injection under the skin. Brooks cited early research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and UPMC showing injections are equally effective compared to other antibody therapies that are administered through intravenous infusions.

“As the surge continues and staffing shortages are at an all-time high, we should be relying on other medical professionals to assist in providing these treatments,” she wrote. “Injections are much faster than infusions and result in a quicker experience for both patients and health care staff. With provider status, pharmacists will be able to bill for this administration, as well. This mirrors recent efforts undertaken by states like Minnesota to ensure greater access and availability of these treatments.”

The legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which Brooks chairs,and has advanced for consideration by the full Senate.