AOA joins opposition of Pharmacist Scope Expansion Bill

The AOA joined over 80 physician organizations in opposing S. 2426, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. The bill would permit pharmacists to diagnose and treat conditions such as flu, COVID-19, RSV and strep throat.

The letter stated that this proposal:

Expands beyond pharmacists’ training and expertise
Risks misdiagnosis by substituting a test result for a full evaluation
Undermines physician-led team-based care

While pharmacists are key partners in medication management, they lack the 12,000–16,000 hours of training physicians complete. The coalition urged Congress to safeguard patient safety by rejecting ECAPS. The AOA will continue to monitor this bill and take additional action if necessary.