Texas Pharmacists Can Now Administer Epinephrine in Emergencies

Texas regulations that went into effect January 1, 2016 allow pharmacists to administer epinephrine through an auto-injector to a patient in an emergency situation. The pharmacist must report the use of epinephrine to the patient’s primary care physician and the physician must be notified within 72 hours, indicates the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, the pharmacist is required to ensure that 911 is called and the patient is evaluated by emergency personnel. Further, the required notification must be recorded and maintained by the pharmacy for at least two years. The bill requiring the regulations was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2015.