Letter in support of Florida HB 159, Pharmacist Prescribing of HIV Prevention Medications
Gov. DeSantis:
My name is Chelsea Boyd; I conduct research about integrated harm reduction for the R Street Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization. Our mission is to engage in policy research and outreach to promote free markets and limited, effective government in many areas, including harm reduction and sexual health. This is why we are pleased that Florida has taken a step forward in expanding access to HIV infection prevention drugs by passing HB 159.
Decreasing HIV diagnoses requires a holistic approach that integrates communities and their leaders, healthcare providers, governing bodies, and individuals. Increasing access to medications that decrease the risk of acquiring HIV is one strategy that policymakers can influence directly. We commend the Florida legislature for giving pharmacists the opportunity to prescribe HIV infection prevention medications through collaborative practice agreements, and we hope this is only the beginning of the legislature’s work to expand access to these medications. Expanding pharmacists’ ability to prescribe autonomously and ensuring they can seek reimbursement from insurance providers for HIV prevention services will maximize the likelihood that pharmacists will begin offering these services.
HB 159 signals that Florida lawmakers acknowledge the need for greater access to HIV prevention medications and that pharmacists can help meet this need. Going forward, Florida has a chance to continue being a leader to other southern states in how to increase HIV prevention medication access.
Chelsea Boyd, M.S.
Research Fellow
R Street Institute