Under a statewide protocol approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists may test for and start treatment for flu, strep throat, COVID-19 and certain public health threats without a doctor's oversight, and may start and dispense HIV prevention medication, subject to safety, consent, notice and recordkeeping rules.
Official title: independent testing; treatment; pharmacists
- September 12, 2026
- Within 60 days after the law takes effect: Deadline to appoint all advisory committee members
What changes
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NowUnder a statewide written protocol approved by the Board of Pharmacy, a pharmacist may order, perform and interpret federally approved, CLIA-waived tests (generally, simple lab tests approved for use outside full labs). The pharmacist may start treatment for flu, strep throat, COVID-19 or other coronavirus respiratory illness, or a condition tied to a public health threat identified by the Department of Health Services for which a statewide standing order, rule or executive order is issued. Treatment is only for eligible people at least 12 years old, or the age the treatment is authorized for if older, whose test results show a need for it.
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NowUnder a board-approved statewide written protocol, a licensed pharmacist may start and dispense HIV prevention medicine. This includes up to a 30-day supply of PrEP (taken before exposure), after a negative HIV test and a health check. It also includes a full 28-day course of PEP (taken after exposure) if the patient comes in within 72 hours of a possible exposure. The pharmacist must give counseling and a written referral for follow-up care, and must notify the patient's primary care provider if the patient consents.
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NowFor flu, strep, COVID and public health threat testing and treatment: a pharmacist may not test or treat a minor without written consent from a parent or guardian, and may never start opioid treatment on their own. The pharmacist must notify the patient's identified primary care provider within 72 hours of starting treatment and within 48 hours of any adverse reaction reported to or seen by the pharmacist. The pharmacist must keep records for at least 7 years and must refer or recommend follow-up with a primary care provider if a patient with symptoms is not eligible or does not respond to treatment.
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NowPharmacies offering this testing and treatment must provide a private area. They must post a notice, and put it in consent paperwork, saying the service is done by a pharmacist without a physician's consultation or oversight and that patients should see a primary care provider if symptoms continue. Pharmacists offering it must carry professional liability insurance. Pharmacists are not required to offer these services, and an employer may not overrule a pharmacist's decision not to provide them.
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NowThe Board of Pharmacy must create an unpaid advisory committee of pharmacists, physicians, a nurse practitioner and a patient advocate to help write the protocols. The committee must review the protocols every year and update them when necessary. The board must post the protocols on its public website and send them to the legislature's health committee chairs.
Who it affects
- Patients age 12 and older (or older if a treatment requires) seeking testing or treatment for flu, strep throat, COVID-19 or certain public health threats
- Parents and guardians of minors
- People seeking HIV prevention medication (PrEP or PEP)
- Pharmacists and licensed pharmacy staff
- Pharmacies
- Primary care providers
- Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
- Arizona Medical Board, Board of Osteopathic Examiners, State Board of Nursing and the governor (committee appointments)
What you need to do
Nothing. Patients may choose to use these pharmacy services. A parent or guardian must give written consent before a pharmacist tests or treats a minor for flu, strep, COVID or a listed public health threat. Pharmacists who choose to offer the services must follow the board's protocol and carry professional liability insurance.
What the law doesn't answer
- When the Board of Pharmacy will approve the statewide protocols, so when pharmacists can actually begin offering these services
- Whether health insurance or AHCCCS must cover these pharmacy services, or what they will cost patients
- What pharmacist training and certification will be required
- Whether the written parental consent rule and the age 12 minimum also apply to HIV prevention medication
- Penalties for pharmacists or pharmacies that do not follow these rules
- How much professional liability insurance a pharmacist must carry
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.