State Senate Advances Legislation to Protect Access to Vaccinations, Uphold Vaccine Efficacy Standards

Authorizing Registered Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations: This bill, S.7025B, sponsored by Senator Cooney, would authorize registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists while under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Requiring Coverage of COVID-19 and Other Established Vaccinations: This bill, S.8334A, sponsored by Senator Gounardes, would require commercial insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccinations, and would require Medicaid to cover the same and other established vaccinations.

Broadening Immunization Recommendations and Coverage: This bill, S.8496C, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would authorize health care practitioners to order and administer immunizations recommended not only by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), but also by independent, state, or interstate entities. Furthermore, it would require state-regulated insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by these entities.

Ensuring Sound Childhood Immunization Practices: This bill, S.8853, sponsored by Senator Mayer, would call for children's vaccine requirements to conform to regulations issued by the state Commissioner of Health, which regulations must be based on generally accepted medical standards and recommendations.

Permitting Nursing Students to Administer Certain Vaccines: This bill, S.5706A, sponsored by Senator Skoufis, would permit nursing students to administer certain vaccines, and would permit physicians and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order nursing students to administer certain vaccines.

Requiring the Reimbursement of Vaccination Expenses: This bill, S.5852, sponsored by Senator Skoufis, would require insurance companies to reimburse total direct and indirect practice expenses associated with vaccinations, in order for health care providers to more affordably administer vaccines.

Authorizing Medical Assistants to Administer Vaccinations: This bill, S.5340B, sponsored by Senator Stavisky, would authorize and train medical assistants to administer immunizations under the direct supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.