Pharmacy-Based Point-of-Care Testing: How a “Standard of Care” Approach Can Facilitate Sustainability
Alex J. Adams, Donald G. Klepser, Michael E. Klepser, Jennifer Adams
Abstract
COVID-19 spurred rapid expansion of pharmacy-based point-of-care testing (POCT). This growth was aided, in part, by federal guidance that removed state-level regulatory uncertainty surrounding the ability of pharmacists to administer, interpret, and act on the results of tests. Surveys suggest there is considerable confusion about the legality of these services by state regulators. To ensure the sustainability of POCT services over time, states should consider adopting a standard of care approach to regulation, allowing a flexible framework for practice innovation and expansion over time.
Topics & Concepts
Point-of-care testingPrinciple of legalityPharmacySustainabilityConfusionPoint of careCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Health careBusinessMedicineNursingPsychologyPolitical scienceLawImmunologyEcologyPsychoanalysisDiseasePathologyBiologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient OutcomesHealth Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of LifeSafe Handling of Antineoplastic Drugs