Expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases.

SB 5513 allows pharmacists in Washington to prescribe certain medications and devices to improve patient access to care, particularly for chronic diseases and behavioral health conditions. This expands pharmacists' current authority beyond dispensing drugs, enabling them to directly prescribe within their expertise. The bill directly affects pharmacists, patients in rural and underserved communities facing provider shortages, and healthcare systems seeking to address gaps in care. Key provisions include amending state laws to define pharmacists' new prescribing powers and align with their education and training, aiming to reduce barriers to treatment without requiring additional physician visits.