Download This PaperReforming the Practice of Pharmacy: Observations from Idaho
Mercatus Research Paper
20 Pages Posted: 5 May 2020
Date Written: April 2020
Abstract
Owing to a series of incremental legislative and regulatory changes in recent years, the practice of pharmacy in Idaho, particularly with respect to pharmacists’ prescribing authority, has expanded far beyond what is permitted in any other state. This paper reviews the recent history of Idaho’s reforms, surveys academic literature looking at similar reforms that have occurred in other jurisdictions, and addresses concerns raised by some opponents of Idaho’s reforms. All told, the results of liberalization have been almost entirely positive in Idaho, as demonstrated by a clear increase in access for patients, a lack of any obvious increases in risk, and an improved business climate. Consequently, Idaho’s reforms offer a roadmap for states interested in pursuing a model of “permissionless innovation” for pharmacists.
Keywords: pharmacists, scope of practice, prescribing authority, regulation, Idaho, permissionless innovation
JEL Classification: H75, I18, I11, K23
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