Provider Status
As West Virginia continues to face significant healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas, recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers is vital to enhancing access to quality care. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, equipped to deliver a range of clinical services that can alleviate the burden on overextended primary care providers.
In 2025, the West Virginia Legislature advanced the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act, allowing pharmacists to prescribe low-risk medications for minor, self-limiting conditions without requiring a new diagnosis. This legislation empowers pharmacists to utilize their full training, improving healthcare access and efficiency across the state.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 787, enacted in 2020, mandates that health plans reimburse pharmacists for services within their scope of practice, ensuring that patients receive equitable care regardless of the provider.
These legislative actions reflect a growing recognition of the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. By formally acknowledging pharmacists as healthcare providers, West Virginia can enhance patient care, reduce healthcare costs, and address provider shortages, particularly in rural communities.
Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAP) Act
WV Pharmacists Association supports legislation strengthening pharmacists' and their staff's roles in patient healthcare. West Virginia is proud to have one of the most substantial Provider Status bills, and we continue to support steps, such as H.R. 3164, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS), which continue to allow pharmacists to provide essential services to improve a patient’s health. See our official statement delivered to our U.S. Congresspersons.
ECAPS, originally introduced by WV Representative David McKinley, is back on the federal government's radar, and we continue to support this initiative to allow pharmacists to practice at the full scope of their abilities for the benefit of West Virginians.