Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed legislation that will allow pharmacists who have had special training to administer certain vaccines and immunizations without a doctor's prescription.
Planning a trip this winter to some exotic locale?
You'll be able to get the necessary vaccinations without going to your doctor.
Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed legislation that will allow pharmacists who have had special training to administer certain vaccines and immunizations without a doctor's prescription. The measure becomes law on Sept. 30.
The measure had initially generated opposition from some doctors who were concerned about whether pharmacists were qualified to decide what shots people need. There also were questions of possible allergic reactions.
But the final measure included a number of restrictions, including a limit on what kind of immunizations could be provided.
At this point, that list is limited to the vaccines the Centers for Disease Control recommends for adults. That includes influenza, certain types of hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and pneumonia.
Pharmacists also could administer those immunizations the CDC determines are necessary for certain international travel. That list is dependent on where the person is going.
The timing of the new law should coincide closely with the availability of the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine.
Mindy Rasmussen, director of the Arizona Pharmacy Alliance, said the new law will be particularly helpful for people who do not have health insurance and do not have regular family doctors to go to for prescriptions or shots.
The legislation does require pharmacists to notify a patient's family physician - if there is one - within 48 hours of any vaccines or immunizations administered. There also are record-keeping requirements.
Brewer also penned her approval to legislation expanding the ability of the owners of houses, condos and townhomes to display "for sale" signs.
A 2007 law overruled any regulations by homeowner associations that barred the display of these signs. This new law expands that to also cover any deed restrictions or contracts that have similar restrictions.
Any signs, however, have to conform with industry standards and be no larger than 18 by 24 inches.
The law does not apply to those trying to market their timeshares.
Other bills signed by Brewer on Friday include:
Repeal of a special commission that had the power to authorize state license plates for special groups;
Clarifying state law to say that drinking wine or beer in a public recreation area at a group event is not illegal when a special permit has been obtained;
Expanding the authority of the state mine inspector to delay requirements for sand and gravel operators to restore the land after they cease operations;
Imposing new regulations of labeling of "biodiesel" fuels;
Repealing a law, declared unconstitutional, that barred employees injured on the job from collecting workers' compensation benefits if they tested positive for drugs or alcohol.
