California Community Pharmacist Preparedness in Ordering and Interpreting Laboratory Tests

Abstract

Introduction The passage of Senate Bill 493 (SB 493) granted California pharmacists the ability to order and interpret lab tests without physician approval. Despite this legislation, not all pharmacists are aware of, or exercise, this authority. The goals of this study are to describe 1) pharmacists' willingness, 2) perceived factors influencing pharmacist preparedness, and 3) challenges and barriers to ordering laboratory tests in the community setting. Methods This is a prospective, descriptive survey study that was performed using online survey software from August 31, 2017, to October 4, 2017. An anonymous link was distributed to California pharmacists via California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) and California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) email newsletters. Additionally, targeted interviews of pharmacists were conducted by phone to qualitatively assess barriers as well as successful practices. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to initiating the study. Results Sixty-six pharmacist respondents completed the online survey. The reported two biggest barriers to ordering lab tests identified by community pharmacists were 1) lack of available time and 2) compensation structure. Despite these barriers, most pharmacists were willing to order and interpret laboratory tests and accept the liability, regardless of a reimbursement guarantee. Conclusions Community pharmacists self-report preparedness to order and interpret laboratory tests. Barriers in carrying out this task include lack of staff, resources, compensation, and reimbursement structure.