NACDS today hailed the enactment of California Assembly Bill (AB) 317 — legislation led by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D) that will help improve patient access to essential healthcare services provided by pharmacists and pharmacies across the state. The measure was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).
Specifically, AB 317 will help ensure health plan coverage of the myriad pharmacy-based services that Californians rely on and expect — including immunizations and testing and screening services to combat influenza, COVID-19 and other health conditions.
“NACDS commends Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assemblymember Akilah Weber, the California Pharmacists Association and the California State Legislature for their strong leadership in advancing legislation that greatly helps to increase patient access to the vital healthcare services provided by pharmacists and their teams,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “This new law will go a long way in supporting pharmacists and pharmacies as they work to deliver the quality and convenient healthcare services that Californians deserve.”
Pharmacies remain critical access points to needed care — existing within five miles of 90 percent of Americans. A recent poll commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Morning Consult found that 87% of Californians say it is very or somewhat easy to access pharmacies, ranking their accessibility the highest among healthcare destinations tested.
