Georgia Pharmacists Could Soon Prescribe HIV Prevention

A bill progressing through the Georgia General Assembly, Senate Bill 195, could significantly alter how residents access HIV prevention medication. This legislation proposes to permit trained pharmacists to prescribe PrEP, a daily regimen proven effective in preventing HIV. Currently, patients must consult a physician to initiate this treatment. Proponents argue that enabling pharmacists to prescribe PrEP would dismantle a key obstacle to care, which is especially critical given that metro Atlanta is among the U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses.

Supporters of the bill highlight that expanding prescribing authority to pharmacists could improve access, particularly for individuals in rural areas with limited physician availability. For PrEP to be prescribed, patients must test HIV negative and undergo regular three-month lab work to monitor kidney function and confirm continued HIV negativity. Lawmakers emphasize that these monitoring requirements would remain unchanged under the proposed legislation, with patients still referred to providers for ongoing care and lab tests. However, some express concerns that these regular lab visits could still pose a challenge for certain individuals.

The bill has gained traction, having passed the Georgia House. It is now returning to the Georgia Senate for further consideration. If it successfully passes both chambers, it will proceed to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for potential enactment. Advocates believe that easier access to PrEP could contribute to reducing new infections and lessening the stigma associated with HIV prevention and care.