PRESS RELEASE
April 26, 2024
Governor DeSantis Signs HIV-PEP Bill Sponsored by Rep.
Gallop Franklin
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s neighborhood pharmacists will join the battle
against HIV/AID after Gov. Ron DeSantis today signed CS/CS/HB 159 sponsored in
the Florida House by Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee).
The John W. Rheay Act, named in honor of Representative Dana Trabulsy’s (RFort Pierce) brother who died from AIDS, establishes a partnership of pharmacists
and physicians working collaboratively to save lives by providing people exposed to
HIV with emergency access to life-saving postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) therapy
from a neighborhood pharmacist.
“Florida has among the highest HIV infection rates in the country. With Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature today, Florida is taking a giant leap forward to put a check on the advance of HIV/AIDS in the Sunshine State,” said Representative Franklin. “With this new law on the books, we will enlist licensed pharmacists in the healthcare army, working collaboratively with physicians in a strong partnership to save lives by reducing the number of adults with HIV.”
The legislation, sponsored in the Florida Senate by Senator Alexis Calatayud (RMiami), passed the Florida House and Senate unanimously. The new law will allow a certified pharmacist to: Screen for HIV exposure; Order and dispense PEP medication to people exposed to HIV; and Advise people receiving PEP treatment to consult with their primary care physician.
The legislation, sponsored in the Florida Senate by Senator Alexis Calatayud (RMiami), passed the Florida House and Senate unanimously. The new law will allow a
certified pharmacist to:
Screen for HIV exposure;
Order and dispense PEP medication to people exposed to HIV; and
Advise people receiving PEP treatment to consult with their primary care
physician.
- Screen for HIV exposure;
- Order and dispense PEP medication to people exposed to HIV;
- Advise people receiving PEP treatment to consult with their primary care
physician.
The new law takes effect July 1, 2024
Source: FOR_IMMEDIATE_RELEASE_Governor_DeSantis_Signs_HIV-PEP_Bill_Sponsored_by_Rep_Gallop_Franklin.pdf
Contact:
Ryan Banfill
District Aide to Rep. Gallop Franklin
Florida House of Representatives District 8
The Capitol, Room 1001
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300
(office) 850-717-5008
(E-mail) Ryan.Banfill@myfloridahouse.gov
Source: Florida House of Representatives www.myfloridahouse.gov
"Reproduced with permission - Florida House of Representatives "
Florida House of Representatives
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