Pharmacists Independent Prescribing Authority

In specific instances, pharmacists in CO have independent prescriptive authority. Much of this was established in the Pharmacy Practice Sunset bill (SB21-094). Pharmacists should only practice commensurate with clear education and training in this category.  The following are allowed instances of independent prescriptive authority by pharmacists in Colorado: 

• Medicaid OTC medications – See “Covered Pharmacist Services: Prescribing OTCs” Pharmacist Services Billing Manual | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
• Medicaid prescribing of Paxlovid () (source: See “Covered Pharmacist Services: Prescribing of Paxlovid” Pharmacist Services Billing Manual | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
• Statewide Protocols (SWPs) State Board of Pharmacy: Laws and Rules | Division of Professions and Occupations (colorado.gov)
1. Hormonal Contraception
2. Smoking Cessation
3. HIV PrEP/PEP
4. Statin Therapy
• Naloxone (in addition to the option of using the statewide standing order) (source: 12-280-103 (39))
• Medications for conditions that don’t require a new diagnosis (source: 12-280-103 (39))
• Medications for conditions that are minor/self-limiting (source: 12-280-103 (39)) (source: 12-280-103 (39))
• Medications for conditions that have a CLIA-waived diagnostic test. (source: 12-280-103 (39))