Pharmacists have long collaborated with physicians and other prescribers to provide immunization services via protocol, and more recently, with physicians to initiate the dispensing of naloxone under protocol. In 2017, the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy promulgated regulation 201 KAR 2:380, Board authorized protocols. This regulation established procedures by which pharmacists, acting under the direction of a prescriber, can provide mutually agreed-upon services as outlined in a specific care protocol. With implementation of this regulation, the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy is able to review and approve protocols for a list of authorized conditions. Approved protocols can be found on the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy website.
Per the regulation, prior to implementing protocol-driven care for an authorized condition, pharmacists must first receive education and training in the content of the protocol.
The Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice at the UK College of Pharmacy has developed CE programs designed to assist pharmacists in implementing protocol-driven care.