Florida is experiencing a worrisome shortage of pharmacy providers, putting countless residents at risk. Despite the state’s rapidly growing population, the number of professionals capable of providing pharmaceutical care can’t keep up. Since 2019, Florida has gained over 1 million new residents – but just 1,500 new pharmacists. This is especially alarming for people living in smaller and remote communities, who face continued challenges accessing the medications they need to stay well.
This critical pharmacist shortage is creating a significant barrier to care — and could become a public health crisis at any moment.
It’s up to the Florida Legislature to take steps to improve patient access, enhance efficiency, and ensure that essential medications reach those who need them.
The solution to this potential public health crisis is for Florida lawmakers to implement a hybrid model for pharmacy care — one in which pharmacists can address increased patient needs in the stores where they work, while also dispensing medications remotely. This model is already being used in most states across the country.
A remote dispensing model would enable pharmacists to supervise technicians, verify prescriptions, and counsel patients remotely – without needing to actually be on premise. This approach provides greater access and convenience for customers while empowering pharmacists to support multiple stores.
Here’s what the process of fulfilling prescriptions looks like now … and what it could look like under a remote dispensing model:
What the Fulfillment Process Looks Like Right Now
Prescription sale is initiated at a retail pharmacy
Prescription is entered
Registered pharmacist completes data & clinical review
Pharmacy staff fills the prescription
Registered pharmacist completes product review
Patient arrives to pick up prescription
Patient is offered consultation in-store
Patient pays for the prescription
Here's What it Would Look Like Under Remote Supervision
Prescription sale is initiated at a retail pharmacy
Prescription is entered
Registered pharmacist completes data & clinical review remotely
A trained technician fills the prescription, takes photographs of filled prescription, and sends to remote pharmacist.
Pharmacist verifies prescription using photos
Patient arrives to pick up prescription
Patient is offered consultation via video live-stream with the remote the pharmacist
Patient pays for the prescription
Florida lawmakers are taking bold action to enhance access to pharmacy care in Florida. Senator Jay Collins filed SB 444 and Rep. Spencer Roach filed HB 493, proposing the remote-dispensing system in which each “offsite” pharmacist would be able to remotely supervise up to six pharmacy technicians. The pharmacists would have to be employed or under contract with pharmacies in Florida.
This bill is a critical step in ensuring continued access to care for residents of the Sunshine State, promising real relief — and an improved system — for both patients and pharmacists alike.