Doctor shortages are hurting rural patients; pharmacists can help bridge the healthcare gap

The article discusses the potential benefits of expanding pharmacists' roles to test and treat minor, protocol-driven conditions, especially in rural areas with healthcare shortages. It highlights that many patients face difficulties accessing timely care, and allowing pharmacists to handle common illnesses could reduce costs, improve access, and free up physicians for more complex cases. Examples from Virginia and Iowa demonstrate that such protocols are already effective and safe, suggesting that modernizing scope-of-practice laws could improve healthcare efficiency without compromising safety.

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