“Test and Treat” is the term given to a new law signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 19, 2021. This newly signed legislation (SF 296) will allow patients six years and older to enter their local pharmacy and receive testing to determine whether they have the flu, strep, or COVID-19. Within the same visit, they will be able to immediately receive treatment following a positive test.

This law expands the services pharmacists are able to provide while at the same time expands access to healthcare for all Iowans. All of Iowa’s 99 counties have local pharmacies, but not all have the same access to health care facilities.

PharmD student Brittany Nguyen witnessed Governor Reynolds as she signed the bill into legislation on May 19. Nguyen was on her Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) rotation with Iowa State Representative John Forbes, also a pharmacist, at the time of the bill signing. Forbes invited her to the Iowa State Capitol to observe Iowa policy in-the-making. 

“It is inspiring to learn how much of an impact this bill will have on pharmacists and citizens of Iowa. I was thrilled to be part of the bill signing,” said Nguyen.

Forbes and Iowa State Senator Tom Green, also a pharmacist, were involved in the writing of the bill for the past several years. 

The law will become effective on July 1. Patients can expect to see these expanded services later this fall once the Iowa Board of Pharmacy is able to finalize guidelines implementing the legislation.