Pharmacists Authorized to Order Vaccinations for Ages 3+
Summary
Maryland SB773 authorizes pharmacists to order certain vaccinations for individuals age 3 and older without being required to administer the vaccination themselves. The bill passed the Senate 33-12 on March 12, 2026, and the House on April 1, 2026, with favorable amendments. This expands pharmacist scope of practice in Maryland, removing the prior co-administration requirement.
What changed
Maryland enacted SB773, amending the Health Occupations article to authorize pharmacists to independently order specific vaccinations for patients aged 3 and older. The bill passed the Senate on third reading (33-12) and received favorable House amendments adopted April 1, 2026. Previously, pharmacists could only administer vaccines under a physician order or collaborative agreement; this law separates the ordering authority from administration.
Pharmacies and pharmacists in Maryland should update protocols to reflect expanded vaccination ordering authority. Staff training on the new scope and updated record-keeping procedures may be needed. The bill's subjects include Health Occupations, Immunization, and Pharmacists and Pharmacies. No specific implementation deadline or penalties are stated in the bill text.
What to do next
- Update pharmacy vaccination protocols to reflect expanded pharmacist ordering authority for patients age 3+
- Train pharmacists and pharmacy staff on new ordering procedures and documentation requirements
- Review standing order policies to align with amended pharmacist scope of practice
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Maryland / SB773 Passed SB773 Senate Bill Passed 2026-03-12
Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders
Authorizing a pharmacist to order certain vaccinations for individuals who are at least 3 years old without having to also administer the vaccination.
Bill Details
State Maryland
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber Senate
Official Source mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation...
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Sponsors
Malcolm Augustine (Sen - D)
Action History
2026-04-01 H Second Reading Passed with Amendments 2026-04-01 H Favorable with Amendments {553820/1 Adopted 2026-04-01 H Favorable with Amendments Report by Health 2026-03-17 H Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m. 2026-03-13 H Referred Health 2026-03-12 S Third Reading Passed (33-12) 2026-03-10 S Second Reading Passed 2026-03-10 S Favorable Adopted 2026-03-09 S Favorable Report by Finance 2026-02-12 S Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m. 2026-02-06 S First Reading Finance
Votes
2026-03-12 Third Reading Passed Yea: 33 Nay: 12
Committee Referrals
2026-02-06 S Finance 2026-03-13 H Health
Amendments
2026-04-01 Favorable with Amendments 553820/1 Adopted Adopted
Bill Text Versions
2026-02-10 Introduced 2026-03-10 Engrossed
Subjects
Health Occupations Caregivers Children (4-12) Immunization Pharmacists and Pharmacies Records Youth (10-21) Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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