DELAWARE - A trip to the pharmacy could soon look different for Delaware patients.
Governor Matt Meyer recently signed a package of healthcare legislation aimed at expanding access to care, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and creating new pathways for future healthcare professionals.
The package includes Senate Bill 320, which expands the scope of practice for pharmacists; Senate Bill 283, which expands the services dental hygienists can provide; and House Joint Resolution 13, which directs a study of a healthcare apprenticeship degree program.
Supporters say the measures are designed to remove barriers that can prevent people from getting timely care — especially in areas where access to healthcare providers remains a challenge.
Pharmacists could take on a bigger role in patient care
At Atlantic Apothecary in Smyrna, owner and pharmacist Kevin Musto says pharmacists already serve as a familiar healthcare resource for many patients.
"The good news about this legislation, it actually provides access to pharmacists who can help navigate patients through their healthcare challenges," Musto said.
Under Senate Bill 320, pharmacists will have expanded authority to provide certain services, including prescribing some medications, ordering and interpreting certain tests, and providing treatment under specific guidelines.
The law also recognizes pharmacists as healthcare practitioners and establishes a new pharmacist scope of practice in Delaware.
Musto says the change could be especially meaningful for patients who do not have a primary care provider.
"We see them at least once a month, sometimes more than once a month," Musto said. "We get to have the opportunity to see them as they are experiencing challenges and maybe help them navigate."
He says pharmacies can help connect patients with additional resources while also addressing certain healthcare needs directly when appropriate.
"We're not trying to be medical homes," Musto said. "We would like to have the opportunity to provide patients access to healthcare who don't already have a medical home."
Technology helping pharmacists spend more time with patients
Inside Atlantic Apothecary, automation helps handle routine tasks like counting medications, allowing pharmacists to focus more on patient conversations.
Musto says technology is not replacing pharmacists — it is giving them more time to provide personalized care.
"We don't use it to replace our staff," he said. "We use it to better give tools for our staff so they can spend more quality time with patients."
He says those conversations can help patients better understand how to use their medications and avoid potential complications.
Dental hygienists will also have expanded responsibilities
Another part of the healthcare package focuses on dental care.
Senate Bill 283 expands the practice of dental hygiene, allowing dental hygienists to provide certain preventive services, including applying sealants and providing routine cleanings without a dentist examination beforehand, as long as the patient sees a dentist within 12 months.
The law also allows dental hygienists to provide assessments and treatment planning within their training and qualifications.
Supporters say expanding access to preventive dental care could help more Delawareans receive services earlier and reduce barriers to treatment.
Building Delaware's future healthcare workforce
The third measure, House Joint Resolution 13, directs a study of a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program.
The proposed program would explore ways for aspiring healthcare professionals to earn a degree while gaining paid clinical experience. The study will also look at how the program could help address long-term workforce needs, including in rural communities.
Together, state leaders say the three measures represent an effort to modernize healthcare practice laws while developing new ways to bring more healthcare professionals into the field.
For patients at places like Atlantic Apothecary, Musto says the goal is simple: making healthcare easier to access.
"The pharmacist is your health coach that helps navigate all these," Musto said. "It looks at what you're currently taking, what may be coming on new, and helps make sure we get the best outcome."
