The PLFSS 2024 was approved in first reading by the National Assembly after 49.3 and the rejection of the motion of censure by La France Insoumise (LFI-Nupes). Article 25 provides that pharmacists can “dispense certain medicines without a prescription after carrying out a test”. The list of the medicinal products concerned, the associated indications, the orientation diagnostic tests to be carried out and the results to be obtained for the dispensing of these medicinal products are drawn up on the order and after advice of the High Authority for Health (HAS) and the National Safety Authority. Medicines and Healthcare Products (ANSM).
First of all, the first opinions must relate to the situation of people who come to the pharmacy because of odynophagia or burning sensation when urinating. They must be returned before February 1, 2024, the article states.
Conventional negotiations are still pending
In particular, the reimbursement for these new procedures is not negotiated as part of the drug agreement. In fact, an amendment tabled and adopted by the deputies of the Renaissance group proposes that “until new conventional agreements between health insurance and representatives of pharmacists come into force, the ministers responsible for health and social security, on the proposal of the…” The Director General of the National Association of health insurance funds determines by joint decree the pricing of services provided by pharmacists.
“This change aims to accelerate the entry into force of the dispensing of antibiotics by the pharmacist following a positive test certifying bacterial angina or cystitis in women, pending implementation through traditional provisions,” the summary presentation says. As a reminder, the health insurance company has not yet proposed a date to the unions for starting negotiations on the economic amendment to the drug agreement.