Can Pharmacists Prescribe in Illinois? 2026 Scope of Practice Guide

Status Check: Illinois is a Yellow State. Current Authority Level: New Law Pending

If you are a pharmacist in Illinois, you are likely leaving revenue on the table—or practicing efficiently but dangerously.

The laws in Illinois are evolving rapidly. New legislation recently passed will significantly expand pharmacist authority. Whether you are looking to launch a "Test and Treat" clinic or prepare for upcoming contraception authority, you need to know exactly which protocol protects your license.

Here is the Breakdown of Pharmacist Prescribing Authority for Illinois.

At-A-Glance: What Can You Prescribe?

Clinical Service	Authority Status	Protocol / Requirement	Billing Code
Hormonal Contraception	✅ YES	Standing Order Pending	Pending
HIV PrEP/PEP	✅ YES	Consultation & Assessment	CPT 99202
Flu/Strep	⚠️ Conditional	Collaborative Practice	CPT 99211
Paxlovid (COVID-19)	✅ YES	Federal Authority	CPT 99212
Opioid Antagonist	✅ YES	Statewide Protocol	Product Only

---

1. Hormonal Contraception Authority (Coming 2026)

The Law: Illinois New Law - Effective January 2026

Illinois has passed legislation authorizing pharmacists to furnish hormonal contraception under a standing order model. This authority will become effective soon.

Preparing Now:

1. Complete training on contraceptive counseling and patient assessment.
2. Prepare workflow and documentation systems.
3. Update liability insurance to cover prescribing services.

⚠️ Timeline: Check with the Board for current implementation dates. Get ready now!

---

2. HIV PrEP/PEP Authority

The Law: Illinois HIV Prevention Protocol

Illinois pharmacists can furnish HIV PrEP and PEP after appropriate consultation and assessment.

Requirements:

1. Perform patient consultation and risk assessment.
2. Order or obtain baseline labs.
3. Document the clinical encounter and provide follow-up referrals.

Revenue Potential:

• Consult Fee: Bill CPT 99202 for the assessment.
• Product: Standard dispensing margin plus possible 340B savings.

---

3. Test & Treat (Flu / Strep)

The Status: Conditional

In Illinois, Test & Treat authority for flu and strep requires a Collaborative Practice Agreement with a physician.

What This Means:

• Partner with a local physician or health system.
• Establish a CPA that covers respiratory infections.
• Follow protocol for testing and treatment.

Rx Agent Tip: With 2026 changes coming, now is the time to build collaborative relationships for expanded practice.

---

4. How to Bill for Services in Illinois

It is not enough to do the work; you must get paid.

Medicaid Enrollment: To bill Illinois Medicaid for CPT codes (like 99202, 99211), you must enroll as an Ordering/Referring Provider.

• Portal Link: Illinois Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Commercial Payers: Most commercial plans in Illinois do not yet recognize pharmacists as independent providers. We recommend billing the patient a cash "Consult Fee" and providing a Superbill using the codes above.

---

Compliance Checklist for Illinois

Before you write your first prescription, ensure you have these documents on file:

• NPI Type 1: Do you have an individual NPI? (Type 2 is for the pharmacy).
• CPA (if applicable): Is your Collaborative Practice Agreement current?
• Liability Insurance: Does your policy cover "Prescribing" or just "Dispensing"?
• CLIA Waiver: Is your pharmacy registered as a laboratory?
• Training for 2026: Are you preparing for new contraception authority?

---

Need the Official Protocols?

Stop searching through the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation website.

Rx Agent has the official, up-to-date Protocols and Standing Orders for Illinois built right into the chat.

Ask Rx Agent:

"What training do I need for Illinois contraception upcoming authority changes?"

Sign Up for Early Access