What SNF Administrators Need to Know About the Push to Recognize Pharmacists as Providers

Across the healthcare field, pharmacists are stepping into expanded clinical roles, and now there's a growing legislative push to formally recognize pharmacists as providers under Medicare. For skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrators, this shift carries significant implications, especially when it comes to reimbursement, staffing, and access to care for vulnerable residents.

At the center of this movement is the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act, which proposes federal recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers.

Understanding Pharmacist Provider Status

Pharmacist provider status refers to the formal recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers under Medicare Part B, similar to physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. 

While pharmacists are widely acknowledged for dispensing medications and offering guidance, they currently lack the authority to bill Medicare for clinical services under Part B, even though many already provide critical services like immunizations, testing, and chronic disease support. 

This gap in recognition means that pharmacists, especially those working in long term care, often deliver services without compensation. Achieving provider status would close this loophole, giving pharmacists the reimbursement pathway needed to sustainably offer and expand their clinical contributions.

What the ECAPS Act Proposes

Introduced in May 2025, the ECAPS Act would apply to pharmacists working within their state-defined scope of practice and, where applicable, under collaborative practice agreements (CPAs). 

Under ECAPS, pharmacists could bill for services including testing and treatment for common conditions like influenza, COVID‑19, RSV, and strep throat. Pharmacists would be able to bill for these services at 80% of the physician fee schedule rate.

In addition to covering direct care, the bill also acknowledges the operational costs associated with delivering care in long term care settings. For pharmacies serving SNFs, this includes:

• Staff travel to remote or rural facilities
• Training and education required for safe and effective care delivery
• Infection control compliance and documentation

By allowing reimbursement for both clinical services and the resources needed to deliver them, ECAPS could make pharmacist-led care more financially viable and more accessible for SNFs and the residents they serve.

Why This Matters to SNFs and Long Term Care Services

Pharmacists have become an integral part of the care team in skilled nursing settings. However, these services are typically provided without direct reimbursement. ECAPS would change that, ensuring that pharmacists can be compensated for the essential care they already deliver within long term care services.

For SNF administrators, the time to act is now. The future of skilled nursing care will likely include pharmacists at the provider table. Let’s ensure they have a seat and the support they deserve by educating your teams, strengthening partnerships, and preparing to adapt.

Our team is prepared to help SNFs navigate the transition, whether that means adjusting workflows, optimizing billing systems, or expanding the scope of pharmacist-led care. As the policy landscape evolves, Prime Care remains a committed partner in helping facilities adapt and thrive.

Reach out to our dedicated team to learn more about our services at primecareltc.com/contact