Nevada bill gives registered pharmacists opportunity to detect diabetes

LAS VEGAS Senate Bill 72 was passed by Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons this week giving in-state registered pharmacists the right to perform more medical practices in helping to detect diabetes.

Until now, Nevada was one of three states that severely limited trained pharmacist capabilities, Modern Medicine reported.

According to Renee Coffman, dean of the University of Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy, Gibbons’ act was an admirable one since the sooner individuals are diagnosed and treated, the better chance they have at avoiding serious health problems associated with the illness, including heart disease and stroke.

Approximately 8.2% of the Nevada population has been diagnosed with diabetes, placing Nevada above the national average, according to Chris Moore of the Adult Diabetes Education and Management Support Group.