On October 30, the Board of Pharmacy issued an order confirming the October 20 HHS guidance allowing Qualified Pharmacy Technician Childhood and COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and COVID-19 Testing. The Board also noted that there is no change to pharmacist prescriptive authority which currently allows pharmacists to vaccinate any age.
Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health held a webinar providing information on the state’s distribution plan and informing that all pharmacies and pharmacists must register as COVID vaccine providers. More information can be found here.
Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health is moving forward with the implementation of the Wholesale Drug Importation Bill, SB-1, that that the Governor signed into law earlier this year. A proposed rule would establish standards to ensure compliance with tracking and tracing requirements and prohibit the distribution, dispensing, and sale of imported drugs outside the state. The rule will be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services for federal approval. Comments are due by December 1, 2020, and a virtual hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2020.
Also in New Mexico. The Board of Pharmacy approved rules effective April 1, 2021, mandating the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.
Lastly in New Mexico. The COVID Vaccines Planning Group is asking pharmacists/pharmacies interested in administering COVID vaccines to complete a brief on-line survey by November 13, 2020, that will help evaluate pharmacies’ ability and interest in collaborating with the state in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. All pharmacies interested in becoming COVID-19 vaccine providers must enroll on the state’s portal. If you have questions, contact Courtney Lovato at courtney.lovato@state.nm.us. Please complete the survey by November 13, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.