On June 11, 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Executive Order (EO) N-08-21, rolling back the provisions of numerous Executive Orders previously issued in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Among these is the provision in paragraph 4 of EO N-55-20 that included the pharmacy waived delivery restriction that will expire June 30, 2021. Effective July 1, 2021, beneficiaries and clients, or their representatives, will need to sign for medications in person from their home or sign onsite at their provider location for all Department of Health Care Services programs. 

Also in California, as a reminder, the Remote Processing (BPC section 4071.1(a)) limited waiver will expire on June 30, 2021.  Note: although the waiver is expiring, persons or entities may request a site-specific waiver from the Board. 

Also in California, on June 11, 2021, the Department of Health issued theState Public Health Officer Order of June 11, 2021, mandating various requirements as of June 15, 2021. The order replaces theprevious pandemic public health orderswith limited requirements related to face coverings, mega events and child and youth environments. 

Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a letter to the Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee expressing opposition to AB 1533, the Board of Pharmacy sunset bill, unless it is amended to modify and clarify the provisions allowing the Board of Pharmacy to levy penalties of up to $1 million on chain pharmacies that would be excessive and disproportionate to the violations in question.  

Also in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved a proposal to add section 1747 to Title 16 of the Code of Regulations, regarding independent authority to furnish HIV Preexposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis and the order of adoption has been posted. The new regulation was effective June 8, 2021. 

Also in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved a proposal to add section 1717.5 in Article 2 of Division 17 of Title 16 of the Code of Regulations, regarding Automatic Refill Programs and the order of adoption has been posted. The new regulation is effective July 1, 2022. 

Lastly in California, the California Privacy Protection Agency Board, created by Proposition 24, held its first board meeting on June 14, 2021. The meeting focused on how to staff the agency as they organize it to get up and running. All board members agreed that a monthly meeting was necessary; however, no specific meeting date was provided.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.