NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, and the Texas Pharmacy are all continuing to work with the Board of Pharmacy to urge Gov. Greg Abbott to allow all licensed pharmacies with CLIA-waivers to order and administer all FDA-authorized CLIA-waived tests that can detect COVID or the presence of antigens or antibodies produced in response to the virus.
Also in Texas... On May 15th, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following guidance to pharmacists when dispensing prescriptions for Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Mefloquine, or Azithromycin in compliance with Emergency Board Rule 291.30.
The rule does not prevent a physician from prescribing one of these drugs for an off-label use. Please note, the intended use for the drug is not required if the practitioner determines the furnishing of this information is not in the best interest of the patient in accordance with Board rule 291.34 (b)(7).
o The intent of Rule 291.30 is to prevent the stockpiling of the drugs and to ensure that reasonable quantities are available for ALL patients that require therapy with the drugs, including patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis.
o It was not the Board’s intent to hinder the use of the drugs on patients that are in need of drug therapy, but rather to prevent unreasonable quantities that would otherwise be representative of hoarding or stockpiling tactics.
o In addition, the Rule does not apply to a prescription issued for a patient already established on the medication (e.g., prescription to treat rheumatoid arthritis or lupus for already established patients).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.