In response to a request by chain pharmacies, on July 23 the Board of Pharmacy discussed allowing pharmacy technicians to administer vaccinations to help meet the anticipated public demand for influenza vaccinations this fall, and COVID vaccinations when they are available. NACDS submitted a support letter in advance of the meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Governor Cooper announced this week that North Carolina will continue to stay paused in the “Safer at Home Phase 2”. As a part of this initiative, the Governor’s executive order expired Friday, July 17, and has been extended for three weeks until Friday, August 7, 2020.
Also in North Carolina. The Board of Pharmacy published a temporary rule that amends regulations under 21 NCAC 46 to establish a list of restricted drugs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule also establishes that pharmacists can fill the prescription drugs on the list only if the prescription bears a written diagnosis from the prescriber consistent with the evidence for its use. This Rule does not apply to prescriptions for a Restricted Drug for a patient previously established on that Restricted Drug on or before March 10, 2020. The rule is effective June 26 and expires on March 23, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Insurance Department published a notice to announce an update to Insurance Bulletin LH 2020-02, dated March 17 and April 29, directing health insurers to take certain actions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. The bulletin was rescinded June 30, except for specified provisions regarding telehealth/telemedicine services, electronic signatures, timeframes for utilization review, accesses to diagnosis and treatment without preauthorization requirements, waiver of cost-sharing requirements, extended grace periods, and reasonable measures to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
An Emergency Rule issued on March 20 limiting the dispensing of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and other similar drugs expired on July 17. The Board of Pharmacy does not intend to reissue this emergency rule as it was only meant to prevent the stockpiling of the drugs and to ensure that reasonable quantities were available for all patients that require therapy with the drugs, including patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The expired language can be found here and guidance issued during the rule’s effective dates here.
Also in Texas. NACDS participated in the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Council virtual meeting on July 20. The PMP vendor Appriss provided data on the number of users, queries, integration, and recent enhancements to the system.
Also in Texas. To stay connected with legislators, NACDS, along with our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, and chain pharmacists from HEB and Brookshire met virtually with Brenham State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and her staff. During the meeting, discussions focused on several priority issues, including pharmacy staffing, COVID testing, and expanding access to all FDA-authorized immunizations to anyone 7 years and older without a prescription but under a protocol.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy has released a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-30 to clarify disciplinary guidelines, the range of penalties, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances for pharmacy professionals. Comments will be accepted but a due date is not specified.
Also in Florida. The Board of Pharmacy released a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-27 to clarify standards for the supervision of pharmacy technicians, including supervising pharmacist responsibilities and requirements for delegation. Comments will be accepted but a due date is not specified.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Culminating several years of effort by NACDS and the Michigan Retailers Association, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed into law e-prescribing legislation (HB 4217, SB 248, and SB 254) as Public Acts 134-136 of 2020. The law applies to all drugs, not just controlled substances, and will become effective on October 1, 2021.
Also in Michigan. The broad regulatory waivers afforded to pharmacists and pharmacies under Executive Order 2020-126 were drastically reduced with Executive Order 2020-152, effective on July 15. The following flexibilities are no longer in effect:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Division of Medicaid issued a final rule that amends regulations under Title 23, Part 209, Chapters 1 and 2, to clarify requirements for beneficiary signatures for durable medical equipment and/or medical supplies delivered during a national or statewide emergency. During a national or statewide emergency, a signature is not required and the provider must document the emergency and confirmation of delivery by an alternate means including, but not limited to: (1) telephone, (2) text message, or (3) other electronic communication. The rule is effective on August 1, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy will host a “Lunch with the Chief Inspector” webinar on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 12 pm CST, featuring MOHealthNet Director of Pharmacy Josh Moore, PharmD.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPA) is looking for member pharmacists to run for its elected Board of Directors. The deadline to submit candidacy is July 17. For more information, contact NPA Chief Executive Office Marcia Mueting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.