Gov. Andy Beshear called the General Assembly into a special session to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The special session was required because of a Supreme Court ruling that lifted an injunction issued by Franklin Circuit Court that prohibited implementation of legislation that limited the governor’s authority during a declared state of emergency. Subsequently, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed HJR 1, which extended several executive orders, agency actions and administrative regulations until January 15, 2020. Of special interest to pharmacy, HJR 1 renewed the following:
- Executive Order 2020-215 that declared the original state of emergency including extending legal liability protections from SB 5 of 2021
- Executive Order 2021-666 allowing pharmacists to dispense a 30-day emergency refills to patients
- 2021 Executive Order 2021-665 price gouging
- Extension of nurse practitioners’ prescribing controlled substances without a physicians’ collaborative agreement.
- Board of Pharmacy Order regarding the suspension of administrative regulations which relate to in-person work to promote telework opportunities where possible
- Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet Order, dated April 24, 2020, related to the “practice of pharmacy” shall include initiating, ordering, and administering Covid-19 testing
The General Assembly continues to meet; further COVID-19 healthcare related measures are expected to receive consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.