Gov. Michael Parson (R) signed SB 514 into law on July 11. Among its provisions, the law requires e-prescribing of Schedule II-IV controlled substances with exceptions effective Friday, January 1, 2021. The law also updates the pharmacy practice act to include the prescribing and dispensing of any nicotine replacement therapy product. In addition, the law authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to approve, modify and establish requirements for pharmacy pilot or demonstration research projects related to technology assisted verification or remote medication dispensing that are designed to enhance patient care or safety, improve patient outcomes or expand access to pharmacy services. Finally, the law establishes the Ensuring Access to High Quality Care for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Act. These provisions specify that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services will include, but not be limited to, pharmacologic and behavioral therapies. Formularies used by a health insurer or managed by a pharmacy benefits manager and medical benefit coverage in the case of medications dispensed through an opioid treatment program are to include all certain specified medications. All MAT medications required for compliance with these provisions will be placed on the lowest cost-sharing tier of the formulary.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.