Missouri

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.

2019-07-18T10:34:29-04:00July 18, 2019|Missouri|

Kentucky

A new law (KY Acts ch. 185) allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency supplies of insulin was effective June 27. The law closes a loophole in the state’s current emergency refill statute that excluded insulin because it does not fall into a 72-hour dose category. It also contains language to allow emergency dispensing of inhalers for treatment of chronic respiratory illnesses.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2019-07-11T10:31:36-04:00July 11, 2019|Kentucky|

Oregon

HB 3273 awaits signature by Gov. Kate Brown (D), establishing a state-wide drug take-back program funded and designed by drug manufacturers. The bill contains local pre-emption, places enforcement and rulemaking in the hands of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and allows for both stationary receptacles and mail back programs. The program is scheduled to be operational by Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Also in Oregon… HB 2935 (Chapter 438) was signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown (D) requiring retail pharmacies to provide prescription readers, upon request, to their patients who are visually impaired. The prescription labels will have to be compatible with the prescription readers and be available to the patient for the duration of the prescription. The Board of Pharmacy has rulemaking authority on this law which took effect upon its passage.

Also in Oregon… Gov. Brown has signed into law SB 698 (Chapter 465), requiring all retail pharmacies to provide to patients with limited English proficiency their prescription labels in both English and the language requested. If authorized by the Board of Pharmacy by rule, the informational insert may also be included in the requested language. The state has identified at least 14 languages other than English in which prescription labels will be required to be translated. This law takes effect 91 days after the end of session that occurred on June 30. The Board will meet Wednesday-Friday, August 7-9 in Portland.

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

2019-07-11T10:29:29-04:00July 11, 2019|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed legislation requiring commercial insurers to cover medication synchronization programs for patients on maintenance medications. HB 195 (Act No. 46), sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson (R), passed both chambers unanimously prior to approval by the Governor. Specifically, the law requires insurers to allow coverage for partial fills, prorate patient copays and pay a full dispensing fee. It will be effective Thursday, July 2, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2019-07-11T10:30:11-04:00July 11, 2019|Pennsylvania|

Washington

As a result of collaborative efforts by NACDS and the Washington State Pharmacy Association, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission adopted for final passage the elimination of the current 3:1 pharmacy technician-to-pharmacist ratio with an effective date of this fall.

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

2019-06-27T11:00:31-04:00June 27, 2019|Washington|

California

Rachel Michelin, the President of the California Retailers Association (CRA), has recently hired Steve McCarthy as Vice President of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs and Jacob (Jake) Asare as Legislative Advocate. CRA is NACDS’ in-state partner on pharmacy issues.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2019-06-20T10:47:36-04:00June 20, 2019|California|

Hawaii

The following bills have been sent to Gov. David Ige (D) for signature:

  • HB 1272 permits pharmacies to register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to collect drugs for disposal utilizing either secured collection receptacles or mail-back programs. The law, if enacted, takes effect Monday, July 1.
  • SB 203 clarifies pharmacists may administer certain vaccinations and immunizations and requires a record of the immunization be maintained by the pharmacist and be available to the Department of Education and the Department of Health. If enacted, the effective date is Monday, July 1.
  • SB 535 authorizes pharmacists, acting in good faith and exercising reasonable care, to prescribe and dispense an opioid antagonist to patients at risks of overdose and family members and caregivers of patients at risk. If enacted, it sunsets on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
  • SB 540 allows the Board of Pharmacy to approve pilot and demonstration research projects for innovative applications in the practice of pharmacy so long as it is not construed to expand the definition of the practice of pharmacy.

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

2019-06-20T10:46:00-04:00June 20, 2019|Hawaii|

© National Association of Chain Drug Stores
All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Disclaimer

Go to Top