In The States – Page 362 – Weekly news about states

Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed into law two bills NACDS supported. HB 1278 (Act 652 of 2019) will allow pharmacists to vaccinate anyone 7 years of age and older without a prescription, and HB 1269 (Act 637 of 2019) will allow the substitution of interchangeable biosimilars. Note that under Arkansas law, these new laws will become effective 90 days upon adjournment of the legislature. The Legislature will recess on Thursday, April 12, and return three weeks later to address outstanding issues so they can officially adjourn in early May, thus making the effective date of these new laws in early August.

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

Karen White2019-04-05T10:51:14-04:00April 4, 2019|Arkansas|

Arizona

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) has signed into law HB 2075, which delays the implementation of e-prescribing from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020. In addition, the bill removes previous law that phased in e-prescribing by county population. The new law enacts e-prescribing for all controlled substances beginning Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

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

Karen White2019-04-05T10:49:31-04:00April 4, 2019|Arizona|

West Virginia

Gov. Jim Justice (R) has signed SB 369, legislation that amends the state’s generic substitution law to update pricing to reflect current substitution practices, removing the need for a “pass through” for covered individuals. The law will be effective Thursday, June 6. NACDS thanks in-state partners and other industry advocates for leading the advocacy efforts on-the-ground.

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

Karen White2019-04-05T10:46:26-04:00March 28, 2019|West Virginia|

North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed into law HB 1498 effective Monday, August 1. This bill revises the current law that allows pharmacists to administer drugs by eliminating language specifying the prescribing practitioner type who can authorize pharmacist administration pursuant to an order; more broadly allowing for the provision of drugs to patients pursuant to a written order; and modifying the education requirements for pharmacists who provide these services, eliminating the requirement for 20 hours minimum education, six hours Â of continuing education and education on how to educate patients on the need for immunizations.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Karen White2019-04-05T10:44:15-04:00March 28, 2019|North Dakota|

Kentucky

HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, has been signed by Gov. Matt Bevin (R) after passing both Chambers unanimously. The law will be effective Friday, January 1, 2021, and contains exceptions similar to those in NACDS’ model language. NACDS thanks the Kentucky Retail Federation for its on-the-ground efforts to support this legislation.

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

Karen White2019-04-05T10:41:46-04:00March 28, 2019|Kentucky|

Idaho

Gov. Brad Little (R) signed into law HB 182 (Session Law Chapter 141) that eliminates the requirement that pharmacist’s prescriptive authority for specific drugs, drug categories or devices has to be granted through the Board of Pharmacy’s rulemaking authority.

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

Karen White2019-04-05T10:42:12-04:00March 28, 2019|Idaho|

Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recently published a letter and FAQ reminding all city pharmacies that as of January 1, 2019, they were required to stock two doses of naloxone. The requirements are the result of an Ordinance that was adopted in November 2018. Additionally, the Ordinance requires pharmacies to post signage indicating that naloxone is available. For additional information, contact dph.opioid@phila.gov.

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

Karen White2019-03-27T07:59:36-04:00March 21, 2019|Pennsylvania|

Kentucky

Legislation requiring all controlled substances to be prescribed electronically has also advanced in Kentucky. HB 342, sponsored by pharmacist Rep. Steve Sheldon (R), passed both chambers and is currently on Gov. Matt Bevin’s (R) desk for his signature. The bill contains exemptions similar to NACDS’ model language and would be effective January 1, 2021. NACDS appreciates the on-the-ground efforts of the Kentucky Retail Association on this important bill.

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

Karen White2019-03-27T07:57:28-04:00March 21, 2019|Kentucky|

Indiana

The House Health Committee unanimously voted last week to amend e-prescribing language into SB 176. The bill would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be transmitted electronically effective January 1, 2021. The bill contains similar exceptions to NACDS’ model language. Additionally, the amended bill contains language requiring a summer study of e-prescribing for all prescriptions. NACDS continues to support the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to advance it.

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

Karen White2019-03-27T07:55:30-04:00March 21, 2019|Indiana|