The Department of Health (DOH) contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey to evaluate the cost of dispensing prescription medications in the state. The DOH scheduled a webinar on February 9 at 10:30 am AKST to discuss dispensing cost survey objectives and solicit feedback on the survey tool. If you are interested in participating, contact Matt Hill.

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

The Board of Pharmacy statutes and revised regulations that took effect on January 19 are now posted on the Board’s website.

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

The Board of Pharmacy issued a reminder to pharmacists regarding Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs). CPAs are established between medical providers and pharmacists and are housed at the Medical Board, not the Board of Pharmacy. It is important to note that CPAs are established between a physician and a lead pharmacist, not a pharmacy. In the event of a change of pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) at a pharmacy that affects an established CPA, a new CPA must be submitted to the Medical Board for review.

Also in Alaska, pharmacists now have the authority to prescribe immunizations, epinephrine, and emergency drugs. As a result, a Collaborative Practice Agreement is not required to prescribe and administer these items. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy approved a training resource from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – Alaska Chapter for the prescribing and dispensing of epinephrine. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy scheduled a special meeting on December 7 to review public comments received for the most recent publicly noticed regulations project, continue the discussion on unexpected closures of pharmacies.

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

The Board of Pharmacy is meeting on November 16. The agenda and public packet are available on the Board’s website.

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

The Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt regulation changes dealing with adding a retired status pharmacist license and implementing additional statutory changes to AS 08.80 under Chapter 15, SLA 2023 (HB (House Bill) 112). Written Comments should be submitted to RegulationsAndPublicComment@alaska.gov by November 16, 2023 

• Notice of Proposed Regulations (Available at midnight) 
• Proposed Regulations 
• Proposed Regulations FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Also in Alaska, the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development – Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing is proposing to remove all language referencing registrations and to add retired status pharmacist license fee. Written Comments should be submitted to RegulationsAndPublicComment@alaska.gov by November 16, 2023. 

• Notice of Proposed Regulations  
• Proposed Regulations 
• Proposed Regulations FAQ 

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

Effective July 15, 2023, there is no longer a requirement for facilities or pharmacies to submit an application for changes to ownership, location or names.

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

HB 112, signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R), requires that Out-of-State Pharmacies be licensed rather than registered by June 30, 2024. 

• If an Out-of-State Pharmacy is currently registered, it will not need to do anything until renewal time, which is scheduled for June 2024.  
• If an Out-of-State Pharmacy is not currently registered, they will need to apply to be licensed rather than registered beginning November 27, 2023. 
• All Internet-based/Online Pharmacies will fall under the same statutory and regulatory requirements as Out-of-State Pharmacies if they want to provide pharmacy services. 
• Beginning November 27, 2023, all licensed Out-of-State Pharmacies must also have a Pharmacist-in-Charge that holds an active Alaska Pharmacist license. Out-of-State Pharmacies that are currently registered and will renew in June 2024 must have a Pharmacist-in-Charge that holds an active Alaska Pharmacist license at renewal time. 

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