The broad PBM reform bill pharmacies are supporting, AK SSSB 121 was amended and referred to both the Senate Labor and Commerce and the Finance Committees for action.

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

The Board of Pharmacy is meeting online on February 15. Anyone wanting to attend the Zoom meeting must register. Here are the agenda and public meeting packet.

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

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.