On June 11, the House of Representatives Committee on Economic Development reported favorably SB 272, an act relative to pharmacy provider status. The bill was previously approved by the Senate on May 16. This Act requires health insurers to provide the same reimbursement to pharmacists that is already provided other providers performing the same services at the same rates as advance practice registered nurses and physician assistants. The bill now continues through the legislative process in the House.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On April 1, the State Senate approved SB 194, an Act to Amend the Pharmacy Practice Act. This bill allows pharmacists, under protocol approved by the Department of Public Health, to provide HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis treatments. The proposal now moves to the House where NACDS will continue to support passage. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On March 26, the Board of Pharmacy will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 am; virtual participation is available. The Legislative Committee will be meeting immediately prior to the Board meeting and discussing pharmacist’s “right to refuse” and flavoring prescriptions. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On January 31, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The Board continued the following unfinished business from last year:  

1. Pharmacists Dispensing and Administering Contraceptives Regulation Draft Update 
2. Pharmacists Well-Being Index 
3. Board of Pharmacy Act Revisions

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The Board of Pharmacy will be holding its regular meeting on January 17. The agenda includes Pharmacists Dispensing and Administering Contraceptives Regulation Draft Update, Pharmacists Well-Being Index, Board of Pharmacy Act Revisions and Review and Consideration of Pharmacy License Specialties.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The Department of Health and Social Services presented an online seminar on the state’s unwinding of pandemic plan and its impact on Medicaid recipients. Beginning April 1, 2023, the state will begin requiring renewals from recipients. The impact to pharmacies could be a temporary loss of benefits. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On December 9, Gov. John Carney (D) extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE) another 30 days permitting medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. This is the 10th extension of the PHE.

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

The Office of Controlled Substances announced the 2023 meeting schedule for the Controlled Substance Advisory Committee. Meetings will be held at 9:00 a.m. on January 25, April 26, July 26 and October 25.

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

On October 13, Gov. John Carney (D) extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE) another 30 days permitting medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. This is the 8^th extension of the PHE.

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