The Department of Health published a final rule amending regulations to waive the requirement for pharmacists to complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits through live in-person courses for the licensure period ending February 28. The rule, which allows pharmacists to meet CE requirements through online courses, is in response to the COVID pandemic. The rule became effective on February 26.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) is offering two virtual Managed Care Organization (MCO) Pharmacy Provider Forums where they will share best practices to serve patients. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2020, at 1 pm and November 20, 2020, at 10 am. Online registration is required.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
NACDS supported the efforts of members and in-state partners to amend B23-535. As originally introduced, the bill would have required warning labels on opioid prescriptions to be printed in a certain font and color scheme. The compromise amendment adopted during the Committee on Health markup removed the font and color mandate but still requires a warning label. The amended and engrossed version is expected to continue through the legislative process.
Also in the District of Columbia. B23-430, legislation allowing pharmacists to substitute interchangeable biologic products became effective on October 20 following the obligatory Congressional Review. Sponsored by Councilmember Mary Cheh (D) the law’s notification provisions are similar to those NACDS supported in other jurisdictions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) online Quarterly Pharmacy Forum will take place on September 22, 2020, at 10 am and September 23, 2020, at 1 pm. The forum will be held to discuss pharmacy-related updates and is open to all pharmacy providers under the fee-for-service Medicaid Program. To attend, RSVP by September 21, 2020, to AnWilliams1@magellanhealth.com.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has signed legislation allowing pharmacists to substitute interchangeable biological products. The bill includes prescriber notification language that is aligned with the model language supported by NACDS in other states. The measure will now be sent to Congress for the standard 30-day review period as required by DC regulation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Committee on Health held a hearing on B23-0535, legislation requiring color-coded warning labels on opioid medications. Councilmembers Vincent Gray, Chair of the Committee on Health, and David Grosso both expressed their support for the bill. Additionally, Dr. Shauna White, Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy, testified in favor of the bill. NACDS submitted written testimony opposing the bill. NACDS will discuss strategy and next steps with members as the bill moves forward.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The D.C. Council passed B23-758, legislation that protects individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been transmitted to Congress for the 30-day review period. Among other provisions, the measure permits an individual licensed to practice pharmacy to authorize and dispense a refill of a patient’s prescription medication before the expiration of the waiting period between refills to allow residents to have an adequate supply of such drugs during a public health emergency. The bill was sponsored by City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D).
Also in the District of Columbia. The Committee of the Whole has approved B23-430, sponsored by Councilmember Mary Cheh (D). The bill, which has been advanced after approval, would allow pharmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products and includes notification provisions that align with language that has been adopted in other states and members have supported.
Also in the District of Columbia. NACDS received this response from DC Health to the letter NACDS jointly signed with NCPA, NGA, and FMI asking for clarity around pharmacists’ COVID testing policy. As we read it, they will allow pharmacists to administer all FDA-approved and authorized tests; provide guidance on PPE recognizing not all locations/types of testing requires the same kind of PPE; and consider our request for technicians to be authorized to provide testing. They also confirmed they will continue to require appointments to test and require testing to be done outside.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy issued an Emergency Rule to allow for pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests. NACDS, NCPA, FMI, and the National Grocers’ Association submitted a joint letter on the barriers remaining under the emergency rule, explaining why the emergency rule is unnecessarily restrictive and overly administratively burdensome
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Healthcare Finance (DCHF) will hold its quarterly pharmacy forum virtually on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 1:00– 3:00 pm and Thursday, June 18, 2020 from 10:00 am – 12:00pm. All current providers in the fee-for-service program are welcome. Please rsvp to Allison Williams to receive the call–in information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.