Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed HB 382. Effective July 1, the bill states that any pharmacy technician performing pharmacy technician functions from a remote location outside a pharmacy shall not be counted toward the pharmacist to pharmacy technician supervisory ratio. Also, the bill repeals requirements for certified technicians in the calculation of the ratio. A pharmacist may be assisted by and directly supervise pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs. However, the total number of such persons under the direct supervision of one pharmacist shall not exceed six persons, in any combination.  

Also in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) also signed HB 1138. The bill, effective January 1, 2027, permits pharmacists in certain circumstances to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives or long-acting injectable hormonal contraceptives to patients 18 years and older. This measure requires insurers that cover prescription drugs on an outpatient basis to cover any prescribed drug or device that is FDA-approved for use as a contraceptive. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed SB 195. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention without a prescription, subject to conditions and training requirements.

Also in Georgia, State Rep. Jon Burns (R), Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced study committee assignments, including appointments to the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications. The committee includes several members with significant healthcare and pharmacy policy experience, including pharmacist Rep. Ron Stephens (R), who will serve as chair, along with pharmacist Rep. Butch Parrish (R), Rep. Matt Hatchett (R), Rep. Lee Hawkins (R) and Rep. Debbie Buckner (D). NACDS will continue to monitor the study committee schedule and keep members informed of developments and committee activity.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Board of Pharmacy published a Notice of Intent to Adopt, Amend, or Repeal Rule 480-10A-.08 Notification to Patients, and Notice of Public Hearing on March 3. The Board also issued a Notice to Treatment Providers regarding Board Policy #9 on February 26.  

Additionally, the Board posted a consumer alert about reports of scammers impersonating Board and Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA) staff on March 4.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Gov. Brian P. Kemp (R) declared a statewide State of Emergency in response to Winter Storm Gianna. This is a separate executive order from the one issued on January 22 ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Governor Kemp also directed the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC). The current State of Emergency will run through February 6.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 1028. This legislation allows the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to issue a Standing Order for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This Standing Order may be used by Eligible Persons who may have been exposed to HIV as a prescription to obtain PEP medication for the prevention of HIV from a licensed Pharmacy. The Department of Public Health created a Standing Order, supporting documents, and training for pharmacists, which are now available on the Department’s website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed HB 196 into law. This legislation reforms how the State Health Benefit Plan and University System Benefit Plan reimburse pharmacies for self-administered drugs. Effective January 1, 2026, the law will require a transparent pricing model and set fair dispensing fees. The legislation also closes loopholes by prohibiting insurers from skirting these requirements through discount programs and arms the Insurance Commissioner with the authority needed to enforce these vital protections.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Board of Pharmacy will hold a public hearing on adoption of proposed new rules at its meeting on April 9 at 9:00 am at the South University School of Pharmacy, 709 Mall Blvd., Savannah, Georgia 31406.

Proposed Adoptions:

Notices of Public Hearing regarding the above listed rules are available on the Board of Pharmacy website; see Press Releases (georgia.gov).

If you have any questions regarding this matter or any other matter related to the practice of pharmacy in the state, please contact the Board of Pharmacy staff at 404-651-8000.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed two pieces of legislation impacting NACDS’ priorities, legislation increasing technician ratios at closed door pharmacies (HB 1072) and expansion of the standing order from the Commissioner to include post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus to be distributed by pharmacists (HB 1028). Both became effective upon signature. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Board of Pharmacy released its latest newsletter which includes information regarding CE (continuing education) requirements for pharmacy technicians, a GDNA (Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency) update and President Michael Azzolin’s outgoing message.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.