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.

The Legislature convened on January 8. Legislation regarding reimbursement and scope issues that carried over from the 2023 session are expected to be heard during the 2024 session. 

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

Gov. Brian P. Kemp (R) has extended the State of Emergency for Inflation, which suspended the state’s excise tax on motor and locomotive fuel. The executive order will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on November 29. 

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

The House Rural Development Council, chaired by Rep. Gerald Greene (R), met this week, and heard comments from Michael Power, the Senior Director for State Government Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association on PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) and their role in drug spending. A recording of the meeting has been posted online.  

Also in Georgia, the Board of Pharmacy has voted to initiate a public comment period for proposed changes to the Remote Prescription Drug Order Processing Rules (Rule 480-36-.01 and Rule 480-36-.07). The changes posted for public comment include the following. These changes will undergo a 30-day public comment period and are expected to be officially approved by the Board in December 

• Removing Rule 480-36-.07: This removes the requirement for notifying patients when utilizing remote prescription drug order processing. 
• Modifying Rule 480-36-.01: The final sentence that restricted the number of secondary remote entry pharmacists assisting the primary dispensing pharmacy has been struck. 

  Finally in Georgia, the Board of Pharmacy has provided clarification regarding the administration of the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine. They have confirmed that it can be administered in accordance with the statute, as it is now included in the recent update of the adult immunization schedule appendix.  

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