Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-2-0 to waive certain practical examination licensing requirements for pharmacy professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule was effective May 18th and shall be effective for the duration of the emergency and for a period of not more than 120 days thereafter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-22-0 to specify requirements for dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances during the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency upon receiving oral authorization from the prescribing practitioner. The rule is effective April 1, 2020 and shall be effective for the duration of the emergency or a period of not more than 120 days, whichever is shorter.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-10-0 to specify the conditions under which chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, or mefloquine may be dispensed or distributed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule specifies that the substances cannot be dispensed unless the prescription or practitioner drug order includes a diagnosis and establishes a limit of 14 day supplies with no refill. The rule is effective March 27, 2020 and expires July 25, 2020.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-15-0 to establish standards for temporary pharmacy technician registration during the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency. The rule is effective April 1, 2020 and shall be effective for the duration of the emergency or a period of not more than 120 days, whichever is shorter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Governor Kemp announced that he will begin the reopening of Georgia’s economy which will happen incrementally in three phases using the methods outlined by President Trump. He also stated that Georgia is on-track to meet Phase I of such a plan soon. To that end, the Governor issued a new Executive Order, as well as guidance for those businesses named. The Shelter in Place order remains in place and Georgians must continue to abide by that order until it expires. Governor Kemp then issued an additional Executive Order. That clarifies certain provisions in the EO issued on April 23rd. Specifically, the provisions of the Executive Order issued on April 23rd, unless otherwise stated in that Order, go into effect on May 1st, 2020 and shall be effective through May 13th, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
This week, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy issued two emergency orders dealing with Delivery by Mail and Remote Order Verification. Governor Kemp has also issued an Executive Order reducing certain regulations to stop the spread of COVID-19, of interest is 90 Day supply without physician authorization, early refill authorization, temporary licensure.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy on proposed rules that would implement a 2012 law allowing central prescription filling. NACDS commended the Board for pursuing this rulemaking initiative and asked the Board to clarify certain administrative requirements to ensure that the rule is workable for pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Nathan Deal (R) called a special session of the legislature on Tuesday, November 13 to take immediate action and lead the way in spurring economic recovery after the heavy damage caused by Hurricane Michael.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Community Health has contracted with Myers & Stauffer LC to conduct a cost of dispensing survey. The survey will be distributed on Thursday, October 11 to all pharmacies participating in the Medicaid fee-for-service program. The survey must be completed by Friday, November 16.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
SB 422, sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R) and signed by Gov. Nathan Deal (R) on May 3, exempts pharmacists acting within their scope of practice from the laws requiring registration of a clinical laboratory for all tests, rather than just capillary blood tests.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
As a reminder, effective January 1, 2018, every prescriber who maintains an active DEA certificate and prescribes controlled substances, except those holding a residency training permit, was required to complete at least three hours of AMA/AOA PRA Category 1 CME that is designed specifically to address controlled substance prescribing practices. Pharmacists are also encouraged to complete this online program to understand the new requirements and guidelines for controlled substances prescribing and chronic pain management. Additionally, pharmacists are expected to serve as a resource for prescribers and patients on these regulations and requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.