Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed SB2172, which amended the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act and specifically provides that beginning January 1, 2024 (rather than January 1, 2022), it must be the joint responsibility of a pharmacy and its pharmacist in charge to ensure that all new pharmacy technicians are educated and trained using a standard nationally accredited education and training program.

Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose. Additionally, the  Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Chantix Shortage –Temporary Distribution of Apo-Varenicline 0.5 mg and 1 mg Tablets.

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

SB1682, sponsored by Senator Scott Bennett (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 16, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022, this measure amends statute to provide for additional drug pricing transparency from pharmacies.

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

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding “Prior Approval Requests for Synagis”. You may view the new Notice at the following link.  

Also in Illinois, HB135, sponsored by Representative Michelle Mussman (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on July 22, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022 (Section 25 will take effect on January 1, 2023) and requires hormonal contraceptives to be dispensed according to a prescription or standing order by a licensed physician or the medical director of a local health department. The standing order will allow a pharmacist to dispense a 12-month supply of hormonal contraceptives to a patient after completing self-screening, counseling, and patient consultation. All services provided by a pharmacist for hormonal contraceptives must be covered by a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan. The Department of Public Health must adopt rules that require a pharmacist to complete an educational training program. 

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

The Department of Human Services issued a proposed rule that would amend regulations under 77 IAC 2070 to add dronabinol oral solution and capsules to the list of Schedule II controlled substances. Comments are due August 9. 

Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Critical Access Pharmacy (CAP) Dispensing Fee Fiscal Year 2022 Attestation.

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

Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed SB 2017. Effective June 17, 2021, the legislation (page 549) allows for pharmacists to order and administer vaccines listed on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommended Immunization Schedule, the CDC’s Health Information for International Travel or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines Licensed and Authorized in the U.S. The legislation also authorizes that, when applicable, vaccines ordered and administered must be covered and reimbursed at no less than the rate that the vaccine is reimbursed when order by a physician.

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