The Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) extended the COVID-19 vaccine and testing standing orders until May 11, 2023. Revised standing orders may be found at: 

• Vaccines: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/statewide-orders.php 
• Testing: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/testing-resources.php 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The 2023 Pharmacy Practice Guide containing updated compliance tips and information on recent statutory/rule changes, including new/revised sections on Working Conditions, Technician Supervision & Expanded Technician Activities, Electronic Final Product Verification for Pharmacists, Technology-Assisted Product Verification for Interns & Technicians and Quality Assurance is currently available.  

Also in Missouri, Section 338.013, RSMo, provides that all individuals who assist a pharmacist with the practice of pharmacy must be registered with the Board as a pharmacy technician, including anyone involved in the handling of a filled prescription that is not ready for sale or delivery to the patient without further packaging, bagging, or manipulation, including cashiers or delivery staff handling a filled prescription (patient vial/container, unit of use package, bubble card, etc.) that is not packaged/bagged for final sale or delivery to the patient are required to be registered as a technician.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Prior to the legislature taking a week off for Spring Break, HB 41 passed the Senate and was referred to the House for further action. The bill allows a pharmacist to order and administer vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA, or by the state or federal government during a state or federally declared public health emergency. The bill also permits certain qualified pharmacists to provide influenza, group A streptococcus, and COVID-19 medication therapy services pursuant to a statewide standing order issued by the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services or a physician licensed by the Department.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

SB 41 by Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder (R) repeals the physician protocol requirement and adds language allowing pharmacists to order and administer certain FDA-approved or authorized vaccines to persons at least seven years of age or older, pursuant to rules promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, or rules promulgated under a state of emergency. The bill is pending on the Senate floor.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The revised 2023 Pharmacy Practice Guide is available on the Board's website. It contains updated compliance tips and information on recent statutory/rule changes, including: 

1. Pharmacy Working Conditions
2. Technician Supervision & Expanded Technician Activities
3. Electronic Final Product Verification (Pharmacists)
4. Technology-Assisted Product Verification (Interns & Technicians), & 
5. Quality Assurance  

Also in Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services recently issued a revised naloxone standing order. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The legislature convened on January 4, 2023. Several PBM reform bills have been filed, including SB 402/HB 198 and SB 26/HB 197. Also filed were two bills expanding the Pharmacy Practice Act related to the administration of medication by pharmacist including HB 331 and SB 41.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Quantity limits for albuterol inhalers and nebulizer solutions went into effect on August 28. Adults are now limited to 3 albuterol inhalers (300 rescue doses) every 180 days. Participants of all ages are limited to 120 vials every 2 months. If a provider feels a patient needs albuterol inhalers or nebulizer solutions more than these limits, a letter of medical necessity and progress notes will need to be submitted. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Board of Pharmacy is soliciting comments due October 15 on a proposal establishing requirements for authorized pharmacists dispensing HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as authorized by section 338.730, RSMo.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Board of Pharmacy next Lunch with the Chief Inspector online seminar is taking reservations for the October 13th compliance update.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.