At the in-person Board of Pharmacy meeting in Las Vegas last week, the Board agreed with NACDS, the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN), and chain members to move forward with proposed rules allowing pharmacy technicians to administer all vaccines. NACDS and RAN will continue to advocate expedited adoption by making it an emergency rule.

Also in Nevada. The special legislative session on the budget ended on Sunday, July 19. Lawmakers continue to discuss convening a second special session this Fall to address policy.

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

On July 8^th, Gov. Steve Sisolak convened a legislative special session and issued a Proclamation to address the State’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The legislative office building is closed to the public.

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

Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that he is convening a special session of the legislature in early July to address financial and COVID–19 pandemic issues. Nevada anticipates an $812 million budget shortfall this fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 preliminary estimates indicate an approximate $1.3 billion budget shortfall for the 2021 fiscal year that starts July 1, 2020.

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

The Board of Pharmacy drafted a Proposed rule to define a “person who exercises significant influence over the operation” with respect to applicants for licensure for wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. The rule also would revise background check and fingerprint requirements, requirements for designated representatives of wholesalers, and bond requirements for wholesalers with multiple sites. In addition, the rule would modify wholesaler recordkeeping requirements. Comments are due on or before the July 17, 2020 Board meeting in Las Vegas.

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

The Board of Pharmacy alerted pharmacies to remain vigilant during this period of social unrest as criminals may seek the opportunity to gain access to controlled substances. 

Also in Nevada... The Board of Pharmacy met on June 3rd via conference call. Link to agenda and meeting materials – https://bop.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/bop.nv.gov/content/board/ALL/2018_Meetings/5.15.2020.June%202020%20Amended%20Agenda.p

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

On May 6th, the Board of Pharmacy updated is waiver temporarily authorizing registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmaceutical technicians to perform COVID-19. The guidance can be accessed here. 

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

Nellis Air Force Base Pharmacy (NAFBP) notified the state Board of Pharmacy that all people not located on the base, mostly veterans and their family members, temporarily will not be able to pick up prescriptions at the Base. Since Nevada law requires that these prescriptions be transferred and filled, approximately 16,000 refills per month, must be transferred to Nevada retail pharmacies. NACDS members are working with NAFBP staff to facilitate these transfers. To assist with the transfers and refills, please refer to NAC 639.713 – 639.7145 (and 21 CFR § 1306.25 where applicable) and NRS 639.2394.

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

Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske announced that the June 9, 2020 primary election will be conducted entirely through mail-in ballot due to concerns and uncertainty related to COVID-19

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

Governor Steve Sisolak (D) signed an emergency regulation promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy aimed at preventing hoarding of the drugs. The regulation prohibits the prescribing and dispensing chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for a COVID-19 diagnosis, requires an ICD-10 code on prescriptions for the drugs and limits the prescription amount to a 30-day supply for the drugs.

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