Below are highlights from the June issue of the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy newsletter. See the newsletter for additional details and more information.  

• As some prescribing practitioners are working to implement the electronic prescriptions for controlled substances requirement that was effective April 1, 2021, the Board issued an "Emergency Dispensing Declaration" from April 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021, and it does not intend to take action against a pharmacist who fills a nonelectronic controlled substance prescription not otherwise subject to the exceptions. 

• Effective June 18, 2021, a healthcare provider may provide a prescription for medical aid in dying to a terminally ill adult who is mentally competent after meeting certain requirements pursuant to HB 47, the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act
• REMINDER: Be Sure to submit Adverse Drug Event reports to the Board within 15 days as required by regulation. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy amended regulations under 16.19.26 NMAC to establish standards for pharmacist prescribing of protocol formulary dangerous drugs and address prescribing of dangerous drugs in conjunction with point-of-care testing. The rule also revises the definition of “hormonal contraception drug therapy” to include formulary products delineated in the written contraception protocol, including emergency contraception. In addition, the rule clarifies requirements for reporting vaccine administration. The rule is effective May 31, 2021.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule establishing standards for pharmacist prescribing of protocol formulary dangerous drugs and prescribing of dangerous drugs in conjunction with point-of-care testing. The rule also revises the definition of “hormonal contraception drug therapy” to include formulary products delineated in the written contraception protocol, including emergency contraception, and clarifies reporting of vaccine administration. The Board will hold a virtual hearing during their April 22-23 meeting.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The 60-day legislative session adjourned on March 20.

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

The Office of Superintendent of Insurance issued a notice to health insurers regarding the use of telehealth services during the COVID pandemic, clarifying that the HIPAA penalty waiver relating to the use by providers of certain communications technologies will continue through the calendar year 2021 and that the coverage parity requirements that apply to behavioral health services are not linked to the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.