The Health Care Authority (OHCA) is seeking comments on proposed policy changes on rules defining Pharmacists as Providers OK SPA 24-0002 effective July 1, 2024.
Also in Oklahoma, the Board of Pharmacy announced two staff retirements, Gary LaRue, and Mary Ann Terral.
Finally in Oklahoma, the Board of Pharmacy posted its April newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Oklahoma Pharmacists Association’s (OPhA) Legislative Day at the Capitol is on March 5. Michael Leake, Deputy Attorney General and Director of the PBM unit, will update on efforts to oversee the enforcement of the Patients Right to Pharmacy Choice Act and the Audit Integrity Act.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
NACDS is closely monitoring several bills of interest to pharmacies, including SB 1541 that includes test and test for minor ailments and prescribing hormonal contraceptives, SB 1390 that would enhance the Attorney General’s enforcement powers over PBMs and SB 1670, legislation related to PBM audits and MAC pricing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The 2nd Regular Session of the 59th Legislature convened at 12:00 noon on February 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Pharmacists working in multiple locations must have their small wallet card pharmacy license, a copy of their immunization certificate and a copy of their CPR certificate available to produce to the Board’s compliance officers for inspection.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The state filed a motion with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in PCMA v. Mulready asking the appellate court to stay the lower court’s enforcement of its original decision striking down the state’s PBM law, considering the state’s planned Supreme Court review of the appellate court’s refusal to overturn that lower court decision. While such a request is not often granted, a stay is needed to ensure the state can enforce its PBM laws while it petitions the Supreme Court for further review.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the State of Oklahoma’s petition for rehearing in PCMA v. Mulready. The state now has 90 days to petition the Supreme Court for further review.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) alerted the Board of Pharmacy of the ongoing cyberattack regarding Ardent Health Services that is affecting multiple facilities in the state including Hillcrest Health System, Bailey Medical Center, and Utica Park Clinics, among others. The Board issued guidance for pharmacies that receive prescriptions for controlled substances from Ardent Health providers to continue filling the prescriptions received while continuing due diligence in confirming the prescription itself is valid and accurate, regardless of the manner or media received. This is a temporary solution to ensure prescribers can continue patient care until they can obtain OBN prescription pads.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Pursuant to “Technician Rules for Administering Immunizations [535:15-13-6.1] rules, a permitted Oklahoma pharmacy technician must have successfully completed an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) immunization training program for technicians. All technician applications submitted must include the initial training Certificate of Completion / Achievement from one of the accredited programs: APHA (American Pharmacists Association), PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), ACA, ASHP (American Society of Hospital Pharmacists), NPTA or Purdue University.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.