SB 1506 (Enrolled) passed the House and will be sent to Gov. Tina Kotek (D). This bill would allow a pharmacist to test and prescribe, dispense, and administer treatment for SAVS-CoV-2 consistent with protocols adopted by the State Board of Pharmacy by rule. It would also permit a pharmacist to delegate to a pharmacy technician or an intern under the pharmacist’s supervision the administrative and technical tasks of performing a SARS-CoV-2 CLIA-waived test. Finally, the bill would require payment for these services effective October 1, 2024, with a sunset date of June 30, 2026. 

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

HB 4149 (A-Engrossed), legislation related to PBM Reforms, was amended and passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care this week. Given the amendments, Chair Rob Nosse (R) stated he will be convening a workgroup after this year’s regular session and outlined issues to be addressed to advance additional PBM reforms in the state. 

Also in Oregon, SB 1506 (A-Engrossed) passed the Senate and was assigned to the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee. It is scheduled for a Work Session on February 28. This bill would allow a pharmacist to test and prescribe, dispense and administer treatment for SAVS-CoV-2 consistent with protocols adopted by the State Board of Pharmacy by rule. It would also permit a pharmacist to delegate to a pharmacy technician or an intern under the pharmacist’s supervision the administrative and technical tasks of performing a SARS-CoV-2 CLIA-waived test. Finally, the bill would require payment for these services effective October 1, 2024, with a sunset date of June 30, 2026. 

Also in Oregon, HB 4113 (A-Engrossed), legislation requiring all amounts paid by an enrollee or paid by another person on behalf of the enrollee toward the cost of a covered prescription drug be included when calculating the enrollee’s contribution to an out-of-pocket maximum, deductible, copayment, coinsurance or other cost-sharing requirements, passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee.  

Also in Oregon, HB 4010 (A-Engrossed), legislation that includes language specifying that the flavoring of a prescription drug is not compounding, passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee. 

Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority’s Immunization Policy Advisory Team will meet on March 7 via Zoom. The final agenda will be available at the meeting or via email request three days before the meeting date by contacting imm.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Participation via Zoom requires advance registration using this link. Those who register will receive a confirmation email with additional information. Note: this information is necessary to join the meeting.

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted a revised February 21 Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC) meeting agenda. 

Also in Oregon, in advance of its February 21 meeting to review a pre-selected list of prescription drugs deemed eligible for affordability review, NACDS submitted comments to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to express concern with the inclusion of vaccines. Additionally, NACDS expressed concern that there may be a significant impact on the availability and accessibility of certain prescription drugs at a patient’s neighborhood pharmacy through the unintended consequences of inadequate and unfair pharmacy reimbursement by some payers resulting from the establishment of Upper Payment Limit (UPL) policies. 

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the agenda for its next meeting on February 21. Ozempic, Trulicity and Shingrix are listed on the agenda for affordability review. Please register in advance of the meeting. 

Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board is seeking applicants with a background in clinical medicine or healthcare economics to fill vacancies. The board consists of eight members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Members participate in monthly board meetings held virtually via Zoom. The purpose of the board is to protect Oregonians from the high cost of prescription drugs. Submit applications in Workday. Learn more in this information letter.  

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the agenda for its next meeting on February 21. Ozempic, Trulicity and Shingrix are listed on the agenda for affordability review. Please register in advance of the meeting.

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its special board meeting on February 23. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its February 7-9 meeting. Please note the board will meet in Executive Session immediately after roll call for most of the day on February 7 and February 8 and anticipates resuming “Open Session” between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm on both days.

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board meeting has been rescheduled to January 26. The registration link and meeting agenda have been posted online. 

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted a draft agenda for the January 17 meeting. Board calendar and materials from past meetings are also available online.

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

The Board of Pharmacy announced the December 13-15 Board meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available. Please note the consideration of rules for adoption related to vaccines pursuant to the enactment of HB 2486 and HB 2278 this year.

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted a draft agenda for the December 13 meeting. Board calendar and materials from past meetings are also available online.

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the November 2023 Newsletter including the following headlines: 

• No. 723 New Rules for Pharmacists, Interns/Preceptors, Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technicians/Pharmacy Technicians, Board Administration, and Universal Rules – Effective March 1, 2024 
• No. 724 Coming Soon! Updated and New Rules Related to Short-Acting Opioid Antagonists and Immunizations
• No. 725 Rulemaking 
• No. 726 Compliance: Updated Inspection Processes, Requests for Additional On-Site Inspections, and a Reminder About Prescriptions from Veterinarians 
• No. 727 Licensing: How to Update Outlet Contact Information and Pharmacist Work Email in e-Gov 
• No. 728 Minutes for Board-Related Meetings 

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority announced the Immunization Policy Advisory Team (IPAT) will meet on December 7 and posted an agenda for this meeting. 

Finally in Oregon, the Department of Consumer and Business Services will be hosting a public hearing on prescription drug prices on December 7 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm via Zoom.   

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