The Oregon Health Authority is implementing changes to the Prior Authorization Guide and the Preferred Drug List, including select over-the-counter product classes, to ensure the safe and appropriate use of cost-effective prescription drug for Oregon Health Plan’s fee-for-service recipients. his is a temporary rule effective April 1, 2022, through June 25, 2022.

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, making permanent changes to the Prior Authorization Guide and the Preferred Drug List, including select over-the-counter product classes, currently in effect as a temporary rule effective April 1, 2022, through June 25, 2022. Comments are due 5:00 p.m. on May 21.

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted a REVISED agenda and meeting materials for the April 13-15 meeting.

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

The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following:  

• Division 007 – related to Emergency Registration Designation effective March 30 through September 25. 
• Division 007 – related to 91-day Extension after a Declared Health Emergency Ends effective March 29 through September 24. 
• Division 110 – related to Supervising Physician Dispensing Outlet fees effective March 31 (permanent). 

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for its next meeting scheduled for April 13-15.  

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

The Board of Pharmacy issued its March 2022 newsletter that includes the following articles: 

• “No. 671 New Rules for Telework” 
• “No. 672 New Temporary Rules: Accurate Hours of Operation, Temporary/Emergency/Permanent Pharmacy Closures, and PT and COPT Licensure”
• “No. 673 Rulemaking Updates” 
• “No. 674 Compliance Updates” 
• “No. 675 Technicians Must Work Under the Supervision, Direction, and Control of a Pharmacist at All Times” 
• “No. 676 Licensing” 
• “No. 677 Board Member News: A New Board Member and Current Opportunities” 

Also in Oregon, as the state enters a new phase of the pandemic, the Oregon Health Authority announced its five-point plan, “Oregon RISE: Resilience in Support of Equity.” 

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

The Board of Pharmacy proposed to adopt the following rules. Written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov before 4:30 p.m. on March 29 rulemaking hearing. 

• Divisions 006/041/139 – related to Definitions 
• Division 020 – related to COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test Protocol 
• Divisions 020/041/065/139 – related to Alarm, Audiovisual Communication, Entry & Surveillance Systems 
• Divisions 021/025/110 – related to Pharmacy Technician & Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician Licensure
• Division 041 – related to Disclosure of Patient Information 
• Divisions 041/139 – related to Accurate Pharmacy Hours & Temporary Pharmacy Closures 
• Divisions 041/139 – related to Drug Storage  
• Division 080 – related to Schedule I Exceptions 
• Division 143 – related to Pharmacy Prescription Lockers (PPLs)  

Also in Oregon, the Department of Human Services announced plans to lift mask requirements for indoor public spaces and schools on March 19. 

Finally in Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that she will lift the state’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration effective April 1. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the February 9-11, Board Meeting. 

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy issued a notice requesting fiscal impact for Pharmacy Prescription Lockers (PPL) from stakeholders. Note: any information provided to the Board becomes a public record. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following permanent rules. 

Also in Oregon, as a reminder, effective January 1, 2022, drugs containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine may be purchase without a prescription. See item above regarding the permanent rule related to pseudoephedrine/ephedrine. For information about the use of the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) system, please refer to the Board of Pharmacy’s November 2021 newsletter.  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy issued a notice requesting fiscal impact estimates from stakeholders for temporary and permanent pharmacy closures. Note: any information provided to the Board becomes a public record. 

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy’s CE Rules Advisory Committee will meet on January 18. Details to participate in the meeting via phone conference are available in the agenda.

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

The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following permanent rules effective last Friday, December 10. 

• OAR 855-006-0005 related to Definitions  
• OAR 855-007-0088 related to Compliance with OHA COVID Rules
• OAR 855-020-0110 and OAR 855-020-0300 related to Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority- COVID mAb, PEP & PrEP  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy adopted the following temporary rules effective last Friday, December 10. 

• OAR 855-006-0005 related to Definitions  
• OAR 855-020-0300 related to Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority: COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test  
• OAR 855-041-1092 related to Temporary Pharmacy Closures  

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

The Board of Pharmacy adopted a temporary rule, effective November 19 through May 17, 2022, requiring pharmacies to post accurate hours. Accurate pharmacy operating hours must be available to patients and prescribers so they can seek alternate sources of prescription medication when a pharmacy is closed.

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy meeting will meet on December 8-9. The agenda has been posted and updated materials will be available on the board’s website.

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

The Board of Pharmacy will conduct its Strategic Planning Meeting on November 17-18 and published an agenda with information for public access by phone. 

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