Several bills advancing pharmacy practice were signed by Gov. Jim Justice (R).  HB 2525 allows pharmacists to initiate tobacco cessation therapy and dispense tobacco cessation products under a statewide standing order. The law requires the Commissioner of the Bureau of Public Health to issue the necessary standing orders for therapy, non-controlled prescription and over-the-counter drugs. HB 2583 permits a pharmacist to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive under a standing order to patients 18 years of age or older, after completion of a Board of Pharmacy approval of training programs. HB 2524 allows pharmacists, under certain circumstances, to convert maintenance medications to a 90-day quantity and allows for emergency refills under certain conditions. The bills will be effective on Thursday, June 6.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Gov. Jim Justice (R) has signed SB 369, legislation that amends the state’s generic substitution law to update pricing to reflect current substitution practices, removing the need for a “pass through” for covered individuals. The law will be effective Thursday, June 6. NACDS thanks in-state partners and other industry advocates for leading the advocacy efforts on-the-ground.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Last week, the House of Delegates passed SB 369, legislation that updates the state’s generic dispensing law to clarify that when a pharmacist substitutes a generic drug for a brand name drug, the patient pays only the cost of the substituted drug. The legislation would not apply to an individual who has insurance coverage. It is now eligible to be sent to Gov. Jim Justice (R) for signature.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Effective April 2, pharmacists can administer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to adults by protocol, and the influenza and HPV vaccines to adolescents between 11 and 18 years old by prescription, under a Board of Pharmacy rule that was given final approval by the General Assembly prior to the adjournment of the 2018 Legislative Session.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

HB 4524, legislation allowing pharmacists to substitute interchangeable biologic drugs and establishes guidelines for notification, has been signed by Gov. Jim Justice (R) with an effective date of Friday, June 8.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The West Virginia Legislature adjourned last week, with several bills of interest to pharmacy headed to the Governor’s desk for signature:

• HB 4079 authorized a bundle of pharmacy rules, including those related to the Controlled Substance Monitoring Program, pharmacy technician registration, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, immunizations and centralized and remote prescription processing. This bill was effective on March 9, the date of its passage.

• HB 4524 establishes guidelines for the substitution of biologic drugs

• HB 4025 allows reciprocity for pharmacy technician licensure.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.