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.