Texas

An Emergency Rule issued on March 20 limiting the dispensing of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and other similar drugs expired on July 17. The Board of Pharmacy does not intend to reissue this emergency rule as it was only meant to prevent the stockpiling of the drugs and to ensure that reasonable quantities were available for all patients that require therapy with the drugs, including patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The expired language can be found here and guidance issued during the rule’s effective dates here.

Also in Texas. NACDS participated in the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Council virtual meeting on July 20. The PMP vendor Appriss provided data on the number of users, queries, integration, and recent enhancements to the system.

Also in Texas. To stay connected with legislators, NACDS, along with our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, and chain pharmacists from HEB and Brookshire met virtually with Brenham State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and her staff. During the meeting, discussions focused on several priority issues, including pharmacy staffing, COVID testing, and expanding access to all FDA-authorized immunizations to anyone 7 years and older without a prescription but under a protocol.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.