Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law HB 25, legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without requiring a prescription order from a licensed healthcare practitioner effective December 4.
The second 30-day special legislative session ended early on September 4.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) sent CMS a state plan amendment regarding substitutions when there are drug shortages. Considering CMS is encouraging states to do this, Texas is expecting quick approval.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the September 25 Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Committee meeting.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) is currently accepting stakeholder comments on requiring a prescription for the COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit. Currently, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available without a prescription. The policy change includes requiring a prescription for test kits filled and dispensed for members in Medicaid and CHIP. HHSC does not propose changing the quantity limit of a maximum of four test kits per month.
Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information Statement, outlining the benefits, risks, development process, long-term studies, legal protections and adverse event reporting related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacies are required to provide patients with this document and obtain written informed consent from the patient as a result of HB 4535, which took effect on September 1.
Finally in Texas, NACDS submitted the state survey on the Rural Health Transformation Program funds.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.