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.