Bill Text: VA HB1068 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Pharmacy outsourcing and pharmacy technician remote database access; regulations.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-04-04 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0407) [HB1068 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB1068-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. §1. That the Board of Pharmacy (the Board) shall promulgate regulations authorizing a pharmacy to outsource to a central fill pharmacy the performance of all tasks associated with dispensing a prescription drug, including final verification for accuracy by a pharmacist, and alternate delivery to the pharmacy that received the prescription. The regulations shall include an expanded pharmacist-to-pharmacy technician ratio for a central fill pharmacy performing duties exclusive to a central fill pharmacy that does not dispense drugs to patients in person and incorporates sufficient technology to limit distractions to pharmacy personnel. Unless prohibited under federal law, the transfer of the prescription shall not be required if the pharmacies share a common electronic file or have technology that allows sufficient information necessary for dispensing the prescription. The regulations shall include notification to the public of the service and verification of accuracy by a pharmacist licensed in the Commonwealth or a pharmacist licensed in another state practicing at a central fill pharmacy holding registration as a nonresident pharmacy.
§2. The Board of Pharmacy shall convene a work group to review issues related to prescription processing delays affecting the health, safety, and welfare of patients. The work group shall consider (i) causes of persistent prescription backlogs; (ii) standards for timely processing of prescriptions; (iii) barriers to implementing staffing, workflow, technology, and patient communications strategies to address prescription backlogs; and (iv) the need for any guidance, regulation, or statutory changes to address issues related to prescription processing delays. In forming the work group, the Board shall include representatives from independent and chain pharmacies, pharmacist professional organizations, patient advocates, and other relevant stakeholders to provide input on development of regulations. The Board shall report any recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by October 15, 2024.
§3. The Board of Pharmacy shall promulgate regulations that allow for pharmacy technicians to access the pharmacy's database from a remote location for the purpose of performing certain prescription processing functions, as further defined in 18 VAC 110-20-276 (A) of the Virginia Administrative Code.
2. That the Board of Pharmacy shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act to be effective within 280 days of its enactment.
