September Regulatory Update

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Here is our monthly regulatory update. See below for changes from several states introducing legislation. A big thanks to our compliance team, who monitors state, federal, and international updates.

Alabama:

At the last Joint Committee meeting, both the Alabama Board of Pharmacy (ALBOP) and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (ALBME) discussed the topic of Test to Treat in community pharmacies. Both boards have made the decision to begin the rule-making process to amend our rule to allow for Test to Treat under certain conditions, which will be detailed in the final rules. Drafted rule amendments can be located on the Statutes & Rules webpage (Collaborative Practice Rules). The proposed rules explain that participating physicians and pharmacists must have an active unrestricted license and a Collaborative Agreement. For more information, reach out to anolen@albop.com.

AL Collaborative Practice Rules

Oklahoma:

Effective September 1, 2023, new rules for pharmacy technicians administering immunizations took effect, including:

• Pharmacy technicians are allowed to administer any vaccine that is approved or licensed by the FDA.
• Pharmacy technicians must have successfully completed an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) training program.
• Pharmacy technicians must have a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Pharmacy technicians must complete 1 hour of immunization related ACPE or Board approved Continuing Education (CE) every year. This CE should be maintained with the pharmacy technician training and available for review during pharmacy inspections.
• Immunization Registration Permits must be posted in the pharmacy. Applications for the Immunization Registration Permits are available on the board website.

OK BOP Rules

Pennsylvania:

As of September 5, 2023, RN and LPN nurses from other states holding an active, unencumbered multistate license are permitted to provide in-person and telehealth services in Pennsylvania.

PA Nurse Licensure Compact

Washington:

As of July 24, 2023, nurses who hold an active, unencumbered license via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) are able to practice in the state of Washington. Employers hiring nurses who hold multistate licenses (MSLs) can begin to report their hiring to the Nursing Commission, and beginning September 1, 2023, they will be required to do so within 30 days of hire.

WA BON NLC Implementation

*Disclaimer: This information has been gathered from a variety of sources. Although Verisys has made every effort to provide complete, accurate and up-to-date information, Verisys makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy or reliability of this information. The information is fluid and evolving. Verisys assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained in this resource.