December Regulatory Update

California Board of Pharmacy:

Enforcement and Compounding Committee Report – On September 30, 2022, Governor Newsom signed A.B. 2194, which changes the continuing education requirements for licensed pharmacy professionals. Beginning on January 1, 2024, all licensed pharmacy professionals will be required to complete 1 hour of cultural competency continuing education.
The Pharmacy Law establishes the California State Board of Pharmacy in the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensing and regulation of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies. That law prohibits the board from renewing a pharmacist license after the first renewal unless the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed 30 hours of approved courses of continuing pharmacy education.
This bill would require that those 30 hours of approved courses of continuing pharmacy education include at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course, as defined. The bill would also prohibit the board from renewing a pharmacy technician license unless the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course during the two years preceding the application for renewal. The bill would make the bill’s provisions operative on January 1, 2024.

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies:

During the 2022 Session, Colorado passed several bills related to occupational licensing. The state is taking steps to reduce the barriers to licensure for qualified healthcare providers. SB22-116. The “Red Tape Reduction Act of 2022” (This act amended Colorado Revised Statute 12-20-202, §§ (3)(b)(I), (3)(b)(I)(A), (3)(c), (3)(c)(I) and added §§ (3)(d.5) and (3)(e)(II.5). Signed by Governor Jared Polis on May 2nd, 2022, this act allows state licensing boards to approve individuals who are licensed or certified through the federal government or who hold a military occupational specialty. This Act also removes the prohibition on approving an application if such approval would violate the existing compact or reciprocity agreement. HB22-1050 – This bill provides a path to licensure for international medical graduates.
Executive Order D 2022 034 – Ensures that Colorado licensees are not subject to disciplinary action for lawful use of marijuana. The purpose of this executive order is to ensure that providers are not restricted from practice for acts that would not otherwise violate Colorado’s practice acts. The Department of Regulatory Agencies has been directed to work with all boards of professional licensure to promulgate rules to implement these changes. The Board of Pharmacy met on September 29th, 2022 to draft emergency rules subsequent to EO D 2022 034. The emergency rules were published October 13.
The Board of Nursing met on October 19, 2022 to draft emergency rules subsequent to EO D 2022 034. The emergency rules were published on November 8th.

Indiana:

Temporary Healthcare Provider Registry: To address Indiana’s ongoing healthcare needs, this temporary license and the licensure registry were recently incorporated into state law under Indiana Code § 25-1-5.7, after Governor Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act 1003-2022 into law. Under this new law, this temporary license and the licensure registry are effective through the duration of the federal public health emergency concerning COVID-19, declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This declaration must be renewed every 90 days, and was last renewed on October 13, 2022. Unless otherwise notified by PLA, no action is required at this time to preserve your emergency registration. The emergency registration issued to you under Governor Holcomb’s various Executive Orders is identical to the license issued under Indiana Code § 25-1-5.7.
PLA anticipates the emergency registry will remain valid until January 11, 2023. PLA anticipates that it will provide approximately 60 days’ notice before the expiration of the emergency registry.

Maryland:

CMS has granted the State of Maryland an extension of the Waiver that is effective until the earlier of March 30, 2023 or the end of the federal Public Health Emergency. Under this waiver Temporary Nurse Aids (TNAs) may continue working while they seek certification as a CNA/GNA. The Board encourages all TNAs to apply for certification as soon as possible.
Tem​po​rary Nurse Aide Pathway for CNA/GNA Certification

Massachusetts:

Temporary Licensure Extended: Order of the Commissioner of Public Health COVID 19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-18. In accordance with the Order of the Commissioner of Public Health the Board of Registration in Nursing will extend all temporary nursing licenses granted under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency through December 31, 2022 and allow applicants to request temporary nurse licenses through December 31, 2022.
https://www.mass.gov/news/temporary-licensure-extended-order-of-the-commissioner-of-public-health-covid-19-public-health-emergency-order-no-2022-18

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.

The information contained in this newsletter comprises relevant information that we have found in the last month. It may not constitute a complete list of every regulation instituted by every board during the last month.