Message from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):

NTSB has recently adopted a safety study about the risk of impairment in transportation accidents. As a result, it has made several recommendations including publication and dissemination of a reminder to all prescribers and pharmacists of the importance of routinely discussing with patients the effect their diagnosed medical conditions or recommended drugs may have on their ability to safely operate a vehicle in any mode of transportation. Click here to read an excerpt from the study.

Ebola Virus Update for healthcare practitioners from Virginia Department of Health

October 15, 2014 - As the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) continues to make news, it is important for licensees of health regulatory boards to be informed. In addition to public outreach, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is the Commonwealth’s top resource on Ebola for healthcare providers and facilities. For up to the minute information, please visit VDH’s website.

October 3, 2014 - I am providing you with a update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and will continue to do so regularly as needed over the coming weeks. The safety of all health care providers and keeping the health care community and the public informed are our top priorities. Read the full letter from the State Health Commissioner.

More Information:

CDC Guidance

DEA Publishes Final Rule Rescheduling Hydrocodone Combination Products From Schedule III to Schedule II

Effective October 6, 2014 - On August 22, 2014, the US Drug Enforcement Administration published a Final Rule in the Federal Register placing hydrocodone combination products into Schedule II effective October 6, 2014. DEA first published the proposed rules in March 2014, in response to a Food and Drug Administration recommendation. DEA received almost 600 public comments regarding the proposed rules after they were published, with a small majority of the commenters supporting the change, a DEA press release notes. Frequently asked questions on this subject may be accessed here.

Questions may be directed to your local DEA Field Office or pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov

New Video Resource - Prescription Drug Abuse - Red Flags for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

An educational video for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to help them identify the warning signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion when dispensing prescriptions was created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® and the Anti-Diversion Industry Working Group, a consortium of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. This 12-minute video, entitled, "Red Flags," includes a foreword from Virginia Board of Pharmacy Executive Director, Caroline D. Juran.

Information regarding Requirement for Nonresident Pharmacies to Submit Current Inspection Report:

New Requirement for Obtaining ACPE-approved Continuing Education

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must now obtain an NABP e-Profile ID in order to receive credit from ACPE-approved continuing education providers. Click here for background and instructions.

Instructions for Obtaining a Pharmacist License through Examination or Reciprocity;

Study Guide (Examination Handbook) for Virginia Federal and State Drug Law Exam (Word .doc)

Information on prescription drug abuse and medication safety (AWARxE)

Read More about AWARxE

Buying medicine online

For information about buying medicine online, visit the Consumer Protection section of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) Web site.
For more information:
Buying Medicine and Medical Products over the Internet from the FDA

Drug Disposal

How a consumer may properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
Guidance from Office of National Drug Control Policy (pdf)
Guidance from the FDA

Extension of renewal requirements for deployed military and spouses

Virginia law allows active duty service people or their spouses who are deployed outside the U.S. to have an extension of time for any requirement or fee pertaining to renewal until 60 days after the person’s return from deployment.  The extension cannot last beyond 5 years past the expiration date for the license.  For more information, please read attached policy and contact the applicable board for your license.