Data-Waiver (X-Waiver) Requirement Removed

As of December 29, 2022, and pursuant to Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, federal law no longer requires prescribers to obtain a DATA-Waiver or X-Waiver to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, to treat patients with opioid use disorder. Read more

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Continuing Education (CE) Requirement for Pharmacists in 2023

Important Communication for Pharmacists Regarding 2023 Continuing Education Requirement

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COVID-19 Updates

PAXLOVID Patient Eligibility Screening Checklist Tool for Pharmacists (pdf)

COVID-19 Therapeutics

Summary of Legal Authorities for Pharmacists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine (pdf)

Revised Health Commissioner’s COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order for Pharmacists (pdf)

VDH Vaccine Information for Healthcare Professionals

COVID-19 Testing Resource Document (pdf) - revised 11/25/2020

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Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements updated March 2023

FAQs for Pharmacy Technician Registration and Training Program Accreditation (pdf)

 

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Statewide Protocols

Emergency regulations pursuant to 2022 legislation authorizing pharmacists to initiate treatment for tobacco cessation for patients 18 years of age or older became effective February 21, 2023.  Pharmacists may initiate treatment in accordance with the regulations and statewide protocols listed below.  Please note that the protocols for vaccine administration to minors and the ordering of coronavirus tests do not become effective until the expiration of the PREP Act.  Meanwhile, pharmacy personnel may continue to act in accordance with the PREP Act or standing order.

Tobacco Cessation

• Tobacco Cessation Statewide Protocol
• Tobacco Cessation Self-Screening Patient Intake Form
• Tobacco Cessation Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway
• NRT and Non-NRT Dosing Guidelines

Coronavirus Tests

• Coronavirus Test Statewide Protocol

Vaccines

• Pharmacist Vaccine Statewide Protocol

TB

• Tuberculin Skin Testing One-Step Protocol
• Tuberculin Skin Testing Two-Step Protocol: For Initial Testing In Adults Who May Be Undergoing Annual Testing

HIV PEP

• HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Statewide Protocol

HIV PrEP

• HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Statewide Protocol

Hormonal Contraception

• Virginia Routine Contraceptive Statewide Protocol
• Virginia Algorithm for Pharmacists to Prescribe Routine Hormonal Contraceptives
• Virginia Algorithm for Pharmacists to Prescribe and Administer DMPA
• Virginia Contraceptive Self-Screening Questionnaire

Emergency Contraception

• Virginia Emergency Contraceptive Statewide Protocol
• Virginia Emergency Contraceptive Self-Screening Questionnaire

Prenatal Vitamins

• Virginia Prenatal Vitamin Statewide Protocol

Naloxone

• Virginia Naloxone Statewide Protocol for Pharmacists

Epinephrine

• Virginia Epinephrine Statewide Protocol

Lowering Out-of-Pocket Expenses

• Virginia Statewide Protocol to Lower Out-of-Pocket Expense

Dietary Fluoride Supplement

• Virginia Dietary Fluoride Supplement Statewide Protocol

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Request for Application

The Board of Pharmacy has issued the following Request for Application (RFA) to solicit applications for a permit to operate a pharmaceutical processor in Health Service Area (HSA) I. As authorized in law, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy (Board) may award conditional approval for only one pharmaceutical processor in this health service area. In order to be considered for selection, an Applicant must submit a complete Application for a Pharmaceutical Processor Permit for HSA I with required documentation and application fee in accordance with this RFA no later than December 4, 2020 at 2:00p.m. EST. Please review the RFA for specific application requirements.

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Mandatory E-Prescribing of Opioids Effective July 1, 2020

Click here to read the related article in the July 2020 e-newsletter.

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Scam Alert

The Department of Health Professions (DHP) has been made aware that some licensees have received fraudulent communications from individuals claiming to be from one of our licensing boards, such as the Board of Pharmacy, or another agency, such as the DEA. The communications, often by phone, may threaten arrest or license suspension, demand personal information, or require the payment of fines. Please note: 

• Phone calls may “spoof” DHP or a Board and appear to be from our number;
• If you need to verify the identity of a DHP investigator or inspector, call (804) 367-4691 or email enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov;
• DHP will never demand that you provide personally identifying information, such as social security number, date of birth, bank or credit card account numbers over the phone;
• These type of licensing scams are a problem nationwide.

 If you believe you are the recipient of a fraudulent communication claiming to be from DHP:

• Notify DHP at 804-367-4691, or email enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov;
• Report the communication to local law enforcement or the Virginia State Police;
• The Federal Trade Commission also accepts reports about “Imposter Scams” through their website, or at 1-877-382-4357. These reports are used to aid ongoing investigations.

The Drug Enforcement Administration also has warned of imposters posing as DEA agents. Information and reporting of these scams can be found at this DEA website. 

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REVIVE! Pharmacy Dispensing Brochure - This brochure is designed for pharmacists to distribute along with naloxone.

Additional information regarding REVIVE!, the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education program may be accessed here.

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Drug Disposal

How a consumer may properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
Guidance from the FDA
List of Authorized Collectors of Drugs for Destruction

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Buying medicine online

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

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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.