A Message of Gratitude during American Pharmacists Month

The Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Board of Pharmacy extend our sincere appreciation to all pharmacy personnel assisting patients and providing patient care, particularly during these challenging times.  We gladly recognize you during American Pharmacists Month and encourage you to watch this video from Governor Ralph Northam and other state leaders acknowledging your hard work.

Fee changes

For information on the increase in fees as of October 14, 2020, please click here.

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COVID-19 Updates as of 7/1/2021

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

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

VDH Vaccine Information for Healthcare Professionals

COVID-19 Testing Resource Document - revised 11/25/2020

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Statewide Protocols

Emergency regulations authorizing pharmacists to initiate treatment with certain drugs for patients 18 years of age or older became effective January 3, 2021. Pharmacists may now prescribe and dispense these drugs in accordance with the regulations and the statewide protocols listed below.

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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Have you downloaded COVIDWISE, Virginia's COVID-19 exposure notification app? Add your phone to the fight here.

 

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Opioid dosage guidance

HHS Releases Guide for Clinicians on the Appropriate Dosage Reduction or Discontinuation of Long-Term Opioid Analgesics – click here

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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 the FTC Complaint Assistant, 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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Transfer of Unfilled Prescriptions for Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances

DEA has clarified the conditions under which a prescription for an unfilled prescription for a Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substance may be transferred.  Click here to read more.

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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.