Drug Take Back Day April 24, 2021

 

DHP urges licensees of health regulatory boards to encourage patient participation, April 24, 2021, in DEA’s Drug Take-Back Day. For more information read this open letter from DHP Director, Dr. David Brown and visit the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day web page.

 

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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 12/17/2020

Useful up to date COVID-19 Vaccine information

COVID-19 Vaccine information for health professionals

In response to Governor Northam’s declared state of emergency regarding COVID-19 and as authorized in §54.1-3307.3, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy offers the following information and provisions for the duration of the declared emergency. Emergency Provisions During the COVID-19 Declared Emergency – Updated 12/17/2020

HHS Vaccine Allowances for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns, and Pharmacy Technicians during COVID-19 Health Emergency revised 11/25/2020

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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Regulations Effective December 11, 2019

Periodic Regulatory Review Complete; Regulations Effective December 11, 2019 – click here to access Crosswalk for Regulatory Changes.

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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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Notification of Changes to Issuance of Licenses

The Board of Pharmacy is implementing a process to cease mailing hard-copy licenses, registrations, and permits on an annual basis that bear an expiration date. Licensees must still continue to renew their licenses annually or as required, submit payment, and attest to compliance with obtaining any required continuing education. Read more here.

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Scheduling of Gabapentin

Information for scheduling of Gabapentin may be found here.

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Pharmaceutical Processors-Cannabis Oil

Information regarding pharmaceutical processors and the dispensing of cannabis oil.

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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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Regulations for Prescribing Opioids, Buprenorphine; New PMP Reporting Requirements; Naloxone Brochure Updated

Click here to view the Regulations Governing the Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine - effective 8/8/2018 

FAQs about the Prescribing of Buprenorphine for Addiction and Opioids for Pain

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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 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

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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.