Mar 25, 2022 –
Micro Merchant Systems (MMS) is pleased to offer automated immunization reporting from within the PrimeRx™ pharmacy management system. MMS has partnered with Tabula Rasa HealthCare/Script Management Partners (SMP) for this service, using SMP, which allows pharmacies to seamlessly report to state and local immunization information systems (IIS). The SMP solution provides real-time, turnkey functionality that works within the workflow of your pharmacy management system. MMS and SMP system experts will guide your pharmacy in meeting state and local IIS data exchange connectivity requirements.
SMP Benefits within PrimeRx™:
The benefits of participating with SMP service
Mar 15, 2022 –
FDA Extends Expiration Date of J&J COVID-19 Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the shelf life of
the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine from 6 months to 9 months
at a temperature of 2-8 °C. The authorization letter from FDA to Janssen
Biotech can be found here.
Mar 15, 2022 –
NCPA Guide to Implementing Vaccine Services
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
released a guide to implementing vaccine services in a community pharmacy. This
resource is accessible to members and non-members alike and includes guides to
creating a viable business plan, obtaining appropriate reimbursement, and
practicing patient cases. See this resource here.
Mar 11, 2022 –
The pharmacist role has evolved and expanded significantly in recent years with more and more retail and independent pharmacies offering clinical care services
that go well beyond traditional dispensing. During COVID-19, the role
has evolved even more as pharmacists have been tasked with everything
from providing valuable information and debunking myths to offering
point-of-care testing and administering vaccines.
Of course, as the role of pharmacists has changed, so has the pharmacy
software they’re taking advantage of to work more efficiently and
deliver care more effectively. Here’s how:
Aug 23, 2021 –
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for people 16 and up, making it the first to move beyond emergency use status in the United States.
The decision will set off a cascade of vaccine requirements by hospitals, colleges, corporations and other organizations. United Airlines recently announced that its employees will be required to show proof of vaccination within five weeks of regulatory approval.
Oregon has adopted a similar requirement for all state workers, as have a host of universities in states from Louisiana to Minnesota. The Pentagon has said it would mandate the shots for the country’s 1.3 million active-duty troops once the Pfizer approval came through.
Source: NY TimesAug 10, 2021 –
The CDC told members of Congress on Thursday that the delta variant of the coronavirus appears to cause more severe illness than earlier variants and spreads as easily as chickenpox. An internal federal health document obtained by The Washington Post says that officials must “acknowledge the war has changed.” According to the document, there is a higher risk among older age groups for hospitalization and death compared to younger people, regardless of vaccination status. An estimated 35,000 symptomatic infections per week have been reported among 162 million vaccinated Americans.
Jul 27, 2021 –
Vaccinated Americans should wear masks indoors in certain circumstances due to the highly transmissible delta variant, the CDC announced Tuesday. The recommendation alters the agency’s May 13 guidance saying that vaccinated individuals did not have to wear masks indoors or out because of the protection afforded by vaccines. At the time, cases were dropping sharply and the delta variant, which is 1,000 times more transmissible than earlier versions of the virus, had not gained significant traction in the United State
Jun 24, 2021 –
If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Learn more about what you can do when you have been fully vaccinated.
Jun 24, 2021 – Additional Medicare payment for COVID-19 vaccination administration in the home Medicare will pay an additional amount of $35 per dose for administering COVID-19 vaccine in the home for Medicare patients that have difficulties leaving their homes or are hard-to-reach. This is in addition to the standard administration amount of $40 per dose, for a total payment of $75 for a single-dose vaccine or $150 for both doses of a 2-dose vaccine.
Source: NCPAMar 15, 2021 –
Biden-Harris Administration Increases Medicare Payment for Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccine
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. This new and higher payment rate will support important actions taken by providers that are designed to increase the number of vaccines they can furnish each day, including establishing new or growing existing vaccination sites, conducting patient outreach and education, and hiring additional staff. At a time when vaccine supply is growing, CMS is supporting provider efforts to expand capacity and ensure that all Americans can be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Effective for COVID-19 vaccines administered on or after March 15, 2021, the national average payment rate for physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and many other immunizers will be $40 to administer each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This represents an increase from approximately $28 to $40 for the administration of single-dose vaccines, and an increase from approximately $45 to $80 for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines requiring two doses. The exact payment rate for administration of each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will depend on the type of entity that furnishes the service and will be geographically adjusted based on where the service is furnished.
These updates to the Medicare payment rate for COVID-19 vaccine administration reflect new information about the costs involved in administering the vaccine for different types of providers and suppliers, and the additional resources necessary to ensure the vaccine is administered safely and appropriately.
CMS is updating the set of toolkits for providers, states and insurers to help the health care system swiftly administer the vaccine with these new Medicare payment rates. These resources are designed to increase the number of providers that can administer the vaccine, ensure adequate payment for administering the vaccine to Medicare beneficiaries, and make it clear that no beneficiary, whether covered by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, should pay cost-sharing for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines
As a condition of receiving free COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government, vaccine providers are prohibited from charging patients any amount for administration of the vaccine. To ensure broad and consistent coverage across programs and payers, the toolkits have specific information for several programs, including:
Medicare: Beneficiaries with Medicare pay nothing for COVID-19 vaccines and there is no applicable copayment, coinsurance or deductible.
Medicare Advantage (MA): For calendar years 2020 and 2021, Medicare will pay providers directly for the COVID-19 vaccine (if they do not receive it for free) and its administration for beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans. MA plans are not responsible for paying providers to administer the vaccine to MA enrollees during this time. Like beneficiaries in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage enrollees also pay no cost-sharing for COVID-19 vaccines.
Medicaid: State Medicaid and CHIP agencies must provide vaccine administration with no cost sharing for nearly all beneficiaries during the public health emergency (PHE) and at least one year after it ends. Through the American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021, the COVID vaccine administration will be fully federally funded. The law also provides an expansion of individuals eligible for vaccine administration coverage. There will be more information provided in upcoming updates to the Medicaid toolkit at: https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/downloads/covid-19-vaccine-toolkit.pdf.
Private Plans: CMS, along with the Departments of Labor and Treasury, is requiring that most private health plans and issuers cover the COVID-19 vaccine and its administration, both in-network and out-of-network, with no cost sharing during the public health emergency (PHE). Current regulations provide that out-of-network rates must be reasonable, as compared to prevailing market rates, and reference the Medicare reimbursement rates as a potential guideline for insurance companies. In light of CMS’s increased Medicare payment rates, CMS will expect commercial carriers to continue to ensure that their rates are reasonable in comparison to prevailing market rates.
Uninsured: For individuals who are uninsured, providers may submit claims for reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals without insurance through the Provider Relief Fund, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
More information on Medicare payment for COVID-19 vaccine administration – including a list of billing codes, payment allowances and effective dates – is available at https://www.cms.gov/medicare/covid-19/medicare-covid-19-vaccine-shot-payment.
More information regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Requirements, and how the COVID-19 vaccine is provided at 100% no cost to recipients is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccination-provider-support.html.
Information on the COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program is available at https://www.hrsa.gov/CovidUninsuredClaim.
Feb 14, 2021 –
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here!
The first COVID-19 vaccines are here. Supply from the Federal Government is extremely limited. Additional New Yorkers will become eligible as the vaccine supply increases. While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.
Over seven million New Yorkers are now eligible for the vaccine. Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers.
Beginning February 15, New Yorkers with certain comorbidities and underlying conditions will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
Vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals and through local health departments statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment. You can use this website for scheduling a first-dose appointment at a New York State-run site only. To determine eligibility and schedule a first-dose appointment at one of these sites, use the Am I Eligible app. Remember: Both vaccines require two doses for effectiveness. Your second-dose appointment will be scheduled automatically at the time you receive your first vaccine dose. Appointments are not transferrable.
Feb 12, 2021 –
Following the release of the Biden administration’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) issued its support for the strategy and urged the government to also consider the need to engage independent pharmacies in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Small business neighborhood pharmacy has been engaged in the fight against the coronavirus from the start, jumping to action and installing plexiglass barriers, upping their delivery services, starting curbside pick-up, compounding hand sanitizer, and offering testing and, when possible, the COVID-19 vaccines. Similarly, the Biden administration is jumping quickly to work to join the battle, continue getting vaccines into people’s arms, and provide relief,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, PharmD, MBA, in the statement.
Feb 08, 2021 –
Johnson & Johnson submitted paperwork on Thursday, February 4th to the FDA requesting authorization of it’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA COVID-19 advisory committee will meet on Friday, February 26th to review the application. In a U.S. clinical trial, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was shown to be 72% effective. The vaccine can be stored at refrigerated temperatures, rather than below freezing like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
Feb 03, 2021 –
Starting on February 11th, the federal government will be shipping Covid-19 vaccine supplies directly to pharmacy doors. This is part of the initiative to increase vaccination rates in the United States, and will be accomplished in collaboration with national pharmacy partners. In addition to the chains, this will also include independent pharmacy networks such as CPESN USA and Good Neighbor Pharmacy. This direct shipment to pharmacies will reduce some barriers in distribution of the vaccine and hopefully help get the doses quickly into arms.
Jan 28, 2021 –
COVID-19 Vaccine Home Page
About:
CPESN COVID-19 Vaccine Change Packages
The CPESN® USA COVID-19 Vaccine Change Package for December 2020 is designed to help your pharmacy build the infrastructure required prior to ordering the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Source: CPESNJan 11, 2021 –
The NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder is designed to facilitate the process for New Yorkers to find convenient provider locations administering COVID-19 vaccines and schedule appointments for vaccination. Any New Yorker eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine can make a vaccination appointment (view eligibility here).
To make an appointment, please visit www.nyc.gov/vaccinelocations or send an email with your phone number to nycreach@health.nyc.gov with the subject line “Request to schedule COVID-19 vaccination”.
Dec 31, 2020 –
Board of Pharmacy releases COVID-19 Prioritization Standards
The Board of Pharmacy has released a notice to all pharmacies regarding the prioritization standards, both at the state and federal levels, of the distribution of the COVID vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.
CPhA would like to stress the importance of members adhering to both the state and federal prioritization standards for which patients receive the COVID vaccine. As the Board mentioned in their notice, if there is any distribution of the vaccine that runs contrary to the indicated phase structure at the state level, the Board may subject these pharmacists to discipline, which may include revocation of their license. As a reminder, pharmacists are obligated to report any vaccine administered to patients to the state’s CAIR immunization registry. As providers of the COVID vaccine, pharmacists are also required to register with COVIDReadi and be invited by the county health department to become a distributor.
CPhA is advising its members to reach out to your local health department for guidance on which phase is currently active, as this may not be uniform in every county. As the state revises its distribution plan, CPhA will notify its members about any updated information it learns.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact CPhA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Policy Development, Danny Martinez, at dmartinez@cpha.com.
Source: California Pharmacy Association (CPhA)Dec 22, 2020 –
Alexandria, VA (December 22, 2020) – Late last night the House and Senate passed the second round of COVID-19 relief. In response, NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey issued a statement for the media applauding Congress' action. See the full statement here.
The new package includes an extension of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), for which most NCPA members successfully applied in the spring. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses can apply for forgivable loans if they meet certain requirements. NCPA also lobbied successfully for: tax deductibility for COVID-related investments; recouping the cost of property damaged by civil unrest; and simplified application requirements. The President is expected to sign the legislation in the coming days. Click here for a complete list of provisions that apply to community pharmacies
Shortly after the original legislation passed in May, NCPA hosted two webinars, here and here, with our partners Ollin and Scotty Sykes (Sykes & Co.) for members interested in applying for the loans. An on-demand video outlining the important provisions of this package and what it means for your business will be available to watch by tomorrow evening. Check our Coronavirus Information Center beginning Wednesday evening for additional information. Also, please follow us on Twitter and Facebook @Commpharmacy for periodic updates
NCPA has been working with members of Congress and the administration since the outbreak of COVID-19 to secure financial relief for community pharmacists, and to ensure that they can participate in the testing and vaccination programs. Check out our advocacy efforts here.
Dec 10, 2020 –
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Data
On December 17th, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) will host their first hearing relating to Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine and relevant data. To learn more about the meeting, including resources pertaining to the hearing and to register to attend, visit this link.
To learn about CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting dates to review COVID-19 Vaccines, click here.
To read more about the state of the COVID-19 vaccines and CPhA’s role, click here.
Nov 17, 2020 –
The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Operational Guidance for Jurisdictions Playbook.
The document’s sections cover specific areas of COVID-19 vaccination program planning and implementation and provide key guidance documents and links to resources to assist those efforts. Many, but not all, of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program activities described may overlap with routine activities; routine immunization and pandemic influenza program activities can serve as a foundation for COVID-19 vaccination planning.
Nov 12, 2020 –
To maximize access to COVID-19 vaccines for all Americans, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the U.S. government’s partnerships with large chain pharmacies and networks that represent independent pharmacies and regional chains. Through the partnership with pharmacy chains, this program covers approximately 60 percent of pharmacies throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through the partnerships with network administrators, independent pharmacies and regional chains will also be part of the federal pharmacy program, further increasing access to vaccine across the country—particularly in traditionally underserved areas.
Nov 11, 2020 –
Tracking COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Nov 02, 2020 –
In the United States, there is not yet an authorized or approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The federal government, through Operation Warp Speedexternal icon, has been working since the pandemic started to make one or more COVID-19 vaccines available as soon as possible. Although CDC does not have a role in developing COVID-19 vaccines, CDC has been working closely with health departments and partners to develop vaccination plans for when a vaccine is available.
With the possibility of one or more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available before the end of the year, here are 10 things healthcare professionals need to know about where those plans currently stand.
Oct 26, 2020 –
As researchers race to produce a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, preparations are underway across multiple channels to ensure that once approved, the vaccine will be efficiently manufactured, distributed, and administered. Many professionals will have a role in this procedure, including the health care professionals who will actually administer the vaccine. This will include the nation’s pharmacists who in September, were authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Authorizing pharmacists to help in this way was a logical decision by HHS, since pharmacists had previously been approved to administer COVID-19 tests. In addition pharmacists already play an important role in patient inoculations, administering an estimated 25 percent of total influenza vaccinations administered each year.
But given the urgent circumstances of the expected COVID-19 vaccine, including the accelerated pace at which it has been developed and the anticipated strong demand, pharmacists will find themselves on the front lines, a position to which they have grown accustomed during the long months of the pandemic.
There is much to be done to prepare for the vaccine, largely because so much is unknown about when – and even if – final approval will be granted. An initiative called “Operation Warp Speed” was announced by the Federal Government in May to spearhead vaccine development. The stated goal of Operation Warp Speed is to deliver 300 million doses of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine with initial doses available by January 2021.
Source: PrimeRx pharmacy management softwareOct 06, 2020 –
NCPA is working on all fronts and with many federal and state partners to position independent community pharmacies as key players that are critical to vaccine administration plans for success in the country's efforts to reach all Americans when COVID-19 vaccines are available. Right now, state health departments are developing their plans for how this will be done in their state, and they will submit those plans to the CDC soon. What should pharmacies do right now?
Details about what will be required by the CDC and states of all vaccinators, as well as about the vaccines, their storage requirements, efficacy, etc. will all continue to become clearer in the weeks ahead. We encourage you to stay informed. We will provide information as we learn it.
Source: NCPA National Community Pharmacist AssociationSep 16, 2020 –
APhA Is Your Resource for Vaccination Information
Public access to pharmacists’ services during the pandemic is becoming a reality, specifically related to immunization. On Wednesday, HHS issued guidance under the PREP Act authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccinations to persons aged 3 years or older. This news followed another recent HHS policy standardizing access to childhood vaccines across all states and territories.
To optimize these opportunities provided by the HHS authorizations and increase access for the communities you serve, it’s important to know what’s expected and prepare for your expanded role as an immunizer. The most important thing you can do right now is ensure you meet the education requirements, which include:
Completion of a practical training program of at least 20 hours, if you had not done so already, such as APhA’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Training Program (CTP)
A minimum of 2 hours of ACPE-approved, immunization-related continuing pharmacy education during each state licensing period
APhA has multiple free training programs available to help immunizing pharmacists who have completed the CTP gain the additional credits needed for compliance.
Visit the Pharmacists’ Guide to Coronavirus for general information. For specific immunization-related information, visit our Immunizations During COVID-19 page; use our newly added templates to satisfy the HHS requirement to inform patients/caregivers regarding the importance of a Well-Child Visit.
Source: APhASep 10, 2020 –
The agency told public health agencies that two unidentified vaccines might be ready by October or November. We explain how vaccine trials work, when one might be ready, and who may get them first.
In planning documents sent last week to public health agencies around the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described preparations for two coronavirus vaccines they refer to simply as Vaccine A and Vaccine B. The technical details of the vaccines, including the time between doses and their storage temperatures, match well with the two vaccines furthest along in clinical tests in the United States, made by Moderna and Pfizer.
Here’s what you need to know about how the vaccines work, how they’re being tested and how they might be rolled out to the public — if, and it’s still a big if, they are proven to work. Read more
Aug 21, 2020 –
McKesson Corp. will help distribute a vaccine for the novel coronavirus in the U.S., President Donald Trump said on Friday, as part of the government’s efforts to speed an inoculation to the American public.
The company will be a central distributor of both vaccines and related supplies needed to administer them, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. The government is exercising an option in an existing contract with McKesson.
“Today’s announcement puts another building block in place as the Nation moves toward a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield in the statement.
McKesson’s vaccine distribution contract with the government started in 2017 and has the potential to total more than $300 million, according to a federal spending database. The company has had similar contracts in the past, for example distributing the H1N1 vaccine during 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic.
Aug 20, 2020 –
The Department of Health and Human Services today amended the declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to authorize state-licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns under their supervision to order and administer vaccines to children, subject to certain requirements.
"Today’s action means easier access to lifesaving vaccines for our children, as we seek to ensure immunization rates remain high during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May reported a notable drop in routine childhood vaccines ordered and administered through the federal Vaccines for Children program during the public health emergency.
Source: American Hospital AssociationAug 20, 2020 –
Researchers around the world are developing more than 165 vaccines against the coronavirus, and 32 vaccines are in human trials. Vaccines typically require years of research and testing before reaching the clinic, but scientists are racing to produce a safe and effective vaccine by next year.
Aug 18, 2020 –
Anne Pace, owner of Kavanaugh Pharmacy in Little Rock, Arkansas, has administered over 1,000 COVID-19 rapid tests over the last few weeks. In a live question-and-answer webinar, she’ll discuss her perspective on getting started, the process and integration into her pharmacy workflow, marketing and much more. Pharmacists should be sure to check applicable state laws and regulations related to the content of this webinar.
Anne Pace, PharmD, Kavanaugh Pharmacy
Hayley Harrington, PharmD Candidate 2021, Kavanaugh Pharmacy
Kurt Proctor, Ph.D., RPh, Senior VP, Strategic Initiatives, NCPA
Source: NCPAJul 30, 2020 –
Pfizer is increasingly confident that its efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine will be successful. In a July 7 interview with TIME, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said he believes that Food and Drug Administration approval could come as soon as October.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla Raises Expectations That the Pharmaceutical Giant Can Deliver a COVID-19 Vaccine by Fall
Jul 29, 2020 –
With the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is not surprising that the impact seen in the pharmacy industry is going to be long-lasting. The initial waves of change that were felt in the beginning of 2020 are sure to be accompanied by a ripple effect when things begin to normalize.
Jul 28, 2020 –
Medicare-approved accreditation organization The Compliance Team Inc. is now offering its newest Exemplary Provider Quality Award program, Pharmacy Testing Certification. [Read Article]
Jul 27, 2020 –
When a vaccine hits the market, it will be a key tool in putting an end to the pandemic. A federal committee is debating giving early access to groups that face a high risk. [Read Article]
Jul 26, 2020 –
The President also issued an order to reign in prescription drug middlemen
practices of kickbacks through rebate programs. According to the Executive
Order, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is charged
with completing rulemaking to exclude the safe harbor provision under the
anti-kickback statutes in the Social Security Act. This would cause things like
rebates to be passed on to consumers at the point of sale.
Jul 24, 2020 –
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, response efforts in the US continue to put pressure on health care organizations and resources. Direct patient care by pharmacists has been shown to potentially improve various patient outcomes during a public health emergency.
Source: California Pharmacy Association (CPhA)Jul 23, 2020 –
Pharmacy Times spoke with Michael Hogue, PharmD, president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), about the current push in Congress for pharmacists to gain provider status in the push for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.
Source: California Pharmacy Association (CPhA)Jul 22, 2020 –
Pharmacists pushing to get paid by Medicare for Covid-19 testing have gained key congressional allies but say they face opposition from the country’s top doctors lobby.
Source: California Pharmacy Association (CPhA)Jul 21, 2020 –
Mail order pharmacy is a pharmacy that works over the internet and delivers medications directly to residence by mail. Mail order service saves the time and trips to local retail pharmacy.
Source: California Pharmacy Association (CPhA)Jul 13, 2020 –
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered several sectors to once again shut down Monday amid an increasingly concerning coronavirus surge.
Bars, both indoor and outdoor, will be forced to close down statewide. Restaurants are being told to cease indoor operations. Outdoor dining and takeout are still allowed.
In counties on the state's watch list, even more businesses are being required to close their doors. That includes gyms, hair salons, barbershops, other personal care services, indoor malls, offices in non-critical sectors, and places of worship.
Source: ABC 7Jul 09, 2020 –
If you plan to offer COVID-19 testing in your store, you will need to have a CLIA Certificate of Waiver. For most, this is a very easy process. Fill out a form and send it to your state agency. The form is used for different types of labs, so we've made a short video to show you how a pharmacy would likely want to complete the form. Check with your state pharmacy association and department of health to see if there are additional requirements.
Jul 06, 2020 –
1. The New York State Fair is canceled this year out of an abundance of caution. While disappointing for many reasons, the risk is too high to hold the Fair this summer.
2. The State is planning for the fall school year. The New York State Department of Health, in consultation with the Reimagine Education Advisory Council and others, is finalizing guidance on the possible reopening of schools in September. Every school district throughout the State has been directed to develop reopening plans. At the moment, no decisions have been made on whether schools are reopening in the fall. We will follow the data, and make a decision on the data.
3. Casinos and movie theaters remain closed. The State will continue to review the science and facts on their safe reopening.
4. New York is looking at specific air conditioning requirements to prevent airborne spread of the virus. The State will make industry recommendations on the use of air filtration technology to potentially eliminate the spread of COVID-19 through air conditioning systems. As evidence emerges that COVID-19 spread is linked more to airborne transmission than to surface area transmissions, we are studying filters, their compatibility with existing air systems, the expense of modifications to air conditioning systems and other factors.
5. The number of total hospitalizations continues to decline. Yesterday, total hospitalizations fell to 817, from 832 the previous day. Sadly, we lost 9 New Yorkers to the virus.
6. Yesterday, the State conducted 54,328 tests. Only 518, or 0.95%, were positive.
Source: ny.govJun 10, 2020 –
Be the Clinician You Were Trained to Be. Join the Digital Pharmacy Clinical Services Network. Get paid when you participate in our clinical programs, including the all new COVID-19 testing programs.
All new COVID-19 testing program now available. The Digital Pharmacy COVID testing network is now live. Set up your pharmacy and get paid for each test you administer.
Join the fastest growing clinical pharmacy network. Participate in paid clinical programs.
As a member of the AZOVA Digital Clinical Pharmacy Services Network, you will be included in many innovative digital health care programs. AZOVA brings payors, employers, brands, pharma and the consumer to the network and pays you for your services. Programs are launching across the country now. Sign up today!
Source: AZOVA Digital Clinical Services NetworkJun 08, 2020 –
Today is Day 100 since we had our first confirmed COVID case in New York State. And with New York City entering Phase 1 today, the entire state is in the reopening process. At the outset, no one knew how long it would take us to control the virus. But we did understand that it all depended on our actions. I'm so proud of how New Yorkers responded. Together we bent the curve. When things are tough, New Yorkers are tougher. Now we will move forward by region smartly.
Here's what else you need to know:
1. NY is launching the "It's Up To Us, New York" campaign to remind New Yorkers to keep doing their part to fight Coronavirus. The campaign will appear across social media, on MTA buses and trains and on billboards across the state. I want to remind New Yorkers that masks are mandatory when riding public transportation systems and to follow all guidelines and protocols when riding, including maintaining social distancing to the extent possible, using hand sanitizer and observing decal guidance.
2. The MTA is taking unprecedented steps to keep riders and workers safe, including cleaning and disinfecting trains and buses daily. Since May 6th, the MTA has cleaned and disinfected 30,000 stations and cleaned and disinfected 500,000 subway cars. The MTA is also piloting the use of proven UV light technology to clean subway cars and crew facilities. The state is deploying over one million masks, and 25,000 gallons and 500,000 2-oz. bottles of sanitizer for the MTA for reopening.
3. New York City is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care. I previously announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term.
4. We continue to focus efforts on reducing the infection rate of COVID-19 in New York City hotspot neighborhoods where residents have been most impacted by the virus. In partnership with Northwell Health and SOMOS Community Care, the state is opening 14 new temporary testing sites at churches located in communities that were hit hardest by COVID.
5. I encourage all New Yorkers who have participated in recent protests to get tested for COVID-19. There are now more than 240 testing sites in New York City, and the state is prioritizing 15 testing sites across the city for individuals who have participated in recent protests. More information on where and how to get tested is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov. Getting a test is easy and it's the responsible thing to do.
Source: New York State - Governor Andrew M. CuomoJun 02, 2020 –
Guidance for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Community Pharmacies during the COVID-19 Response.
This guidance applies to all pharmacy staff to minimize their risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the risk for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a vital part of the healthcare system, pharmacies play an important role in providing medicines, therapeutics, vaccines, and critical health services to the public. Ensuring continuous function of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic is important. During the pandemic, pharmacy staff can minimize their risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 and reduce the risk for patients by using the principles of infection prevention and control and social distancing.
Jun 01, 2020 –
ASHP is committed to supporting you in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have launched a new COVID-19 Resource Center microsite that is updated regularly along with free access to the evidence-based online resources below.
May 29, 2020 –
Over the past several weeks, BPS and our examination delivery vendor, Prometric, have closely monitored the ever-changing events associated with the spread of the COVID-19 virus in countries around the world.
BPS highly values your safety and security during these tumultuous times. We are extremely grateful for your contributions to patient care and remain committed to supporting your endeavor to become board certified. BPS is sensitive to and recognizes that issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing daily, and BPS staff will continue to monitor this and provide updates to this webpage as new information becomes available.
May 28, 2020 –
The information contained in this evidence table is emerging and rapidly evolving because of ongoing research and is subject to the professional judgment and interpretation of the practitioner due to the uniqueness of each medical facility’s approach to the care of patients with COVID-19 and the needs of individual patients. ASHP provides this evidence table to help practitioners better understand current approaches related to treatment and care. ASHP has made reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information presented.
However, any reader of this information is advised ASHP is not responsible for the continued currency of the information, for any errors or omissions, and/or for any consequences arising from the use of the information in the evidence table in any and all practice settings. Any reader of this document is cautioned that ASHP makes no representation, guarantee, or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy and appropriateness of the information contained in this evidence table and will bear no responsibility or liability for the results or consequences of its use.
Public access is currently available to AHFS Drug Information® (https://www.ahfscdi.com/login) with the username "ahfs@ashp.org" and password "covid-19." ASHP's patient medication information is available at http://www.safemedication.com/.
Source: ASHPMay 27, 2020 –
Pharmacies without a CLIA Certificate of Waiver (or one that is pending)*
May 22, 2020 –
Here's how it works: If you test positive, a COVID Contact Tracer will connect you with the support and resources you may need to quarantine, such as help getting medical care, child care, groceries or household supplies. The Tracer will work with you to identify anyone you've been in contact with over the past 14 days to trace and contain the spread of the virus. Those contacts will in turn hear from a Tracer via phone and text.
People who have come in close contact with someone who is positive are asked to stay home and limit their contact with others. By staying home during this time, IF you become sick yourself, you won't have infected other people. That's how we stop the spread. In the meantime, testing, medical and quarantine support will be arranged.
Privacy is a top priority of the Contact Tracing Program. We will not release your name to anyone. Your information is strictly confidential and will be treated as a private medical record. A contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security Number, bank or credit card numbers or any other financial information.
Note that if you get a call from a Tracer, your caller ID will in most cases say "NYS Contact Tracing." If you get a call, PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe and allows us to keep NY moving forward.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
May 21, 2020 –
May 19, 2020 –
When we look to reopening the state, our methodology is based on data and metrics — we're opening regions that have hit specific data points and have reached all seven required metrics. Starting tomorrow, Western New York will be able to begin Phase 1 of reopening, joining Central New York, the North Country, the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley. To see where your region stands, visit the state's regional monitoring dashboard.
Here's what else you need to know:
1. I encourage major sports teams to plan to reopen without fans. New York State is ready and willing to partner with teams from any professional leagues that are interested in playing games safely, so fans can enjoy watching from home. If our teams — hockey, baseball, basketball, football or any others — can make it work safely for players and staff on their end, we're supportive.
2. The number of total COVID hospitalizations continue to drop. Total hospitalizations fell to 5,850, from 5,897 the day before. There were 373 new COVID hospitalizations yesterday, essentially flat from 374 the previous day. Tragically, we lost 106 New Yorkers to the virus yesterday.
3. Our priority is to protect our most vulnerable populations. New York will bring more tests to nursing home facilities to help them meet new guidelines mandating that all nursing homes and adult care facilities test all personnel for COVID-19 two times per week. We are connecting facilities with labs to get them more tests, and so far the labs have reserved at least 35,000 tests per day just for this purpose. The state is also sending 320,000 test kits to nursing homes statewide this week.
4. New York is bringing in international experts to help advise our reopening plan. The stakes are high, and expert, scientific opinion is far more valuable than political opinion. Dr. Michael T. Osterhold, Direct of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Samir Bhatt, Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, will work with the state to provide technical advice and analyze data/metrics throughout our reopening process and help track progress.
5. Free mental health resources are available from Headspace. The company Headspace is offering free meditation and mindfulness exercises to educators, health care professionals, and New Yorkers who are out of work. (If you are unemployed, you can get a free one-year subscription to the Headspace app). Free curated content available for all New Yorkers continues to be available at headspace.com/ny.
6. The State Department of Health has granted Erie County Medical Center a waiver to restart elective procedures. Elective outpatient treatments can resume there and in counties and hospitals without a significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term. A total of 49 counties can now resume elective surgeries to date.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Source: New York StateMay 15, 2020 –
Recent reports of children experiencing Kawasaki disease, possibly tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, are raising concerns among patients and pediatricians.
Most children with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or exhibit only mild symptoms. However, in the past two months, first in Europe, and more recently in the U.S., a small number of children developed a more serious inflammatory syndrome with COVID-19, often leading to hospitalization and occasionally requiring intensive care.
COVID-19 infection leading to critical illness in children remains very infrequent. According to the leaders of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young (Young Hearts), a few patients display symptoms found in other pediatric inflammatory conditions, most notably Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that presents with a fever above 102°F to 104°F for at least five days, swelling of the lymph nodes, inflammation, a rash and other symptoms.
Children with this new, possibly COVID-19-related syndrome may have some or all the features of Kawasaki disease. These children have a persistent fever, inflammation and evidence of single or multi-organ dysfunction (shock, cardiac, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal or neurological disorder) and may or may not test positive for COVID-19.
“We want to reassure parents – this appears to be uncommon. While Kawasaki disease can damage the heart or blood vessels, the heart problems usually go away in five or six weeks, and most children fully recover,” said Jane Newburger, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association Young Hearts Council member, associate cardiologist-in-chief, academic affairs; medical director of the neurodevelopmental program; and director of the Kawasaki Program at Boston Children’s Hospital; and Commonwealth Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. “Rarely, but sometimes, the coronary artery damage persists. Because of this, Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent significant heart problems.”
Since some children are becoming very ill extremely quickly, children with these symptoms should be swiftly evaluated and cared for in hospitals with pediatric cardiac intensive care units, as needed. Because there is a small but increasing number of children with fever and evidence of inflammation who are not severely ill, all children with unexplained fever and elevated C- Reactive Protein (CRP) or white blood cell count should be carefully monitored.
In order to learn more, the American Heart Association’s Young Hearts Council feels it is important for children to be enrolled, wherever possible, in COVID-19 research projects that include obtaining serum or plasma samples, DNA and RNA studies for biobanking. Clinical trials and data integration across existing and planned registries of children ill from COVID-19 are needed. The Council is adopting the case definition put forth by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health..
Further research is needed on the full spectrum of inflammatory disorders that appear to be related to COVID-19. Recently, the American Heart Association funded 12 research grants looking at the heart and brain health implications of coronavirus including a study examining impacts on the cardiovascular system due to a robust inflammatory response.
The American Heart Association’s Young Hearts Council is a volunteer scientific group of leading pediatric cardiologists.
May 11, 2020 –
Today we enter a new phase of our battle against COVID-19. When we turn to reopening our state we will rely on data, science and metrics to guide us — as we have done all along. We will take a regional approach to reopening and will rely on seven core metrics to inform when a region is ready. The metrics require the infection, death and hospital rates meet specific standards, that the hospital capacity is there if needed and that testing and tracing are in place. (See the full criteria here.)
To keep everyone up to date on where things stand by region we launched a new regional monitoring dashboard that will be updated daily. Additionally, our NY Forward Reopening Plan, a clear and complete guide to reopening, offers a detailed look at the path forward. Together we flattened the curve and as we move into this next phase the same smart resolve, coupled with our commitment to each other, will get New York through.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley regions are ready to begin reopening on May 15th. The regions have met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the reopening plan. Phase one includes reopening construction, manufacturing, retail for curbside pickup, agriculture, forestry and fishing.
2. New York will reopen certain low-risk business and recreational activities statewide on May 15th. This includes landscaping and gardening, low-risk outdoor recreational activities (like tennis) and drive-in movie theaters.
3. Regional "control rooms" have been announced to monitor key data during the reopening process. The groups will track the hospitalization rate, death rate, number of new hospitalizations, hospital bed capacity, ICU bed capacity, testing and contact tracing within its region. They will alert the state if any metrics go in the wrong direction — serving as a kind of control valve that will allow us to get people back to work and ease social isolation without triggering renewed spread of the virus or overwhelming the hospital system.
4. The number of total COVID hospitalizations are dropping steadily. Total hospitalizations fell to 7,226, from 7,262 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations dropped to 477, down from 521 the day before. We are now at about the level we were when "New York on PAUSE" when into effect.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Last week, Northwell Health discharged their 10,000th recovered COVID patient. The Northwell system, one of the largest in the state, has cared for nearly 13,000 COVID patients in Long Island, New York City and Westchester hospitals since the beginning of the pandemic.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
May 06, 2020 –
New
guidance from the CDC says nearly everyone in pharmacies—staff and customers,
alike—now should be wearing masks to cover their face, regardless of symptoms. Find out what other new recommendations are included in the
revised guidelines, including suggestions to reschedule routine vaccinations.
May 05, 2020 –
An exclusive benefit for APhA members - NEWS FROM CAPITOL HILL
Congress has been actively passing COVID-19 economic stimulus and coronavirus relief legislation, containing funding and new authorities for public health response. APhA has been advocating for several bills and provisions that, if passed, would benefit pharmacists and access to pharmacist services. We expect many of the following to be considered for potential inclusion in the next supplemental appropriations package that Congress is anticipated to vote on in May.
ENSURING PHARMACIST SAFETY
Early in April, information on the scope and breadth of COVID-19 in the United States was evolving and pharmacists were struggling to implement appropriate safety measures to protect pharmacy personnel and patients from COVID-19. APhA was instrumental in generating action from federal agencies to issue strong guidelines specific to pharmacists and pharmacies.
PHARMACIST COVID-19 TESTING
The public battle cry for COVID-19 prevention and response has been “we need more tests” and “we need more testing sites.” APhA and other pharmacy organizations advocated to policymakers at all levels to utilize pharmacists to fill this COVID-19 testing need. Pharmacists are accessible, trained, and experienced in conducting flu and strep testing across the country. On April 8, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests, including serology tests, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized. APhA and other pharmacy organizations are working with the federal government to reduce barriers to implementing the HHS issued guidance, including addressing logistics, payment, billing, and more.
CMS just released new regulations addressing pharmacists’ testing and patient care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes clarification of coverage of pharmacist medication management services under Medicare Part B and new telehealth flexibilities in outpatient hospital settings.
COVID-19 Testing by Pharmacists During the Public Health Emergency:
May 01, 2020 –
New CMS Rule: Update for Pharmacists
CMS just released new regulations addressing pharmacists’ testing and patient care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes clarification of coverage of pharmacist medication management services under Medicare Part B and new telehealth flexibilities in outpatient hospital settings.
COVID-19 Testing by Pharmacists During the Public Health Emergency:
Pharmacist Medication Management Services Under Part B:
In response to APhA’s request for clarity on pharmacists providing services and billing for Medicare beneficiaries incident to the professional services of a physician, CMS clarified:
Pharmacist Provision of Telehealth Services:
CMS also announced new flexibilities related to telehealth for health care professionals in a variety of practice settings, including provisions for telehealth delivery in the outpatient hospital setting that may have an impact on pharmacists.
APhA is still analyzing the specific details and impact of the new regulations to clarify and expand these proposals to fully maximize the use of pharmacists to prevent, treat, and respond to the coronavirus. We plan to meet with CMS in the near future to get greater clarity and answers to your questions about this regulation. APhA will communicate updates as we get new information.
Source: APhAApr 30, 2020 –
Looking for the website of a state or territorial health departments? This resource link to health departments in all 50 states, 8 US territories and freely associated states, and the District of Columbia.
Apr 30, 2020 –
Two kinds of tests are available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests.
An antibody test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1-3 weeks to make antibodies after symptoms occur. We do not know yet if having antibodies to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again, or how long that protection might last.
Who should be tested
To learn if you have a current infection, viral tests are used. But not everyone needs this test.
Results
If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of test, you still should take preventive measures to?protect yourself and others.
Source: CDCApr 30, 2020 –
Express Scripts would like to clarify that pharmacies are not required to obtain signatures from patients during this unprecedented pandemic, unless required by law. This policy was implemented on March 19, and was originally scheduled to remain in place until April 30. This policy has been extended and will be in effect until further notice.
We understand that pharmacies will be servicing patients in unique ways and documentation could come in many forms, as an example but not meant to be all inclusive, documentation of that service may include: the pharmacist writes in a log book the prescription number and date of service, the cash register receipt that includes prescription numbers, a text message or email from the patient, a note on the hard copy, or an electronic annotation in your system. We understand that patient care is the number one priority and nothing in this notice should be construed to hinder servicing the patient.
If you need a member’s specific prescription processing information or other help with a claim, please visit our Pharmacist Resource Center at https://prc.express-scripts.com.
Apr 29, 2020 –
As we look ahead to reopening New York, we will rely on facts. We will carefully track hospital capacity — if a hospital system in a region exceeds 70% capacity, that's a danger sign that will require action. Similarly, a rise in the rate of transmission (Rt) to 1.1, is another warning that will require us to scale back reopening. We will move forward only when there are 30 contact tracers per 100,000 people. So, when we begin to reopen regions of the state we will constantly keep our eyes glued to the key data points, and health indicators, to make sure that the virus remains firmly in our control. That is the best way to avoid new outbreaks and to move forward.
1. Today, I outlined factual, data-driven principles to guide us on reopening New York safely on a regional basis. Each region of the state — Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Long Island, Southern Tier and Western New York — must follow twelve guidelines as part of the reopening plan. Read the full guidelines here.
2. We announced the formation of the new New York Forward Reopening Advisory Board. The advisory board will help guide the state's reopening strategy and will be chaired by Former Secretaries to the Governor Steve Cohen and Bill Mulrow. The board includes over 100 business, community and civic leaders from industries across the state. A list of the members of the advisory board is available here.
3. New COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped below 1,000. Yesterday, there were 953 new COVID hospitalizations in the state, down from 1,052 the day before. Although we are seeing a consistent decline of these numbers, we need to keep taking precautions so they continue to fall. Total hospitalizations fell slightly yesterday to 12,646 from 12,819 the day before. Tragically, there were 335 COVID-19 fatalities yesterday, down only slightly from 337 the previous day. We mourn the New Yorkers we've lost to this virus. Visit covid19tracker.health.ny.gov to see the latest data.
To help support our hero frontline workers, New York created the First Responders Fund. The fund will assist COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. We encourage New Yorkers to donate if you can: Donations can be made electronically at www.healthresearch.org/donation-form/ or by check, mailed to "Health Research, Inc., 150 Broadway, Suite 560, Menands, NY 12204." (For checks, the donor should specify the donation is for "COVID-19 NYS Emergency Response.")
Apr 25, 2020 –
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state is expanding diagnostic testing criteria to include more frontline New York workers - a direct result of rapidly increasing diagnostic testing capacity. The expanded criteria will now allow all first responders, health care workers and essential employees to be tested for COVID-19 even if they aren't symptomatic. The state will continue to expand testing criteria as testing capacity increases.
Governor Cuomo also announced he will issue an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to conduct diagnostic testing for COVID-19. This action will unlock a network of over 5,000 pharmacies as COVID-19 testing locations and help the state build a collection network to meet laboratory capacity and increase overall testing capacity.
Source: Gov. Andrew M. CuomoApr 23, 2020 –
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) all public employers – and private employers with up to 500 employees must display a new required poster.
This poster summarizes the new emergency paid sick leave law which expands family and medical leave requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Federal and State Combos - plus Update Service - contain all federal and state posting requirements - including the new FFCRA poster – plus insurance to keep your business compliant with future labor law updates.
Get All Your Mandatory Posters Here
Under the FFCRA, covered employers must provide:
Protect your business, protect your employees.
Resourceful Compliance
Apr 21, 2020 –
Every few minutes outside Tarrytown Pharmacy a cashier emerges wearing a mask, gloves and holding a grabber.
The cashier is bringing out prescriptions for customers who are keeping distance outside. Some even carry a small green bottle filled with alcohol. It’s to disinfect paper prescriptions that are still coming into the pharmacy.
“Just give it a quick squirt of alcohol just to help keep it sanitized,” explains Rannon Ching with Tarrytown Pharmacy. “We wanted to make sure that we minimize the sort of risk and exposure to possibly getting the virus.”
Ching says they’ve been also putting the hard copies in plastic bags and scanning the prescriptions so that they remain isolated. “There are certain studies out there that show that the virus can last for quite a while on surfaces besides just in the droplets passed between people,” says Ching.
He says even though they’ve gone from about 30 paper prescriptions a day to about five, he says it’s still concerning. Ching says lately his pharmacy has seen an uptick in paper prescriptions from freestanding ER’s.
The pharmacy has moved services to curbside, delivery and online during COVID-19. The team says over the last several weeks they’ve had to come up with new ways to combat the virus and keep everyone safe.
Source: Tarrytown PharmacyApr 21, 2020 –
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the first diagnostic test with a home collection option for COVID-19. Specifically, the FDA re-issued the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) COVID-19 RT-PCR Test to permit testing of samples self-collected by patients at home using LabCorp’s Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test home collection kit.
“Throughout this pandemic we have been facilitating test development to ensure patients access to accurate diagnostics, which includes supporting the development of reliable and accurate at-home sample collection options,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “The FDA’s around-the-clock work since this outbreak began has resulted in the authorization of more than 50 diagnostic tests and engagement with over 350 test developers. Specifically, for tests that include home sample collection, we worked with LabCorp to ensure the data demonstrated from at-home patient sample collection is as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor’s office, hospital or other testing site. With this action, there is now a convenient and reliable option for patient sample collection from the comfort and safety of their home.”
This reissued EUA for LabCorp’s molecular test permits testing of a sample collected from the patient’s nose using a designated self-collection kit that contains nasal swabs and saline. Once patients self-swab to collect their nasal sample, they mail their sample, in an insulated package, to a LabCorp lab for testing. LabCorp intends to make the Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test home collection kits available to consumers in most states, with a doctor’s order, in the coming weeks.
The LabCorp home self-collection kit includes a specific Q-tip-style cotton swab for patients to use to collect their sample. Due to concerns with sterility and cross-reactivity due to inherent genetic material in cotton swabs, other cotton swabs should not be used with this test at the present time. The FDA continues to work with test developers to determine whether or not Q-tip-style cotton swab can be used safely and effectively with other tests.
This authorization only applies to the LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR Test for at-home collection of nasal swab specimens using the Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 home collection kit. It is important to note that this is not a general authorization for at-home collection of patient samples using other collection swabs, media, or tests, or for tests fully conducted at home.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Source: U.S. Food & Drug AdministrationApr 20, 2020 –
A Message from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
1. New York is launching a new partnership with the company Ready Responders to bring healthcare services, including COVID-19 diagnostic testing, to residents of public housing in NYC. The state will partner with Representative Greg Meeks, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Attorney General Letitia James, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Bronx President Ruben Diaz Jr. on this effort. An initial pilot program will begin this week at locations across New York City.
2. We need to protect our vulnerable communities. The state will deliver 500,000 cloth masks — at least one for every resident — and 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to public housing communities. It is now mandatory for all New Yorkers to wear face coverings in public settings, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and when using public transportation.
3. I announced the creation of the Reimagine NY Task Force to improve systems in downstate New York once the state is no longer on PAUSE. The Task Force will be led by the state and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and will comprise other local elected officials and housing and transportation experts.
Source: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Capitol BuildingApr 17, 2020 –
Cloth face coverings should—
CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Source: CDCApr 16, 2020 –
Clinicians considering testing of persons with possible COVID-19 should continue to work with their local and state health departments to coordinate testing through public health laboratories, or use COVID-19 diagnostic testing, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) through clinical laboratories. Increasing testing capacity will allow clinicians to consider COVID-19 testing for a wider group of symptomatic patients.
Clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever1 and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing). Priorities for testing include:
Other considerations that may guide testing are epidemiologic factors such as the occurrence of local community transmission of COVID-19 infections in a jurisdiction. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness.
Source: CDCApr 15, 2020 –
(CNN) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign an executive order that requires everyone in the state to wear a mask or a mouth/nose covering in public when not social distancing, he said Wednesday.
There will be a three-day notice period before the order is enforced, allowing New Yorkers to secure masks or coverings. He said he is considering a civil penalty for those who break the rule.
The decision was announced as Cuomo said that another 752 people died from coronavirus on Tuesday, a slight decrease from the previous day and further evidence that New York has reached a plateau in its outbreak. Hospitalizations -- both the net change and the three-day average -- as well as admissions to the intensive care unit and intubations across New York are down, he said.
"You see the flattening of the curve," Cuomo said. "We're not out of the woods ... but we can control the spread."
Apr 15, 2020 –
Pharmacists tapped by UnitedHealthcare to expand access to care and help improve health outcomes in Ohio
Today, the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) joined UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio in announcing a new, first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at utilizing community pharmacists to expand patient access to care, relieve pressure on health systems, and help drive better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.
The new UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy Care Extension program seeks to tap into the solid relationships that local, community pharmacists have with their patients and leverage the expertise of those pharmacists to compliment physician efforts to manage chronic diseases and prevent unnecessary rehospitalizations.
The program, which officially launched today as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to put unprecedented strain on the state’s health care delivery system, kicks off in Northeast Ohio with Franklin Pharmacy in Warren and Brewster Family Pharmacy in Brewster.
“The addition of the pharmacist as a critical member of the patient care team has repeatedly proven to provide better results and keep people healthier. For too long, pharmacists have been an underutilized resource in the health care system, and UnitedHealthcare should be commended for extending this much-needed service to their patients,” said OPA Director of Strategy and Practice Transformation and Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy Stuart Beatty.
Apr 15, 2020 –
As of April 15, 2020
Pharmacists given authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests
NCPA is currently seeking clarification on this authorization and will notify members promptly when more information is available.
Watch this How To video on applying for a CLIA Certificate of Waiver. You’ll need this form to get started.
NEW:
Community Pharmacy COVID-19 Test Vetting (4/15/2020)
Paycheck Protection Program FAQs
Source: NCPA National Community Pharmacist AssociationApr 15, 2020 –
As we continue to flatten the curve and slow the infection rate of this virus and begin to consider reopening the economy, the single best tool we have to do that is large-scale testing.
But large-scale testing presents an enormous challenge and the unvarnished truth is that we can't yet test to the scale we need. To test on a wide enough scale, we need testing equipment. We need swabs. We need vials. We need lab space. We need personnel. We need all of these things at a capacity that does not currently exist.
Testing on this magnitude is terrain never before explored. But we need to do this — and we need to work with the federal government to get there. So let's get to work.
Photo of the Day: A lone runner jogs by the reservoir in Central Park (Photo by Karen Smul)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. You MUST cover your mouth and nose when in public and when social distancing cannot be maintained. I am issuing an Executive Order requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th. Remember that wearing a face covering does not mean you can ignore other precautions — we still direct all New Yorkers to stay at home for all but essential errands.
2. Beginning this week, we will start conducting antibody tests, prioritizing frontline healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. Using a new finger prick method, the state will test up to 2,000 New Yorkers per day for antibodies (proteins in our blood that indicate someone has had the virus). The state is also asking the FDA for expedited approval of a finger prick antibody test that could test up to 100,000 New Yorkers a day. We are continuing to engage with other partners including hospital labs and private companies to bring mass antibody testing to scale statewide.
3. New York's healthcare situation has stabilized so we can now help others in need. New York will never forget the generosity people across the country showed our state, and I said when you need help New Yorkers will be there. We will send 100 ventilators to Michigan and 50 ventilators to Maryland.
4. An Executive Order will be issued requiring nursing homes to report positive COVID-19 cases and deaths to the families of those who are living in the nursing home facility within 24 hours. The order will include adult home and other assisted living facilities. Previously, the State Department of Health issued a guidance asking these facilities to communicate this information to families; this new order makes it mandatory.
Apr 14, 2020 –
Overview
This strategic preparedness and response plan outlines the public health measures that the international community stands ready to provide to support all countries to prepare for and respond to COVID-19. The document takes what we have learned so far about the virus and translates that knowledge into strategic action that can guide the efforts of all national and international partners when developing context-specific national and regional operational plans.
Source: World Health AssociationApr 10, 2020 –
Audience: Clinical Laboratory Professionals
Level: Laboratory Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently clarified that, when it grants an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a point-of-care test, that test is deemed to be CLIA-waived. For the duration of the national emergency declaration for COVID-19, such tests can be performed in any patient care setting that operates under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver or Certificate of Compliance/Certificate of Accreditation.
In addition, FDA clarified that tests for SARS-CoV-2 that are offered prior to or without an EUA have not been reviewed by FDA, are not FDA authorized, and have not received a CLIA categorization. Thus, those tests are considered high complexity by default until they receive an EUA or other FDA approval that indicates they may be performed as moderate complexity or waived tests.
For more information, visit this FDA Web page, navigate to the section titled “General FAQs,” and view the first two questions and their corresponding answers.
Additional Resources:
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
Clinical Laboratory COVID-19 Response Weekly Calls
CDC COVID-19 Information for Laboratories
Register for CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) notifications, including updates about COVID-19. Enter your email address to sign up.
If you have any questions, please contact us at LOCS@cdc.gov.
Source: CDCApr 09, 2020 –
Earlier today, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issued new guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement:
“Giving pharmacists the authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients means easier access to testing for Americans who need it. Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering convenient access to important public health services and information. The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America’s heroic healthcare workers.”
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Brett P. Giroir, M.D. issued the following statement:
“In an effort to expand testing capabilities, we are authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients. The accessibility and distribution of retail and independent community-based pharmacies make pharmacists the first point of contact with a healthcare professional for many Americans. This will further expand testing for Americans, particularly our healthcare workers and first responders who are working around the clock to provide care, compassion and safety to others.”
OASH’s Guidance for Licensed Pharmacists, COVID-19 Testing, and Immunity under the PREP Act is available here.
FDA’s Emergency Use Authorizations for diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices to diagnose and respond to public health emergencies is available here.
Priorities for testing patients with suspected COVID-19 infection are available here.
Apr 09, 2020 –
N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the New York state budget bill for FY2021, which contains a provision directing the Department of Health to carve the Medicaid prescription drug benefit out of the managed care program and into the state-administered fee-for-service program beginning in April 2021. Under this move, PBMs will have less control over a patient's choice of pharmacy and pharmacy reimbursement amounts. In 2017, West Virginia saved $54 million by making a similar move. Congratulations to the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York and all pharmacy advocates for this great win for N.Y.'s Medicaid beneficiaries and their trusted community pharmacies!
Apr 09, 2020 –
Businesses can immediately expense more under the new law
A taxpayer may elect to expense the cost of any section 179 property and deduct it in the year the property is placed in service. The new law increased the maximum deduction from $500,000 to $1 million. It also increased the phase-out threshold from $2 million to $2.5 million. For taxable years beginning after 2018, these amounts of $1 million and $2.5 million will be adjusted for inflation.
The new law also expands the definition of section 179 property to allow the taxpayer to elect to include the following improvements made to nonresidential real property after the date when the property was first placed in service:
These changes apply to property placed in service in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017.
Temporary 100 percent expensing for certain business assets (first-year bonus depreciation)
The new law increases the bonus depreciation percentage from 50 percent to 100 percent for qualified property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2023. The bonus depreciation percentage for qualified property that a taxpayer acquired before Sept. 28, 2017, and placed in service before Jan. 1, 2018, remains at 50 percent. Special rules apply for longer production period property and certain aircraft.
The definition of property eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation was expanded to include used qualified property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017, if all the following factors apply:
The new law added qualified film, television and live theatrical productions as types of qualified property that may be eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation. This provision applies to property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017.
Under the new law, certain types of property are not eligible for bonus depreciation in any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017. One such exclusion from qualified property is for property primarily used in the trade or business of the furnishing or sale of:
This exclusion applies if the rates for the furnishing or sale have to be approved by a federal, state or local government agency, a public service or public utility commission, or an electric cooperative.
The new law also adds an exclusion for any property used in a trade or business that has had floor-plan financing indebtedness if the floor-plan financing interest was taken into account under section 163(j)(1)(C). Floor-plan financing indebtedness is secured by motor vehicle inventory that in a business that sells or leases motor vehicles to retail customers.
The new law eliminated qualified improvement property acquired and placed in service after December 31, 2017 as a specific category of qualified property.
Changes to depreciation limitations on luxury automobiles and personal use property
The new law changed depreciation limits for passenger vehicles placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. If the taxpayer doesn’t claim bonus depreciation, the greatest allowable depreciation deduction is:
If a taxpayer claims 100 percent bonus depreciation, the greatest allowable depreciation deduction is:
The new law also removes computer or peripheral equipment from the definition of listed property. This change applies to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017.
Source: IRSApr 08, 2020 –
New legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.
The federal government released official details about the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and a new required labor law poster.
The new act expands family and medical leave requirements for all public and private employers with up to 500 employees.
These new provisions will be in effect April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
Our Federal and State Combo - plus Update Service - contains all federal and state posting requirements - including the new FFCRA poster – plus insurance to keep your business compliant with future labor law updates.
Get All Your Mandatory Posters Here
Under the FFCRA, covered employers must provide:
Protect your business, protect your employees.
Resourceful Compliance
Source: Resourceful Compliance.comApr 08, 2020 –
This guidance applies to all pharmacy staff to minimize their risk of exposure to the virus and reduce the risk for customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a vital part of the healthcare system, pharmacies play an important role in providing medicines, therapeutics, vaccines, and critical health services to the public. Ensuring continuous function of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic is important. During the pandemic, pharmacy staff can minimize their risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 and reduce the risk for customers by using the principles of infection prevention and control and social distancing.
Apr 08, 2020 –
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2020
HHS Statements on Authorizing Licensed Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests
Earlier today, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issued new guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement:
“Giving pharmacists the authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients means easier access to testing for Americans who need it. Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering convenient access to important public health services and information. The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America’s heroic healthcare workers.”
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Brett P. Giroir, M.D. issued the following statement:
“In an effort to expand testing capabilities, we are authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients. The accessibility and distribution of retail and independent community-based pharmacies make pharmacists the first point of contact with a healthcare professional for many Americans. This will further expand testing for Americans, particularly our healthcare workers and first responders who are working around the clock to provide care, compassion and safety to others.”
OASH’s Guidance for Licensed Pharmacists, COVID-19 Testing, and Immunity under the PREP Act is available here.
FDA’s Emergency Use Authorizations for diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices to diagnose and respond to public health emergencies is available here.
Priorities for testing patients with suspected COVID-19 infection are available here.
Apr 08, 2020 –
April 7, 2020 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived certain regulatory requirements to increase the job capacities of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. Under the Governor's waiver, pharmacy technicians can now accept prescription drug orders over the phone — a responsibility typically reserved for pharmacists. The Governor's waiver also allows pharmacy technicians to transfer or receive a transfer of original prescription information on behalf of patients. These two waivers can be utilized at the discretion of pharmacists. Additionally, Governor Abbott has waived certain regulations allowing pharmacy interns to assist pharmacists without the designation of preceptor.
"By expanding the duties of pharmacy technicians and the additional availability of interns to all pharmacists, we are ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce can efficiently serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response," said Governor Abbott. "These waivers provide flexibility to our pharmacists and those that assist them to ensure they can continue to perform their important duties."
Source: Office of the Texas GovernorApr 08, 2020 –
The waiver issued by the governor is designed to increase job capacities of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns amid growing illness.
AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday temporarily waived certain regulatory requirements to increase job capacities of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns.
Under the waiver, pharmacy technicians can now accept prescription drug orders over the phone — a responsibility typically reserved for pharmacists. The regulatory requirements waiver allows pharmacy technicians to transfer or receive a transfer of original prescription information on behalf of patients, the governor's office explained.
The dual waivers can be utilized at the discretion of pharmacists, the governor said. Additionally, Abbott waived certain regulations allowing pharmacy interns to assist pharmacists without the designation of preceptor.
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"By expanding the duties of pharmacy technicians and the additional availability of interns to all pharmacists, we are ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce can efficiently serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "These waivers provide flexibility to our pharmacists and those that assist them to ensure they can continue to perform their important duties."
Apr 08, 2020 –
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, HHS announced guidance authorizing pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests. NCPA is currently seeking clarification on this authorization and will notify members promptly when more information is available.
These are the levels of regulatory oversight for test kits.
?Click here for FDA’s testing FAQ including a list of state programs and companies preparing EUA.
Testing collaboration scenarios
Business feasibility questions
Apr 07, 2020 –
Queensbury, NY—In early March, a pharmacist working at the CVS Pharmacy in Queensbury, New York, tested positive for COVID-19. That, and some other situations around the country, have reminded pharmacists of the risk they and their staffs face showing up for work every day.
Apr 06, 2020 –
In response to President Trump's national emergency declaration, CMS has taken steps to remove red tape to all state more flexibility in amending their Medicaid program to provide appropriate benefits to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. CMS has provided a template for states to request a waiver to amend their state Medicaid plans to increase enrollment and provide for additional benefits to battle the disease.
One of the additional benefits highlighted in the template is an adjustment to the professional dispensing fee or a supplemental payment for delivery to account for additional costs incurred by pharmacists for home delivery.
Click the below PDF to read the full article.
Apr 06, 2020 –
Governor Cuomo directed schools and nonessential businesses to stay closed through April 29th when the state will re-evaluate.
Apr 03, 2020 – Guidance for the Pharmacy Community Regarding COVID-19 The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy (Board) is closely monitoring the effect that COVID-19 is having on the pharmacy community and the community’s ability to care for patients. There are a number of challenges that pharmacies may face in the foreseeable future related to shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), staffing issues, delivery of medications to patients (at home, in LTC facilities, etc.), access to pharmacy practice sites, etc. If a pharmacy is not able to continue to operate their business in a manner that allows it to adhere to the Board’s regulations and to provide services to its patients due to an issue related to COVID-19, that pharmacy should contact the Board. Depending on each individual situation, the pharmacy may be able to request a temporary waiver of a specific regulation that would allow them to provide continuity of care for their patients. For expediency, temporary waiver requests should be submitted to the Executive Director via email at rubinaccioa@dca.njoag.gov. The request should contain a detailed description of the COVID-19 related issue that the pharmacy is encountering, and a proposed solution to provide continuity of patient care, including the regulation which is the subject of the waiver request. Each request will be reviewed on an expedited basis and a determination will be made by the Board President based on the information supplied.
Source: New Jersey Office of the Attorney GeneralApr 03, 2020 – To provide support to all pharmacy professionals, CPhA has compiled important resources to ensure the health of your colleagues, patients, and families. These resources include the most current statewide orders to limit the spread of COVID-19 and requests from various health organizations of our healthcare providers. Review these resources and check our social media pages regularly for news and updates. We encourage you to share, print and display our infographics and check our social media pages regularly for news and updates.
Source: California Pharmacists AssociationApr 03, 2020 – FDA is working with U.S. Government partners, including CDC, and international partners to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Source: FDA U.S. Food & DrunApr 03, 2020 – APHA's Get Ready campaign helps Americans prepare themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards, including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.
Source: American Plus Health AssociationApr 03, 2020 – Welcome to the COVID-19 Pandemic Assessment Tool for Health-System Pharmacy Departments. This tool is adapted from the ASHP Research and Education Foundation Pandemic Influenza Assessment Tool for Health-System Pharmacy Departments, developed in 2008 by an expert panel composed of health-system pharmacists, physicians, pandemic influenza policy experts, a healthcare executive and a representative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the ASPR COVID-19 Healthcare Planning Checklist. This tool is intended to assist in COVID-19 pandemic planning efforts in departments of pharmacy and to
Source: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP)Apr 02, 2020 – Governor Cuomo announced the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.
Source: New York StateMar 28, 2020 – The American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, and American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists issued a joint statement today on inappropriate ordering, prescribing or dispensing of medications to treat COVID-19. The organizations issued this joint statement to highlight the important role that physicians, pharmacists and health systems play in being just stewards of health care resources during times of emergency and national disaster. The joint statement is in response to reports of physicians and others prophylactically prescribing, medications currently identified as potential treatments for COVID-19 (e.g., chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin) for themselves, their families, or their colleagues. There also are reports that some pharmacies and hospitals have been purchasing excessive amounts of these medications in anticipation of potentially using them for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. The organizations strongly oppose these actions. Stockpiling these medications—or depleting supplies with excessive, anticipatory orders—can have grave consequences for patients with conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis if the drugs are not available in the community. The health care community must collectively balance the needs of patients taking medications on a regular basis for an existing condition with new prescriptions that may be needed for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Being just stewards of limited resources is essential. For more information: AMA Robert Mills Robert.Mills@ama-assn.org 312-543-7268 APHA Chad Clinton cclinton@aphanet.org 202-429-7558 ASHP Aretha Hankinson ahankinson@ashp.org, 301-452-0569
Source: American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, American Society of HealthSystem PharmacistsMar 26, 2020 – March 26, 2020 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061 Rockville, MD 20852 RE: Compounding Products in Shortage or Anticipated to be in Shortage During the National Emergency On behalf of America’s compounding pharmacists, we write to urge FDA to help us provide urgently needed compounded products to patients and fill a critical supply chain need for certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. As this health crisis continues, pharmacies, wholesalers and manufacturers are experiencing or are likely to experience shortages of critical OTC and prescription drug products that are needed for patient care. Compounders stand ready to provide needed medications for COVID-19 treatment and drugs in shortage in the U.S. as a result of this global crisis. We seek specific FDA enforcement discretion to compound these products and provide health care professionals and patients safely compounded versions of the medications they need. We ask FDA to engage with the pharmacy compounding community now in identifying drugs in shortage or anticipated to be in shortage and work with us to ensure that timely FDA guidance is clear and thorough regarding scope of authority, formulas, information, and ingredients.
Source: American Pharmacists AssociationMar 26, 2020 – As evidence-based medicine identifies existing and new medications and treatments for preventing and treating coronavirus, access to these important modalities is critical for patient continuity of care, positive health outcomes and continued coordination and collaboration between healthcare professionals. Inappropriate ordering, prescribing, dispensing and sale of these products by any entity or healthcare provider violates health professionals’ existing codes of ethics focused on fair and equitable access to health resources, and meeting the legitimate needs of patients and society. Therefore, the American Pharmacists Association 1. supports the provision of preventive therapies to protect healthcare workers from infectious diseases when the science supports, and generally accepted guidelines or governmental agencies recommend, their use. 2. asserts that inappropriate ordering, prescribing and/or dispensing which results in hoarding of medicines by entities or healthcare professionals for their anticipatory, personal, family or colleague use, is unethical and contributes to drug shortages. 3. supports pharmacists’ practice autonomy and utilization of their professional judgement in the stewardship of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. 4. calls on regulatory bodies and associations regulating and representing members of hospitals, health care facilities and the health professions to collaborate in addressing inappropriate or unethical ordering, prescribing and/or sales of medications and medical supplies, exacerbating shortages of these treatments.
Source: American Pharmacists AssociationMar 20, 2020 – As a follow-up to the Express Communication dated March 19, 2020, and titled, “COVID-19 and signature logs”, Express Scripts would like to clarify that pharmacies are NOT required to obtain signatures from patients during this unprecedented pandemic, unless required by law. We understand that pharmacies will be servicing patients in unique ways and documentation could come in many forms, as an example but not meant to be all inclusive, documentation of that service may include: the pharmacist writes in a log book the prescription number and date of service, the cash register receipt that includes prescription numbers, a text message or email from the patient, a note on the hard copy, or an electronic annotation in your system. We understand that patient care is the number one priority and nothing in this notice should be construed to hinder servicing the patient. If you need a member’s specific prescription processing information or other help with a claim, please visit our Pharmacist Resource Center at https://prc.express-scripts.com. Thank you, Provider Outreach Team Express Scripts One Express Way St. Louis, MO 63121
Source: Express ScriptsMar 19, 2020 – “Our American society is entering into a new reality when it comes to public health,” Michael Jackson, BPharm, EVP, and CEO of the Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA) told Drug Topics® in an email. As of today, Florida’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 have grown to 390, with 9 deaths from the pandemic.1
Source: Drug Topics
