COVID-19 Resources for Pharmacists
We understand as pharmacy professionals that many of you are on the front lines of this public health crisis. In an effort to provide updates and resources in this constantly evolving situation, we are creating a digest of legislative and regulatory updates as well as links to resources to protect staff and patients during these uncertain times. MPhA has compiled a reference document to assist in keeping your pharmacy and staff as safe as possible during these uncertain times. Pharmacy Recommendations during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Pharmacists Providing COVID-19 Testing
On June 19, 2020, The Board of Registration in Pharmacy released a memorandum of the following actions: the Board voted to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy interns to include the ordering, administration, reading, and reporting of results of FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests as outlined in future Board guidance. The Board also voted to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy interns to include the administration of investigational and FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines as outlined in future Board guidance. View the full memorandum
Download a CLIA Application
View the NCPA COVID-19 Test Vetting
As essential health care personnel, who may require childcare assistance, emergency sites are opening to allow frontline workers in the battle against the coronavirus to get to their jobs, visit
https://eeclead.force.com/resource/1584817665000/EEC_EmergencyProviderList
Regulatory and Legislative
PHARMACIST DIRECTED COVID-19 TRAINING - June 19, 2020
BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN PHARMACY FAQs - Updated May 27, 2020
BOARD OF PHARMACY EMERGENCY KIT RESTOCKING GUIDANCE
DEA EXEMPTION TO REGULATIONS: Emergency CII Prescription
DIVISION OF INSURANCE BULLETIN: Administration of Drug Benefits, March 26, 2020
GOVERNOR BAKER EMERGENCY PHARMACY ORDERS, March 25, 2020
PHARMACISTS & OPIOID MISUSE DISORDER MEDICATION, March 18, 2020
PHARMACIST COMPOUNDING OVER THE COUNTER HAND SANITIZER, March 16, 2020
CMS Minimizing Face-to-Face Contact for Medication Delivery or Dispensing, March 20, 2020
MASSHEALTH PHARMACY FACTS. In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, MassHealth is:
allowing additional exceptions to the 30-day supply limitation described at 130 CMR 406.411(D) for behavioral health medications and schedule IV benzodiazepines and hypnotics;
removing prior authorization (PA) requirements for certain drugs;
extending existing PAs that are due to expire for 60 days;
allowing for clozapine refills if current lab results cannot be obtained; and • allowing for emergency overrides if a claim is rejected for lack of PA.
Public Safety Resources
The Boston Public Health Commission:
The Latest: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - BLOG, as well as their Fact Sheet.
The Centers for Disease Control:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Mass.gov/coronavirus
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations
On March 16, 2020, the DEA published a
COVID-19 Information Page on the
Diversion Control Divisions. This page contains important guidance concerning COVID-19 and the national drug supply, electronic prescribing of controlled substances, telemedicine, medicated assisted treatment, and other important federal and state information. Please continue to direct all policy questions concerning COVID-19 to the Policy email box at
Natural.Disaster@usdoj.gov
For all non-emergency COVID-19 information, dial 211 or visit mass.gov/covid19