Healthcare & Life Sciences

Massachusetts: 90-day Supply for Certain Schedule II/III Prescriptions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy updated its policy to allow a 90-day supply for certain Schedule II and III prescriptions, including those for opioid use disorder treatment, non-opioid stimulants, testosterone, and implantable infusion pumps. Other Schedule II and III medications remain limited to a 30-day supply.

MA Board Adopts Rapid Microbial Methods for Sterility Testing

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted a new policy allowing the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) as an alternative for sterility release testing of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). This policy outlines requirements for licensed sterile compounding pharmacies to ensure public safety when using these advanced technologies.

Rapid Microbial Methods Sterility Testing Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued guidance on the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) for sterility testing. This document outlines acceptable approaches and considerations for implementing RMMs in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Practice Definitions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued a document defining key terms related to pharmacy practice. This guidance aims to clarify terminology for pharmacists and related entities operating within the state.

Pharmacy Policy: Definitions for Automated Dispensing, Compounding, and Events

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted Policy 2025-02, defining key terms related to automated dispensing devices, automated pharmacy systems, pharmacy processing automation, quality-related events, and serious adverse drug events. These definitions clarify regulatory expectations for pharmacies operating in the state.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Enforcement Actions April 2025

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in April 2025 against 31 individuals and 10 companies. Actions include consent orders, settlements, and license suspensions related to violations of various state acts.

IDFPR February 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in February 2025 against 30 entities. Actions include license suspensions, consent orders for violations of various acts, and settlements for late renewal payments.

Illinois March 2025 Disciplinary Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in March 2025. Actions include consent orders for unlicensed activity, late renewal payments, reciprocal discipline, and settlements for violations of various acts. Several professional licenses were suspended for failure to pay state income taxes or child support.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation January 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in January 2025. Actions include the FDIC taking control of Pulaski Savings Bank, consent orders for various financial institutions, and license suspensions or cease and desist orders for unlicensed practices and professional misconduct.

Illinois IDFPR May 2025 Enforcement Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced enforcement actions taken in May 2025 against 21 individuals and 7 companies. Actions include license revocations, consent orders, settlements, and civil penalties for violations of various financial and professional regulations.

California Board of Pharmacy News Roundup - August 2025

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup for August 2025, providing updates on Rite Aid closures, emergency refills, medication error reporting requirements effective September 1, 2025, and a new online portal for drug theft/loss reporting. A new Pharmacist-in-Charge training webinar is also available.

California Board of Pharmacy: Vaccine Administration Update

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup detailing changes to pharmacist authority regarding vaccine administration, effective January 1, 2026, due to Assembly Bill 1503. The update encourages pharmacists to transition to a standard of care practice model for immunizations for patients three years and older.

California Board of Pharmacy December Update: Standard of Care, Vaccines, CAMER

The California Board of Pharmacy's December 2025 update announces the transition of certain pharmacist-provided patient care services, including vaccine administration, to a standard of care model effective January 1, 2026, per AB 1503. It also reminds schools about standing orders for albuterol and epinephrine and mandates reporting medication errors to the CAMER system for events on or after September 1, 2025.

California Board of Pharmacy Updates and AB 1503 Changes

The California Board of Pharmacy is updating its regulations effective January 1, 2026, due to Assembly Bill 1503. Key changes include a transition to a Standard of Care practice model for certain pharmacist-provided services and new requirements for nonresident pharmacies operating in California, effective July 1, 2026.

California Board of Pharmacy Updates on SCRA, AB 1503, and Nonresident Pharmacies

The California Board of Pharmacy issued a news roundup detailing updates on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Assembly Bill 1503 impacting pharmacist practice, and new requirements for nonresident pharmacies. Key changes include the transition of certain pharmacist-provided patient care services to a standard of care model and new PIC designation rules for out-of-state pharmacies operating in California.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.

Maine Medicaid Autism Services Improper Payments

The HHS OIG has issued a report finding that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for autism services provided to children. The audit identified that all sampled claims were improper or potentially improper, leading to recommendations for refunds and improved provider guidance.

HHS OIG: ACF Can Improve Homeless Youth Services Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) can improve services to homeless youth by strengthening grant recipients' compliance with Transitional Living Program (TLP) requirements. The audit found significant documentation gaps in service provision for a large percentage of youth served by TLP grants.

HHS OIG: Hospital Cybersecurity Controls Need Improvement

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that a large southeastern hospital needs to improve its cybersecurity controls, particularly for web applications. The OIG made four recommendations to enhance defenses against cyberattacks, which the hospital has concurred with.

Philadelphia K-12 Schools COVID-19 Testing Program Audit

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that Philadelphia did not consistently monitor its COVID-19 screening testing program for K-12 schools, leading to $257,620 in unallowable costs and overpayments. The OIG recommended Philadelphia update its procedures for oversight and compliance.