Pharma & Drug Safety

NY Clarifies Clinical Lab Personnel Requirements for Glucometry

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance clarifying clinical laboratory personnel requirements, specifically regarding nurses performing high-complexity glucometer testing. This clarification aligns with recent federal CMS interpretations and will be enforced by the NY Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program.

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.

FDA Requests Removal of Suicidal Behavior Warning from GLP-1 RA Medications

The FDA is requesting that drug manufacturers remove the warning about suicidal ideation and behavior from the labeling of GLP-1 RA medications approved for weight reduction. This action follows a comprehensive review that found no increased risk associated with these drugs.

MHRA Medical Devices Exceptional Use Authorisations List Updated

The UK's MHRA has updated its list of medical devices granted exceptional use authorisations. This guidance document provides transparency on manufacturers and devices that have received exemptions, including those whose authorisations have expired or been cancelled.

MHRA: Stop using non-sterile alcohol-free wipes due to infection risk

The MHRA and UKHSA are advising the public not to use four specific non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products due to contamination with Burkholderia stabilis bacteria. These products have been withdrawn from sale, but may still be in homes, and are linked to 59 cases, including one death.

MHRA: Quetiapine Oral Suspension Recalled Due to Incorrect Active Ingredient

The MHRA has issued a recall for all batches of quetiapine oral suspension manufactured by Eaststone Limited due to an incorrect amount of the active ingredient, potentially leading to overdose. Approximately 166 bottles manufactured between October 2025 and January 2026 are affected. Patients are advised not to stop medication without consulting a healthcare professional.