Pharma & Drug Safety

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.

Guidance on Erythromycin Eye Ointment Shortage

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance addressing the shortage of erythromycin (0.5%) ophthalmic ointment. The guidance provides alternative protocols for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns when erythromycin is unavailable, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

NY Health: Conserve IV Fluids and Materials Due to Supply Chain Disruptions

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance (DAL 24-07) to hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers regarding conservation strategies for IV fluids and related materials due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. The directive urges providers to inventory, monitor usage, limit non-essential procedures, and prioritize critical uses of these supplies.

Blood Supply Disruption and Conservation Strategies for Hospitals

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance to hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers regarding blood supply disruptions. The directive outlines strategies for conserving blood products and optimizing their use during periods of decreased availability.

Updated Hospital and Center Facility Closure Plan Guidelines

The New York State Department of Health has issued updated guidance for facility closure plans for hospitals and various healthcare centers. This supersedes previous guidance and outlines requirements for both temporary (up to 60 days) and non-temporary closures, including notification procedures and potential sanctions for non-compliance.

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.