Virginia Board of Pharmacy Staffing Concerns and Statewide Protocols Update

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has updated its guidance on reporting pharmacy staffing concerns and has amended several statewide protocols for pharmacists. Pharmacy permit holders must review and act on staffing reports, and pharmacists can report issues directly to the board without fear of retaliation. The revised protocols cover vaccinations, tuberculosis testing, hormonal contraceptives, naloxone, influenza, and strep throat.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Legislative and Regulatory Updates

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has updated its regulations regarding pharmacy technician education standards and collaborative practice agreements. Key changes include expanded options for technician training and clarified processes for pharmacists to obtain DEA registration for prescribing controlled substances.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Revised Online PIC Change Process

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has implemented a revised, entirely online process for completing a change of pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) for pharmacy permits. This update includes electronic payment via credit card and requires uploading a one-page document to finalize the request. A revised Pharmacy Permit Application Form is also now in use for other changes.

Virginia Pharmacy Law and Regulatory Updates

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy presented updates on recent legislative and regulatory changes affecting pharmacy practice. Key changes include expanded educational standards for pharmacy technicians and new provisions for collaborative practice agreements allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain controlled substances.

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements Updated

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy is implementing new registration requirements for pharmacy technicians, effective July 1, 2025. Individuals will need to complete an accredited training program or equivalent and pass a national certification exam to be registered.

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.