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Maryland Implicit Bias Training Requirement: Definition and Resources
Pursuant to MD. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 1-225, all health practitioners must attest to completing an implicit bias training program approved by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program on their first license renewal after April 1, 2022.
Pharmacists Professional Services for The Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program
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Change of Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) for
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC)
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Nicotine Replacement Therapy Medication Regulation Posted
The Nicotine Replacement Therapy Medication regulation was posted in the Maryland Register on October 4, 2024 and became effective October 14, 2024. Md. Code Regs. 10.34.42 Pharmacist Prescribing of a Nicotine Replacement Therapy Medication (10.34.42.01-.03) This regulation will establish standard procedures for a pharmacist to use to prescribe and dispense to a patient the appropriate nicotine replacement therapy medication; and refer the patient to a primary care practitioner for treatment; and the conditions under which a pharmacist may prescribe and dispense nicotine replacement therapy.
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Maryland Overdose Response Program
Statewide Naloxone Standing Order
Guidance for Pharmacy Dispensing
Updated April 2024
Summary
Laura Herrera Scott, MD, MPH, (NPI # 1285684274), Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), has issued an updated statewide standing order allowing all Maryland-licensed pharmacists to dispense any formulation of naloxone, including any necessary supplies for administration, to any individual. This document was created by the MDH Overdose Response Program (ORP) and provides information for pharmacists who wish to dispense naloxone under the statewide standing order.
Many individuals maybe lawfully prescribed naloxone directly by their healthcare provider. These prescriptions should be dispensed in the usual course of business and a pharmacist's professional practice. This document provides guidance specific to naloxone dispensing under Dr. Herrera Scott's statewide standing order. Click here to continue reading...
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Expanded Vaccination Authority for Pharmacists
Effective April 25, 2024, Maryland law was amended (Chap. 232) to expand State vaccination authority for pharmacists. Specifically, Health Occ. Art., Sec. 12-508 now permits pharmacists to administer the following without a prescription:
- To an individual at least 3 years old, an influenza or COVID vaccine, or a vaccine authorized during a public health emergency.
- To an individual 7 years old or older, any vaccination recommended by the CDC's Advisory Council on Immunization Practices, or any FDA approved or authorized vaccine.
- To adults only, any vaccine recommended in the CDC's Health Information for International Travel.
Please note that pharmacists who vaccinate must still be registered with the Board and meet eligibility requirements, to include: a 20-hour ACPE practical training program; active CPR certification obtained through in-person instruction; and completion of 2 ACPE continuing education credits related to immunizations every renewal period after registration.
Existing recordkeeping and reporting requirements have not changed such as reporting to Immunet, vaccine-specific protocols, visit summary, patient referrals, patient consent and disclosures. Please reference Health Occ., Sec. 12-508 for the full text of the amended statute. The Board will be revising certain provisions in its vaccination regulations, COMAR 10.34.32, in order to align with the new legislation.
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Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances
Effective January 1, 2022, Senate Bill 0166 (CH0299)/House Bill 0512 (CH0230) (2020) Drugs and Devices – Electronic Prescriptions – Controlled Dangerous Substances requires licensed health care providers to electronically prescribe prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances. The Health General Article, 21-220(C) provides exceptions to this requirement, and the requirement to request a waiver. A health care practitioner who is unable to electronically transmit prescriptions for controlled dangerous substance drugs may request a waiver from the electronic prescribing requirement under certain circumstances. A waiver, if granted, may not exceed one year.
Pharmacists:
A pharmacist may continue to accept handwritten prescriptions. This bill allowed for a waiver and multiple exceptions. Many of the exceptions would be difficult for a pharmacist to verify. Therefore, the bill stated that a pharmacy is not required to verify the ability of a provider to issue non-electronic prescriptions. While a pharmacist does not need to verify that the prescription is an authorized exception to the electronic prescription requirement, the pharmacist must still follow due diligence requirements to ensure the prescription is written for a legitimate medical purpose.
Providers:
If you are a provider that is unable to issue controlled substance prescriptions electronically, please visit the OCSA website. On the left panel, select the “Electronic Prescribing Waiver Request". Please read the page completely to verify the need for a waiver. If you meet the criteria for one of the listed exceptions, you do not need to apply for a waiver or issue controlled substance prescriptions electronically. If you are required to apply for a waiver, click the link at the bottom of the page to submit an application for a waiver.
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