MO Board of Pharmacy HHS Revised COVID-19 Order

 

HHS Revised COVID-19 Order

On August 12, 2021, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to allow authorized pharmacists, qualified intern pharmacists, and qualified pharmacy technicians to administer an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine to designated immunocompromised individuals. 

Governor Parson previously approved a COVID-19 waiver which waived section 338.010 to extend the practice of pharmacy to allow a current and active Missouri licensed pharmacist to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines:

1. As authorized by the United State Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP), OR:
2. Pursuant to a statewide standing order issued by the Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), if a physician, or by a physician approved and designated by DHSS, in compliance with HHS’ authorization under the PREP Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, OR
3. Pursuant to a protocol with a Missouri licensed physician, in compliance with HHS’ authorization under the PREP Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The above waiver is currently in effect and would apply to the additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacists, qualified intern pharmacists, and qualified pharmacy technicians may administer the additional COVID-19 vaccine as authorized by HHS. 

• Pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians administering COVID-19 vaccines must comply with all HHS training, notification and documentation requirements, regardless of immunization method chosen (e.g., via HHS’ authority, by protocol, or DHSS standing order). Licensees/registrants should maintain proof of training in their records; Compliance documentation will be requested during an inspection. (See HHS COVID-19 Vaccine Training Chart)
• No additional Board licensure or notification is required to administer COVID-19 vaccines under HHS’ authority or the state’s COVID-19 waiver. A Notification of Intent does not have to be filed with the Board.
• For those using the DHSS statewide standing order, the current Missouri standing orders do not include the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose authorized by HHS.  The Board understands the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services is in the process of reviewing the statewide standing orders.  Licensees should monitor the Board’s website and e-alerts for additional information.
• For those using a protocol with a Missouri licensed physician, if your current protocol does not cover an additional dose, it will need to be amended.

***Board Note: HHS’ emergency PREP Act Declaration requires licensees to report COVID-19 vaccines to ShowMeVax. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has confirmed that patients may not opt out of having their COVID-19 vaccination reported to ShowMeVax. CDC requires all COVID-19 vaccinations to be reported within 24 hours.

 

Registration Is Now Open for the TWO ‘Lunch with the Chief Inspector’ Webinars

Webinar 1: An update on the 2021 legislative session and how it will affect the practice of pharmacy.

 

Date: Thursday, August 19, 2021

Time: 12 Noon – 1 PM CDT

Cost: Free

Subject: 2021 Legislative Update

Speakers:

Kimberly Grinston, J.D. - Executive Director

Tom Glenski, R.Ph. – Chief Inspector

 

Click here to register for webinar 1.

 

 

Webinar 2:  An update on recent changes affecting pharmacy technicians, including new opportunities to assist in the practice of pharmacy.

 

Date:  Thursday, August 26, 2021

Time:  12 Noon – 1 PM CDT

Cost:  Free

Subject:  2021 Technician Update

Speaker: Tom Glenski, R.Ph. – Chief Inspector

 

Click here to register for webinar 2.

 

Both webinars have been approved for one hour of continuing education (CE) by the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.

To receive CE credit, persons must individually register for the program and individually log in to the webinar.

Handouts will be available on the Board's website the day of the webinar.

 

PHARMACY, DRUG DISTRIBUTOR, OUTSOURCER, THIRD PARTY LOGISTIC PROVIDER RENEWALS

Renewals were e-mailed August 2^nd. You can renew online. Your PIN can be found in the e-mail or requested online.  Questions please e-mail pharmacy@pr.mo.gov or drugdistributor@pr.mo.gov.