Vermont State Regulatory Update April 2019
The statutes were updated in November 2018 and contain all actions of the 2018 legislative session.
Title 26: Professions and Occupations. Chapter 36: Pharmacy; Subchapter 1: General Provisions
- 2021 Statement of purpose
- 2022 Definitions
- 2023 Clinical pharmacy
Subchapter 3: Licensing
- 2041 Unlawful practice
- 2042 Qualifications for licensure
- 2042a Pharmacy technicians; qualifications for registration
- 2042b Pharmacy technicians; nondiscretionary tasks; supervision
- 2046 Fees
Subchapter 5: Registration Of Facilities
- 2061 Registration and licensure
- 2062 Application
- 2063 Notifications
- 2064 Violations and penalties
Subchapter 6: Wholesale Distributors
- 2067 Wholesale distributor; licensure required
- 2068 Requirements; applicants; licenses
- 2069 Denials based on public interest
- 2071 Application of federal guidelines
- 2073 Rules
- 2076 Inspection powers; access to wholesale distributor records
Subchapter 8: Naloxone Hydrochloride
- 2080 Naloxone hydrochloride; dispensing or furnishing
What does this mean for pharmacists practicing in the state of Vermont?
- Pharmacists must become familiar with changes regarding the definition and allowances around clinical pharmacy practice, licensing requirements for pharmacists, technicians, facilities, and wholesale distributers; ensure that their staff is aware and meets all requirements.
- If your facility dispenses or provides Naloxone to first responders, review the changes to the dispensing or furnishing of Naloxone products.
Vermont State Regulatory Summary- 2018
The following law, summarized below, was enacted by the Vermont legislature during the 2018 session. All are effective July 1, 2018.
SB 92 - An act relating to prescription drug price transparency and cost containment
- When a pharmacist receives a prescription for a drug which that is listed either by generic name or brand name the pharmacist shall select the lowest priced drug from the list which is equivalent as defined by the "Orange Book," unless otherwise instructed by the prescriber, or by the purchaser.
- Within five business days following the dispensing of a biological product, the dispensing pharmacist or designee shall submit the information in a format that is accessible to the prescriber electronically.
- If a pharmacy does not have access to an electronic system, the pharmacist or designee shall communicate to the prescriber the information regarding the biological product dispensed using telephone, facsimile, electronic transmission, or other prevailing means.
- Every pharmacy in the state shall have posted a sign in a prominent place that is in clear unobstructed view which shall read: "Vermont law requires pharmacists in some cases to select a less expensive generic equivalent drug or interchangeable biological product for the drug or biological product prescribed unless you or your physician direct otherwise. Ask your pharmacist."
What do these new regulations mean for pharmacists practicing within the state of Vermont?
- Pharmacists are no longer prohibited by PBMs of providing counseling on less expensive avenues for medication therapies, including 90-day supply, cash pay, and generic alternative options. This can help pharmacists promote medication adherence and decrease therapy interruption.
- Pharmacists can also apply the above cost-saving discussions to biologics and interchangeable drugs, again helping to promote medication adherence for their patients.
- All pharmacies must have a sign posted that indicates that less expensive alternatives may be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
For full regulatory language, refer to the Vermont Board of Pharmacy.
