STATE OF OHIO

BOARD OF PHARMACY

COVID-19 Response Efforts - March 24, 2020

The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy is committed to protecting the health and safety of Ohioans during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Board posted a document on its website that provides COVID-19 guidance and response efforts, including the issuance of waivers to assist licensees in addressing operational needs. This document will be updated regularly and can be accessed by visiting: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/COVID. Please be advised that new waivers were issued today (see below).

For more information on the state's efforts to address coronavirus, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

New COVID-19 Waivers Issued

• Authorized an extension of drug distributor customer due diligence requirements pursuant to paragraph (G) of rule 4729:6-3-05 of the Administrative Code. This guidance can be accessed here.

• Authorized expedited licensure of drug distributors. This guidance can be accessed here.

• Authorized the sale and shipment of non-reportable dangerous drugs that are in shortage by unlicensed, out-of-state facilities. This guidance can be accessed here.

Update on Pending Rules

In order to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy has cancelled its March 27, 2020 public rules hearing and has withdrawn these rules from JCARR jurisdiction. The Board intends to refile the rules at a later date. An updated meeting notice can be accessed here.

Important COVID-19 Reminders

Notification of Closures or Reduction in Hours

• As a reminder, pharmacies and other terminal distributors of dangerous drugs are not required to submit notification to the Board for any temporary closures or reduction in operating hours. If modifying hours of operation, a pharmacy is required to update signage to reflect the change in store hours.

Pharmacist Authority to Administer Injectable Drugs

• Section 4729.45 of the Ohio Revised Code and rule 4729-5-40 of the Ohio Administrative Code authorizes a pharmacist to administer, by injection, certain dangerous drugs as long as the drug that is to be administered has been prescribed by a physician and the individual to whom the dangerous drug was prescribed has an ongoing relationship with the physician, an advanced practice registered nurse practicing who has entered into a standard care arrangement with the physician, or a physician assistant who has entered into a supervision agreement with the physician. Guidance for pharmacists can be accessed here.

The Board has issued additional guidance based upon questions received from licensees. This additional guidance is listed under the Important COVID-19 Reminders section of the Board's response efforts document.

Emergency Rules for Dispensing Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Effective 3/22/2020

• On March 22, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine authorized the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to file emergency rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Administrative Code that places limits on dispensing chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.

• The rule only applies to prescriptions that are dispensed for outpatient use.

• To assist licensees in complying with this rule, the Board has developed the following frequently asked questions document: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/COVIDrx