Oregon Regulations
Board of Pharmacy
Oregon Daily Filings 2020-03-25
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/2020
ACTION DATE: 03/25/2020
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/25/2020
EXPIRATION DATE: 09/20/2020
PUBLICATION TYPE: Centralized Repository
DOCUMENT NUMBER: BP 2-2020

TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

INCLUDING STATEMENT OF NEED & JUSTIFICATION

BP 2-2020

CHAPTER 855

BOARD OF PHARMACY

FILING CAPTION: Prohibits dispensing of certain drugs for COVID19 prevention; limits treatment to COVID19 hospitalized patients

EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/25/2020 THROUGH 09/20/2020

AGENCY APPROVED DATE: 03/25/2020

CONTACT: Rachel Melvin 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 150 Filed By:
971-673-0001 Portland,OR 97232 Rachel Melvin
pharmacy.rulemaking@oregon.gov   Rules Coordinator

NEED FOR THE RULE(S):

On March 8, 2020 Governor Brown declared a public health emergency in Oregon related to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Whereas, during a declared emergency, the Board (or the Executive Director acting on behalf of the Board pursuant to OAR 855-007-0040) may adopt a temporary emergency rule as a way to address regulations impacting the health, safety and welfare of Oregonians. Chloroquine is effective for malaria treatment and prophylaxis, and hydroxychloroquine is effective for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and porphyria cutanea tarda. There are no data currently available to justify the use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for prevention or treatment of sub-critical COVID-19 infection. There are no data currently available on the use, dosing, or duration of these medication for COVID-19 infection. Use of these agents for the presumptive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 infection threatens the supply for patients who depend on its availability.

JUSTIFICATION OF TEMPORARY FILING:

Use of these agents for the presumptive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 infection threatens the supply for patients who depend on its availability.

DOCUMENTS RELIED UPON, AND WHERE THEY ARE AVAILABLE:

Executive Order No. 20-03 located on the Governor's website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19

ADOPT: 855-007-0085

RULE TITLE: Prescriptions for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

RULE SUMMARY: This temporary emergency rule prohibits the dispensing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for presumptive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 infection to preserve supplies for treatment of malaria, inflammatory conditions, and documented COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients.

RULE TEXT:

(1) Prescription drug orders for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may only be dispensed if:

(a) The prescription is a continuation of therapy begun prior to March 8, 2020; or

(b) The prescriber has provided a diagnosis code based on clinical findings for which the medication is medically indicated; or

(c) If written for a COVID-19 diagnosis, the patient is hospitalized with a positive test result for COVID-19 infection.

(2) Dispensing prescriptions for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine other than as outlined in this rule is prohibited.

(3) This temporary rule is in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency or until rescinded.

STATUTORY/OTHER AUTHORITY: ORS 689.205

STATUTES/OTHER IMPLEMENTED: