FEBRUARY 2008
The following rule filing amends rules regarding nonprescription drug outlets, repeals DMSO rules, as well asadopts new rules, and renumber and amend existing rules regarding pharmacists and compounding of drugs.
JANUARY 2008
On August 17, 2007, the US Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicaid and State Operations issued a letter of guidance to State Medicaid agencies on section 7002(b) of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, regarding the use of tamper-resistant prescription pads, which was signed into law May 25, 2007.
This section amends the Social Security Act that effects payment reimbursements on Medicaid prescriptions that do not meet the new federal requirement for tamper-resistant prescriptions.
On Wednesday January 30, 2008, during a public meeting, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy adopted a permanent rule establishing definitions for “electronically transmitted prescription” and “tamper-resistant prescription”. These definitions had previously been discussed with Department of Human Services and have been in place as a Temporary Rule since August 2007.
State laws regulating the practice of pharmacy in Oregon fall into two categories: statutes and rules.
STATUTES are laws which have been enacted by a vote of the legislature. Any modifications made to a statute also requires the approval of the legislature. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy has the responsibility for implementing and regulating Chapters 475 and 689 of the Oregon Statutes.
RULES, on the other hand, are written by the Board of Pharmacy. Rules are required to be supported by a statute. Rules typically are less general and more specific to a particular situation. All Oregon pharmacy rules are found in Chapter 855. Chapter 855 is subdivided into 18 divisions which are categorized by subject. Below is a list of each division by title, which can be accessed by double clicking on the name. Division 41 is by far the largest and most pertinent to the practice of pharmacy.
To order a CD containing the Oregon Board of Pharmacy Laws & Rules, click here.
In addition to Oregon statutes and rules, federal laws regulate the practice of pharmacy with respect to controlled substances. These laws can be found in Title 21 - Food and Drugs, Part 1300 to END of the Code of Federal Regulations. Part 1300 to END, includes Chapter II - Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice and Chapter III - Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Pharmacist's Manual published by the DEA (April 2004) is a condensed version of the laws found in Title 21. For the PDF version of the Pharmacist's Manual please click here. For HIPAA Information, please click here.
