2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25100537D

SENATE BILL NO. 745

Offered January 8, 2025

Prefiled November 16, 2024

A BILL to direct the Board of Pharmacy to convene a work group to review and make recommendations related to the current authority of pharmacists to initiate therapeutic interchange; report.

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Patron—Favola

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Referred to Committee on Education and Health

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Board of Pharmacy shall convene a work group of relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Department of Health, Boards of Medicine and Nursing, Virginia Pharmacy Association, Medical Society of Virginia, Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Virginia Association of Health Plans, and patient advocacy groups to (i) review and analyze the current authority of pharmacists to initiate therapeutic interchange under all health carriers and plans and health care reimbursement methods, including plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; (ii) make recommendations to streamline the existing therapeutic interchange process in the Commonwealth; and (iii) make recommendations for the modernization of such therapeutic interchange authority, particularly in cases of prescription drug shortages. The work group shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Chairs of the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by November 15, 2025.