Coronavirus Resources for Texas Pharmacists
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
As the most accessible health care providers, Texas pharmacists should be prepared to field questions from patients about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). They also need to be prepared to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Pharmacies should implement infection control procedures and strategies to prevent person-to-person transmission of infection. Infection control procedures including administrative rules and engineering controls, environmental hygiene, correct work practices,
and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are all necessary to prevent infections from spreading during healthcare delivery. Frequent, effective handwashing, use of hand sanitizer and wiping frequently touched surfaces with an EPA-approved
biocide should be common practices. Communicate to patients the importance of sick patients staying home, sending a friend to the pharmacy instead, or using the drive-through when possible.
The Texas Pharmacy Association has compiled recommendations from the CDC and other sources to help pharmacists and their staff members practice in a safe and effective manner.
Click here to view recommendations regarding face coverings, social distancing, infection control, workforce protection, and more.
TPA is monitoring both state and federal agencies for information affecting Texas pharmacists and is in touch with Texas officials and agencies on concerns expressed by members. Following are additional resources to help pharmacy professionals:
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The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing regular updates about the coronavirus in the Lone Star State, including what to do if you are sick, COVID-19 testing, symptoms, and prevention.
Texas Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
DSHS COVID-19 Immunization Program Portal
DSHS has published a guidance for Texas consumers and pharmacists outlining strategies for managing pseudoephedrine purchases during the COVID-19 state of disaster.
Pharmacies utilizing an FDA-approved test for human diagnostic purposes of COVID-19 must submit to DSHS, as well as to the local health department, daily reports of all test results.
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The Texas State Board of Pharmacy has published resources for pharmacy professionals, including its authorization of emergency dispensing of prescription medications, medication limitations, sterile compounding guidance, and suspension
of certain rules.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a wealth of information about what you should know, situation updates, and information tailored to specific populations.
COVID-19 Vaccine News and Information
COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations
Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit, including COVID-19 Addendum
Considerations for Pharmacies during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The CDC also answers frequently asked questions about the coronavirus for healthcare professionals such as pharmacists.
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The Texas Department of State Health Services has provided a toolkit including social media graphics to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as printable materials for display and/or distribution to communicate key information to
the public.
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The Food and Drug Administration is working with U.S. Government partners, including CDC, and international partners to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Drug Shortages
CLIA-Waived/Emergency Use Authorization
Pharmacists need to verify the test is deemed to be authorized for the CLIA-waived setting. There must be a "W" in the column titled "Authorized Settings" for any test, regardless of type, to be performed in a CLIA-waived laboratory.
Temporary Guidance for 503A Compounding
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USP Compounding Resources for COVID-19
The USP Compounding Expert Committee developed the following informational resources that may be of assistance to pharmacists during this public health emergency:
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is posting information and updates about its response to current emergencies including the coronavirus.
CMS Guidance for Medicare Part D Sponsors
Prescriber ID for Emergency Prescriptions
CLIA Application for Certification
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The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and its federal partners are working together with state, local, tribal and territorial governments, public health officials, health care providers, researchers, private sector organizations
and the public to execute a whole-of-America response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of the American people.
HHS Authorizes Pharmacy Technicians and Interns to Administer Childhood Vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccines, and COVID-19 Tests
HHS Authorizes Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Vaccines to Persons Ages 3 or Older
HHS Authorizes Pharmacists to Order and Administer Vaccines to Individuals Ages 3 through 18
HHS Advisory Opinion Concludes Federal Law Permits Pharmacists to Order, Administer COVID-19 Tests
HHS Statements on Authorizing Licensed Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests
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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Diversion Control Division has published important guidance concerning COVID-19 and the national drug supply, electronic prescribing of controlled substances, telemedicine, medicated assisted
treatment, and other important federal and state information.
Early Prescription Refills
Guidance on Issuance of Oral Schedule II Prescriptions
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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
The World Health Organization has published a wealth of information, including regularly updated questions and answers about the coronavirus.
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The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) COVID-19 Information Hub includes a timeline and various guidance for pharmacists.
FIP has published Guidelines for Pharmacists and the Pharmacy Workforce.
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Additional Information
Major national pharmacy associations have published their own guides for dealing with the coronavirus.
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