5 industry orgs share best practices for signature-free Rx access

Five industry organizations have come together to share best practices for signature-free pickup and delivery of prescriptions. FMI -– The Food Industry Association, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association, and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association today issued a joint statement for pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers about how to documenting signature-free delivery or pick-up of prescription drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The organizations said the best practices are intended to provide clarity so that consumers can feel confident in not having to physically sign for their prescriptions and to address pharmacy concerns about proper documentation for future audits.

The release noted that as long as one of the following is included in the delivery documentation, it should suffice for purposes of an audit:

• The delivery date, time, and words “COVID delivery” in the signature line;
• The delivery date, time, and word “COVID” in the signature line; and 
• The delivery date, time, and word “COVID-19” in the signature line.

“In an effort to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, FMI appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with PCMA and the pharmacy trade associations to streamline transactions and facilitate a more consistent touchless customer experience regardless of whether the transaction is conducted in pharmacy, via mail order, curbside pickup or delivery,” said Leslie Sarasin, FMI president and CEO.

“The 20,000 plus community pharmacies have courageously worked on the front line as essential businesses to make sure consumers had access to their prescription medications and other supplies needed to stay safe and healthy including reconfiguring their pharmacy operations to provide contactless delivery of medications,” said NCPA CEO Doug Hoey. “We appreciate consistent guidance from PBMs in this matter to help assure that pharmacists can focus on their most important job – taking care of patients.”

“Since the outset of COVID-19, NACDS has urged public policy that helps to keep pharmacies open, to protect pharmacy customers and staff, to help patients stay on their medication therapies, and to help meet the needs of those affected by COVID-19 and by other illnesses,” said Steve Anderson, NACDS president and CEO. “These collaborative principles support those goals, and they will benefit patients in this next phase of protecting public health and reopening our communities.”

“On behalf of the over 3,000 independent grocery pharmacies across the country, the National Grocers Association is committed to working with a coalition of stakeholders to protect the health of patients and provide transparency for pharmacies as they continue to serve their communities during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “NGA is encouraged by these best practices and we hope that continued collaboration with all organizations involved will lead to better outcomes for patients.”

“We have appreciated the strong collaboration with our trade association partners on this issue of critical importance to patients seeking safe access to their prescription drugs,” said J.C. Scott, president and CEO of PCMA. “Open dialogue among stakeholders in the prescription drug supply and payment chain has been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to work together in the best interest of the patients we serve.”