NACDS praises new Virginia law for increasing patient access, expanding pharmacists' services

With the enactment of a new law – House Bill 1506 – the Commonwealth of Virginia has enhanced access to convenient, affordable, and quality services at pharmacies, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores said Tuesday. The new law empowers pharmacists to provide contraceptives, epinephrine for allergic reactions, prenatal vitamins, dietary fluoride supplements and prescription medications subject to statewide protocols to be developed, and when a patient’s copay or cost-sharing is less than the cost of the equivalent over-the-counter drug.

This new law, signed by Gov. Ralph Northam, also requires the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Medicine and the Department of Health to convene a workgroup to make further statewide protocol recommendations to improve access to convenient care, including the administration of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; tobacco cessation therapy; HIV prevention services; and testing services, among others.

“While work on this legislation began well before the current pandemic, we continue to see the importance of addressing unnecessary barriers to healthcare delivery in normal times and in times of crisis alike,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. "A survey conducted just over the past couple of weeks by Morning Consult, and commissioned by NACDS, found that 85% of Virginians say pharmacies are easy to access, making them the most accessible healthcare destinations and professionals tested. In addition, pharmacists are highly educated, and today graduate with a doctor of pharmacy degree. This new law will help Virginians improve access to health and wellness services.”

NACDS recognized the legislative leadership of the bill’s primary sponsor, Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax), Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico), House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax), and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth). 

NACDS also acknowledged the leadership of the Virginia Pharmacists Association, the Virginia Retail Federation, the Virginia Association of Chain Drug Stores, NACDS and VACDS member companies, Pharmacists Moms, March of Dimes, and the Virginia Association of Health Plans.