OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Periodic Review of Board of Pharmacy Regulations - Comment Period Ends December 5th

Public comment periods have now opened to receive comments on regulations governing agencies under the Virginia Board of Health Professions.  This includes the Board of Pharmacy and the Prescription Monitoring Program regulations.  To view ALL of the open comment periods, please click here and scroll down to the "Secretariat: Health and Human Resources" and look for the comment periods scheduled to Close on December 5th.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy will be conducting a periodic review of its regulations.  The first step to the review process is to receive feedback from the public on the regulations.  Beginning in 2013, the Board will review the regulations and take into consideration public comments received during the 30 day comment period.  The regulations to be reviewed are:

• 18VAC110-20: Virginia Board of Pharmacy Regulations
• 18VAC110-30: Regulations for Practitioners of the Healing Arts to Sell Controlled Substances
• 18VAC110-40: Regulations Governing Collaborative Practice Agreements
• 18VAC110-50: Regulations Governing Wholesale Distributors, Manufacturers and Warehousers

The review is part of the Governor's Regulatory Reform Project with the goal of:

1. Repealing regulations that are unnecessary or no longer in use;
2. Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on individuals, businesses, and other regulated groups; and  
3. Identifying statutes that require unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations. 

Further, the Board is seeking comment on whether this regulation should be terminated, amended, or retained in its current form.
 
Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or for the economical performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable. 
 
The comment period began November 5, 2012 and ends on December 5, 2012. 
 
Comments may be submitted online to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall at: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/Forums.cfm.

• Click here to submit comments concerning Board of Pharmacy Regulations
• Click here to submit comments concerning Regulations for Practitioners of the Healing Arts to Sell Controlled Substances
• Click here to submit comments concerning Regulations governing Collaborative Practice Agreements 
• Click here to submit comments concerning Regulations governing Wholesale Distributors, Manufacturers and Warehousers  

Comments may also be sent to:
Elaine J. Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator
Department of Health Professions
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
 
FAX: (804) 527-4434
EMAIL: elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov

In addition to the Board of Pharmacy's periodic review, comments are also encouraged for the following regulations impacting pharmacy:

• Regulations Governing the Health Practitioners' Monitoring Program for the Department of Health Professions
• Click here for more information
• Regulations Governing the Prescription Monitoring Program
• Click here for more information

Following the close of the public comment period, a report of the periodic review will be posted on the Town Hall and published in the Virginia Register of Regulations.

FDA reports voluntary recall of all Ameridose drug products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today (October 31) that Ameridose, LLC, based in Westborough, Mass., is voluntarily recalling all of its unexpired products in circulation. Products from Ameridose can be identified by markings that indicate Ameridose by name or by its company logo disclaimer icon. A complete list of all products subject to this recall can be accessed at www.ameridose.com disclaimer icon.

For more information on this voluntary recall, please click here for the complete FDA news release.