In response to the national public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 virus, the WV BOP is issuing the following information and reminders. As this is a rapidly developing situation, additional information will be available on our website, www.wvbop.com, as it becomes available.

§30-5-36. Emergency prescriptions for life-sustaining medication

• The pharmacist may provide a 30 day supply or standard unit of dispensing of life sustaining medication or therapy for a chronic condition under the stipulations of 30-5-36. Schedule III-V are limited to 72 hour supply. Details can be found on page 39 of the 2019 electronic WV law book.

§30-5-35. Conversion of prescriptions authorizing refills.

• The pharmacist may convert a 30 day supply of medication with 2 refills remaining to a 90 day supply under the stipulations of 30-5-35. Details can be found on page 38 of the 2019 electronic WV law book.

Insurance related directive related to COVID-19 from the WV Insurance Commissioner

The WV Insurance Commissioner has issued Guidance in the form of an Insurance Bulletin answering many questions related to coverage surrounding needs related to COVID-19. This bulletin can be found at https://dhhr.wv.gov/Coronavirus%20Disease-COVID-19/Documents/West%20Virginia%20Insurance%20Bulletin%20No.%202020%20-%2001.pdf

Managing shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed for sterile compounding

The WV BOP recognizes that there may be shortages of PPE developing. At current time, waivers are not able to be granted because WV is in a State of Preparedness. Recommendations for handling the shortages of PPE are being updated and will be made available ASAP.

Pharmacy Emergency Closure

In the event that a pharmacy must close due to illness or staff shortages, the pharmacy must notify the WV BOP immediately via fax or email.

Pharmacy Preparedness

• Have a handout of information available for patients on refill requests, emergency supplies, and other prescription medication information.
• Develop a process to care for high risk populations (elderly, pregnant, and those with chronic health conditions) so they can pick up medications without waiting in long, crowded lines.
• Implement appropriate infection control measure in the pharmacy:
  • Maintain social distance: 3 feet from asymptomatic patients,6 feet from those actively coughing
  • Clean and disinfect counters and other spaces every hour or every 10 patients with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer or gloves next to the checkout area like the pen where patients sign for prescriptions
• Develop an Emergency Response Plan for your pharmacy including monitoring staff for sickness, evaluating sick-leave policies, determining how staff absences will be handled and post-illness return to work policies.

Continuing Pharmacist Education (CPE)

The WV BOP also realizes that as a result of the COVID-19 virus related cancellation of numerous meeting and training events, live CPE availability will be greatly reduced or unavailable. We will be reviewing those 6 hour requirements and will address the issue prior to the upcoming licensing cycle.

Pharmacists with immediate concerns or questions can contact the Director of Professional and Regulatory Affairs, Krista Capehart, at 304-206-5767.