Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-21, Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians. The purpose of the proposed action is to, pursuant to Chapters 171 and 172 of the 2023 Acts of Assembly, expand the conditions for which a pharmacist can initiate treatment by adding group A streptococcus bacteria infections, influenza virus infections, COVID-19 virus infections, and urinary tract infections to the list of conditions for which pharmacists can initiate treatment with controlled substances or devices for persons 18 years of age and older. Clinical decision-making for these four diseases and conditions can be guided by a clinical test that is classified as waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (42 USC § 263a).

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3303.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: February 14, 2024.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.