Indiana Board of Pharmacy COVID-19 Actions

INDIANA BOARD OF PHARMACY

COVID-19 Actions

Changes to Pharmacy Technician Oversight-  25-26-13-18.5 & IC 25-26-19-2: Pursuant to Executive Order 20-12, each pharmacist may now supervise 8 pharmacy technicians instead of 6. Additionally, pharmacy technicians may work remotely for non-dispensing job functions such as data entry, insurance processing or other roles that do not require the physical presence. 

Non-Controlled Substance Prescription Extensions- IC 25-26-13-25(d)(8): Pursuant to Executive Order 20-12, a pharmacist may give a one-time, 90-day emergency refill for a prescription of a non-controlled substance prescribed as a maintenance medication. 

Controlled Substance Prescribing via Telemedicine- IC 25-1-9.5-8: Pursuant to Executive Orders 20-13, a prescriber may prescribe a Schedule II-V controlled substance via telemedicine as long as the following conditions are met:
1. The prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a prescriber acting in their usual professional practice; 
2. The initial telecommunication is conducted using an audio-visual, real-time, two-way interactive communication system; and
3. All other applicable state and federal laws are followed.

Once a prescriber has conducted an in-person medical evaluation or has conducted an evaluation using an audio-visual, real-time, two-way interactive communication system for the initial prescription; further health consultation may be done via audio-only or audio-visual telecommunication, as long as all other applicable state and federal laws are followed.

Guidance for Prescribing and Dispensing of COVID-19 Related Drugs: The Indiana Board of Pharmacy and Medical Licensing Board have issued a joint statement providing guidance to healthcare professionals relating to prescribing and dispensing of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and azithromycin. The guidance discourages these drugs from being prescribed for prophylactic use for COVID-19 and encourages professional caution in fulfilling any prescription of these drugs. Additionally, the boards are suggesting that any prescription for these drugs be limited to a 14-day supply wherever medically appropriately. A copy of the guidance may be found HERE. 

Critical Fingerprinting: The following license types have been deemed critical by the Indiana Department of Administration and will be given priority for the purposes of getting fingerprinting completed. 
License Types: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Training

PLA Remote Work: In response to COVID-19 and the impact it is having on the State of Indiana, the Professional Licensing Agency will have the majority of our staff working remotely in the coming weeks. While routine operations of the agency will continue, please note that there may be disruptions or delays in the processing of your requests. Please prioritize the usage of email to communicate with our staff whenever possible and scan any documents that need to be processed. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work best to protect our staff and serve Hoosiers in these ever-changing times.