With the implementation of a Board-approved statewide protocol for immunization administration, the law and rules had set an end date to the utilization of physician-signed immunization protocols. Due to delays in third-party payer preparation to recognize pharmacists as the practitioner on an order issued for an immunization under the statewide protocol, the legislature approved an extension for using physician-signed protocols. Pharmacists will be able to continue providing immunizations under a physician-signed protocol through June 30, 2020. The Board is in the process of updating the applicable rule to reflect the delayed repeal and expects the rule to be updated effective July 1, 2019.

The Board recently adopted final rule making which excludes butalbital products (those containing acetaminophen, such as Fioricet) from the “Exempt Prescription Products” list as published by DEA. As such, affected products will be considered the same schedule as other butalbital products (Schedule III) and their dispensing will be required to be reported to the Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The final rule making will publish on May 22 and be effective June 26. Pharmacies need to ensure their prescription processing system is configured to report the dispensing of all butalbital products to the PMP by June 26.