RECENT ACTION
NACDS members and a June 25 NACDS letter urged the Biden Administration to enforce the preemptive nature of the federal PREP Act, even as some states’ emergency orders end.
On June 27, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarified officially that the PREP Act preempts state laws in authorizing pharmacy personnel to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and ACIP recommended childhood vaccinations.
On June 29, the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions acknowledged the preemptive nature of the federal PREP Act.
On July 2, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote to stakeholders in alignment with HHS’ June 27 clarification.
NEXT UP
NACDS is urging the Biden Administration to act further through the PREP Act – including authorization for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and interns to provide all ACIP recommended vaccines to those 18 and over, as they are able to do for those 3-18. This would address a major gap in addressing ongoing COVID needs, flu season, and lapsed vaccinations.
NACDS is working collaboratively with pharmacy allies to pursue legislative opportunities to act on the lessons of the pandemic. It is vital to prevent roll-back of preparedness, and to ensure pharmacies can help improve all Americans’ health and wellness during emergencies and every day – conveniently and equitably.
BACKGROUND
NACDS has presented a unified voice for the membership in advocating for federal and state policies necessary for pharmacies to meet patients’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing PREP Act declarations and clarifications has been critical to this work.
April 8, 2020, was a landmark day – with a PREP Act declaration that empowered pharmacist-provided COVID-19 testing. Subsequent declarations enhanced pharmacy team members’ ability to provide childhood vaccinations and ultimately COVID-19 vaccinations.
