The California State Board of Pharmacy convened on December 4, 2024, to discuss several key issues affecting pharmacy practice in the state. The meeting featured contributions from various stakeholders, including pharmacists and healthcare professionals, who provided insights on the administration of long-acting injectable medications and the implications of recent regulatory changes.

The first significant discussion came from Richard Dang, who addressed the scope of practice for pharmacists regarding the administration of long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). He emphasized that California Business and Professions Code 4052.2 allows pharmacists to furnish FDA-approved HIV medications recommended by the CDC, with no specific restrictions on the route of administration. Dang noted that while logistical barriers may exist, there are no legal impediments preventing pharmacists from administering such medications, provided they have the necessary training.

Following Dang, Steven Gray echoed these sentiments, highlighting that pharmacists have been administering medications ordered by prescribers for decades. He pointed out that community pharmacies have successfully provided long-acting gluteal injections, stressing the importance of maintaining patient privacy and ensuring appropriate settings for administration. Gray also addressed concerns regarding a recent change by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that reclassified PrEP as a Medicare Part B therapy, clarifying that this change only affects Medicare patients and does not impose restrictions on non-Medicare patients.

The meeting also touched on the certification extension for pharmacy technicians. Gray raised a concern about the timing of the regulation change, questioning whether there would be a gap in licensing opportunities for technicians due to the effective date of the new regulation ending on December 31st.

Overall, the meeting underscored the evolving role of pharmacists in California, particularly in the administration of injectable medications, while also highlighting the need for clarity and education regarding regulatory changes impacting pharmacy practice. The Board plans to follow up on the technician certification issue to ensure a smooth transition for pharmacy technicians in the state.