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1998 SESSION

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HB 637 Pharmacy benefits managers; registration.

Introduced by: Harvey B. Morgan | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Pharmacy benefits managers; registration. Defines "pharmacy benefits manager" and requires such persons, whether located in Virginia or in another state, territory or possession, to register such information as the Board of Pharmacy prescribes by regulation. This provision defines pharmacy benefits manager as a person other than one regulated by the Board of Pharmacy who has access to or reviews patient prescription dispensing records for prescriptions issued and dispensed in Virginia for the purpose of administering any pharmacy program, including such responsibilities as utilization review of prescriptive practices, dispensing of controlled substances, determining prescription coverage under any health benefits program, and making decisions on the drugs that will be or are included in any formulary for any health benefits program. The Board must promulgate regulations to identify and monitor the implementation of pharmacy benefits management in Virginia and to ensure the confidentiality of patient records. Pharmacy benefits managers will only be authorized to disclose prescription dispensing information and patient record information in accordance with the Board's regulations. This provision specifically states that pharmacy benefits managers are not health care providers because, under Virginia law, health care providers own the patient records. Any pharmacy benefits manager practicing a profession or business which is regulated by any health regulatory board must continue to hold a valid license, permit, certificate or registration. The registration fee will be the same as that charged for pharmacy permitting in Virginia and the registration must be renewed annually. This bill was incorporated into House Bill 1101.


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