COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Response Efforts
The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy is committed to protecting the health and safety of Nevadans during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Board posted a document on its website that provides COVID-19 guidance and response efforts, including the issuance of waivers to assist licensees in addressing operational needs. This document will be updated regularly and can be accessed by visiting: www.bop.nv.gov.
All licensees should follow the Governor's emergency directives and guidelines issued in response to COVID-19. For the Governor's emergency directives and other information, visit www.nvhealthresponse.nv.gov.
Board Office Hours
In order to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy has closed its offices to the general public and will be operating with essential personnel only until further notice. Please be advised that it may take longer than usual to receive a response. If you need to contact the Board for any reason, please email pharmacy@pharmacy.nv.gov.
COVID-19 Emergency Regulations
The Board’s emergency regulation adopted March 23, 2020, restricting the prescribing and dispensing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (LCB File No. E003-20A) expired by operation of law at 11:59 PST on July 21, 2020, and is no longer in effect.
COVID-19 Regulations
The Board has amended the Nevada Administrative Code to authorize pharmaceutical technicians with appropriate training to administer immunizations under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. This will allow pharmacies to meet the increased demand for vaccine services and increase the State's capacity to expediently treat Nevada's population now that COVID-19 vaccines are being developed and deployed.
Board of Pharmacy Regulation re Vaccinations
COVID-19 Waivers and Guidance for Licensees
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and state-licensed or registered pharmacy interns acting under the supervision of the qualified pharmacist to administer, COVID-19 vaccinations to persons ages 3 or older, subject to certain requirements. The federal action preempts any limitations in state law. DHHS vaccine administration guidance document link here.
The Board has temporarily authorized intern pharmacists with appropriate training to administer immunizations under the State’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program under the indirect supervision of a pharmacist. Intern Vaccination Guidance.
The Board has partially waived existing regulations to permit pharmaceutical technicians with appropriate training to prepare COVID-19 vaccines for administration to patients under the indirect supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmaceutical Technician Preparation Guidance.
The Board has temporarily authorized the practice of remote order entry for all licensed/registered pharmacy personnel (pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmaceutical technicians). Remote Order Entry guidance.
The Board has temporarily authorized registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmaceutical technicians to perform COVID-19 testing off-site, in conformance with federal authorization. COVID-19 Testing Off-Site guidance.
The Board has partially waived existing regulations requiring continued certification of pharmacists and intern pharmacists in basic cardiac life support from the American Heart Association to administer immunizations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cardiac Life Support Continued Certification Partial Wavier.
The Board has temporarily authorized registered pharmaceutical technicians in training to be rotated and utilized at multiple Nevada-licensed pharmacies, and authorized an extension of time for pharmaceutical technicians in training to renew their registrations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Pharmaceutical Technicians in Training guidance.
Governor Sisolak has issued Emergency Directive 011 to temporarily waive licensing requirements for certain qualified physicians to prescribe controlled substances for a limited duration during the COVID-19 outbreak. Qualified Physicians Controlled Substance Waiver Form.
The Board continues to receive reports of calls threatening legal action if an exorbitant fine is not paid immediately over the phone. The callers identify themselves as either Board of Pharmacy or DEA personnel and instruct their victims to pay the "fine" via wire transfer to avoid arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, and license revocation. More information can be found at the following link.
The Department of Motor Vehicles in cooperation with the Board has issued guidance on the use of DMV extension letters in conjunction with State issued identification for picking up controlled substances. The guidance can be found at the following link.