Earlier this summer, the Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021 was introduced with bipartisan support in the Senate in order to provide some structured governance to long-term care (LTC) pharmacies. According to the bill, the definition of LTC pharmacies has been expanded to mean a state-licensed pharmacy that can provide enhanced pharmacy and clinic services to patients who require enhanced medication services and reside in a facility. Previously, LTC pharmacies were not clearly defined and as a result, were not offered the same benefits that traditional retail pharmacies otherwise received. For example, LTC pharmacies were unable to obtain assistance from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund that helped support healthcare providers in the battle against COVID-19, despite their exceedingly important role. Over the past year, LTC pharmacies have worked to provide seamless care and access to medications to patients in LTC facilities, one of the most vulnerable populations, at a significant cost to their own pharmacies with little financial and regulatory support from the government. Now, with this bill, LTC pharmacies hope they will gain a consistent regulatory framework to help them meet their patients’ needs and receive the appropriate recognition in providing essential services to the senior community.
Under this bill, LTC pharmacies have the ability to provide “enhanced pharmacy and clinical services,” which includes (i) the dispensing of medications in specialized packaging, (ii) drug utilization review to identify adverse drug reactions and inappropriate drug usage, (iii) medication reconciliation services at the transition of care or other necessary clinical management services, (iv) timely medication delivery 24/7, (v) on-call pharmacist availability 24/7, (vi) emergency supplies of medication at a facility, and (vii) any other such services determined to be appropriate. LTC pharmacies hope this bill passes in order to gain a proper definition of their pharmacy services, and in turn, gain the recognition and support required for them to sustain operations to continue servicing the senior population.
How Frier Levitt Can Help
If you are an LTC Pharmacy looking for guidance on the impact of this bill or any other aspect of LTC pharmacy practices, contact Frier Levitt to speak to an attorney today.
