Pennsylvania Laws, Regulations, and Pertinent Information

Medical Assistance Launches Enrollment of Pharmacists as PT 10 (Mid-level Practitioner) / Spec 247 Providers

Visit the PA Pharmacist Provider Status in Medical Assistance webpage for more information.

CMS Informational Bulletin on Collaborative Practice Agreements

This guidance addresses flexibility that states may have to facilitate timely access to specific drugs by expanding the scope of practice and services that can be provided by pharmacists, including dispensing drugs based on their own independently initiated prescriptions, collaborative practice agreements (CPA) with other licensed prescribing healthcare providers like physicians, “standing orders” issued by the state, or other predetermined protocols. These practices can facilitate easier access to medically necessary and time-sensitive drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Download Bulletin

Dextromethorphan Sales to Minors

For more information on Act 116 of 2018, prohibiting sales to minors and providing for penalties, download the information.

Download Act 116 Information

Electronic Prescribing for All Controlled Drugs – New State Requirement

On October 24, 2020, electronic prescribing became mandatory for all prescribers of CII – CV controlled substances. There are exceptions for certain prescribers and the PA Department of Health is in the process of finalizing the regulations.

ICD-9 Codes

View information on ICD-9 Codes

Lookup Tools Related to Licensure

Medicaid MCO and PBM Contact List for Pricing Disputes

Download chart listing processes and contact information for Medicaid Pricing Appeals

Medicaid – Pharmacy Related Codes

Medicaid Programs

Access the Medicaid Managed Care Directory
Access the State MAC List
Access the Pennsylvania Medicaid Drug Fee Schedule
View the meeting minutes of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC)
Download contractual requirements language for MCOs and PBMs
The BBB amendment is an amendment to the managed care organization’s contract with the state. It can be revised annually. The BBB amendment can be downloaded here.

Medical Marijuana

In 2016, Pennsylvania passed legislation authorizing the use of certain forms of marijuana for the treatment of certain disease states. The Pennsylvania Dept. of Health is charged with developing enabling regulations.

Thomas Jefferson University, Lambert Center for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp – Click here for this link.

Find more information on the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program

Naloxone Information

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Any and all prescriptions previously written using the standing order from a prior Secretary of Health, and any remaining refills on those prescriptions are null and void. Remember to update those prescriptions and refills with the new standing order.

Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List

Pharmacists who have been placed on the OIG Exclusion List and would like to apply for reinstatement can visit https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/reinstatement.asp to do so.

Opioid Epidemic Information

Find information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the Opioid Epidemic

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Pennsylvania Department of Health

E-Prescribing Law

E-Prescribing FAQ

Dept of Health Notice to Dispensers

Access the Controlled Substances, Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Act
Department of Health regulations pertaining to Controlled Substances, Drugs, Devises, and Cosmetics
Department of Health regulations pertaining to Hospital Pharmacy Services
Department of Health regulations pertaining to Program Standards for Long Term Care
Department of Health’s Immunization page
Generic Drug Substitution and Equivalency Laws
Amendment to the Act which changed parts of the above Law – including wording on required signage in the pharmacy
New required wording for the Generic sign in your pharmacy: Pennsylvania law permits pharmacists to substitute a less expensive generically equivalent drug or interchangeable biological product for a brand name drug unless you or your physician direct otherwise.
Access Narrow Therapeutic Index information
Wholesale Prescription Drug Licensing Act

Pennsylvania Department of Health Pharmacy Medication Drug Take-Back Expansion

Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership

Access the Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership webpage

Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy

Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Immunizations

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) offers a standing protocol for immunizations including flu, shingles, pneumococcal and HepA. In order to be covered under this protocol, pharmacies need to complete the three basic modules that PPA offers for CE credit and submit appropriate documentation (immunization protocol and MOU, PhilaVax Confidentiality form). PDPH will perform license checks.

Access PhilaVax

To find out more, contact: Nichole Dantzler, MBA, Adult Grant Coordinator, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Phone: 215-685-4440

[email protected]

Prescribing Information

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)

Regulatory Review Process

View visual representation of the Regulatory Review Process

Statewide Preferred Drug List

Telemedicine and Telepharmacy

The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association organized a four-part series of presentations on the topics of telemedicine and telepharmacy. To view these and learn more visit www.papharmacists.com/Telepharmacy