Maine Board of Pharmacy COVID-19 Telehealth and Emergency Use Guidance

The Maine Board of Pharmacy has issued comprehensive guidance regarding pharmacy practice during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This document outlines the key provisions related to telehealth services and emergency use authorizations that pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in Maine should understand.

Background and Emergency Declaration

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maine Board of Pharmacy has implemented emergency measures to ensure continued access to pharmaceutical care while maintaining patient safety. These measures align with federal directives from the FDA and DEA, as well as Maine's state of emergency declarations.

Telehealth Services

Telehealth has emerged as a critical tool for maintaining pharmaceutical care during the pandemic. The Maine Board of Pharmacy has adapted regulations to facilitate broader use of telehealth in pharmacy practice.

Telepharmacy Practice

Pharmacists may provide consultation, medication therapy management, and other patient care services through telehealth technologies. This includes:

• Video conferences with patients
• Telephone consultations
• Electronic communication for medication management
• Remote verification of prescription orders

Remote Verification of Prescriptions

During the emergency, pharmacists may verify prescription orders without being physically present in the pharmacy, provided that:

• The pharmacy has established policies and procedures for remote verification
• Secure technology platforms are used
• The accuracy of dispensing can be ensured
• Pharmacists maintain appropriate oversight

Emergency Use Authorizations

The Board has recognized the importance of emergency use authorizations issued by the FDA to combat COVID-19. Pharmacists should familiarize themselves with current EUAs affecting pharmacy practice.

COVID-19 Therapeutics

Various medications have received emergency use authorization for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Pharmacists should be aware of current EUAs and ensure proper handling, storage, and dispensing requirements are met.

Prescription Practices

Several modifications to standard prescription practices have been implemented to facilitate patient access to medications during the emergency.

Early Refills

Insurance carriers and the Board have recognized the importance of allowing early refills during the emergency. Pharmacists may use professional judgment to:

• Allow early refills of maintenance medications
• Extend prescription expiration dates when clinically appropriate
• Process refills without prior authorization in certain circumstances

Remote Prescription Orders

Prescribers may electronically transmit prescription orders to pharmacies, including orders for controlled substances, provided that all federal and state requirements are met. The requirements for electronic prescribing of controlled substances have been temporarily relaxed to facilitate remote prescribing.

Licensing and Regulatory Flexibilities

Several licensing provisions have been modified to support healthcare workforce needs during the emergency.

Licensure by Endorsement

The Board has expedited processes for pharmacists licensed in other states to obtain Maine licensure when needed to address the public health emergency.

Graduate Interns and Technicians

Pharmacy graduates and interns may provide expanded services under appropriate supervision, consistent with emergency guidance issued by the Board.

Pharmacy Operations

Pharmacy operations have been adapted to balance providing patient services with ensuring the safety of pharmacy staff and patients.

Curbside and Delivery Services

Pharmacies are encouraged to implement curbside pickup and delivery services to minimize in-person contact. When providing these services, pharmacists must:

• Confirm patient identity during pickup or delivery
• Provide appropriate patient education and counseling
• Maintain medication security and integrity

Communication Requirements

While some regulations have been relaxed, pharmacists must maintain appropriate communication with patients and prescribers.

Patient Counseling

Pharmacists must continue to offer to counsel patients on new prescriptions, but may use alternative methods such as:

• Telephone counseling
• Video consultations
• Written information supplemented by remote verbal communication

Recordkeeping Adjustments

Some recordkeeping requirements have been modified to accommodate new practice models during the emergency.

Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures may be used for pharmacy records when appropriate security measures are in place. Pharmacists should ensure that electronic signature methodologies comply with existing regulations.

Record Retention

The requirement for original paper documents has been relaxed, and electronic records are acceptable when they meet security and accessibility requirements.

Expiration of Emergency Provisions

Pharmacy professionals should note that these emergency provisions are temporary and will expire upon termination of the public health emergency. The Board will provide advance notice of the return to standard regulatory requirements.

Additional Resources

For the most current information and guidance, pharmacy professionals should consult:

• Maine Board of Pharmacy official website
• Maine Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations
• Drug Enforcement Administration COVID-19 guidance
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention healthcare guidance

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Maine Board of Pharmacy remains committed to ensuring that Maine residents have access to safe and effective pharmaceutical care while supporting pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in their essential role in healthcare.