1. (1) Upon the declaration of an emergency, the department may coordinate the distribution of a vaccine, antiviral, antibiotic, or other prescription medication that is not a controlled substance for distribution, dispensing and administration.
2. (2) The department may adopt, modify, require, facilitate, or recommend rationing criteria for the distribution of scarce healthcare resources in accordance with Rule R380-66.
3. (3) The department, through the medical director or other person with authority to prescribe, may issue a valid standing prescription drug order that authorizes a pharmacist and a pharmacist intern licensed under the Pharmacy Practice Act, Title 58, Chapter 17b, to dispense according to the requirements of the standing order.

4. (4) When the department coordinates the distribution of a medication without issuing a valid standing prescription drug order, the department may:

   1. (a) distribute the medication;
   2. (b) distribute the medication through local health departments pursuant to Section R380-60; or
   3. (c) enter into an agreement with a third party to distribute the medication.

KEY: public health emergency, medication protocols, standing orders, distribution of medication

Date of Last Change: November 5, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-1-307; 26B-1-202; 26B-7-317; 26B-5-612