G ove r n men t Re lat ions
• Opioid Dispensing Guidelines: These guidelines are focused
on several key areas that can impact pharmacists of any
practice setting. Focal points include assessing the
appropriateness of opioid pain medication at the point of
dispensing, recognition of “red flags” on prescriptions as well
as high risk medication combinations, available resources for
those with a substance use disorder, and methods to prevent
diversion from the emergency department.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted on
SB 655 in June. It is now before the full Senate for a vote.
Telemedicine
Senator Elder Vogel introduced SB 780 to address the emerging
issue of telemedicine, which is the remote delivery of health
care services and medical information using telecommunications
technology. Telemedicine is a significant and rapidly growing
component of health care. Through the use of telemedicine,
specialists and other health care providers are able to expand
their reach, helping rural patients stay in their communities and
avoid traveling long distances for specialized care.
SB 780 defines telemedicine, offers guidelines outlining who
can provide telemedicine services, and provides clarity
around insurance company reimbursement for these services.
Although the legislation requires payments for telemedicine
services, those payments will be established between the
provider and insurer.
SB 780 was assigned to the Senate Banking and