Senate committee hears bill to let pharmacists start buprenorphine to expand OUD treatment Senate File 4486 would let trained pharmacists initiate, prescribe and dispense buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in pharmacies, emergency rooms and jails. Supporters say it will expand timely access; some physicians urged clarifying language on diagnosis and coordination with treating clinicians. The bill was laid over for further work.

A groundbreaking bill in Minnesota could empower pharmacists to prescribe life-saving buprenorphine, potentially transforming access to opioid use disorder treatment amidst rising overdose deaths.

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#MN #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #AddictionRecovery #MedicationAccess

Advisory council urges action on emergency protocols and medication access for rare-disease patients Council cochair Leslie Bennett told members that rare-disease medications "are not stocked by hospitals or emergency services," urging a work group with the public health committee and hospital association to address EMS/ED protocol risks and medication availability.

The Rare Disease Advisory Council is pushing for urgent changes in emergency care protocols, highlighting how standard practices can endanger patients with rare conditions.

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#CT #PatientSafety #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #EmergencyCare

Infographic about upcoming webinar for Patient Voices in CMS drug price negotiations on February 24th 2026 at 1 P M eastern. Poster includes link to register.

Are medication costs affecting you or someone you care for? Join us tomorrow for this webinar: zurl.co/A0s04

➡️ Hear directly from CMS
➡️ Ask questions about the process
➡️ Share your experience in a safe space

#PatientVoices #MedicationAccess #DrugPrices #Caregivers #ChronicIllness #HealthEquity

Amazon Pharmacy's 4,500-city prescription blitz targets pharmacy deserts by year-end Amazon Pharmacy will nearly double its geographic reach for same-day medication delivery by the end of 2026, adding nearly 2,000 cities and towns to a network that addresses growing medication access challenges across the United States.

Amazon Pharmacy's 4,500-city prescription blitz targets pharmacy deserts by year-end #AmazonPharmacy #PrescriptionDelivery #MedicationAccess #Healthcare #PharmacyDeserts

Amazon Pharmacy's 4,500-city prescription blitz targets pharmacy deserts by year-end Amazon Pharmacy will nearly double its geographic reach for same-day medication delivery by the end of 2026, adding nearly 2,000 cities and towns to a network that addresses growing medication access challenges across the United States.

Amazon Pharmacy's 4,500-city prescription blitz targets pharmacy deserts by year-end #AmazonPharmacy #PrescriptionDelivery #MedicationAccess #Healthcare #PharmacyDeserts

Bill would let nonprofit pharmacies get regulatory waivers during declared emergencies Senate Bill 16 40, introduced by Senator McCreary, would authorize the Missouri Board of Pharmacy to waive certain rules for licensed nonprofit pharmacies that dispense, ship or deliver prescription medicines during declared disasters or emergencies.

Senator McCreary's new bill aims to empower nonprofit pharmacies to bypass regulations during emergencies, ensuring vital medications reach those in need when it matters most.

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#MO #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #MedicationAccess #MissouriNonprofitPharmacies

💚#MemberMonday 💚 Open Arms Free Clinic
Shoutout to PSW members Meagan Markovich and Bill Clark for care that improves A1c and strengthens the safety net. Interested in volunteering as a pharmacist or technician? We will help you get connected.
#SafetyNetCare #MedicationAccess #differencemakers

#MemberMonday 💚 Lumicera Health Services
Patient-first specialty care powered by precision operations and PSW members Ben Heiser, Eric Huckins, Justin Arzt. Temperature monitoring, tracking, rerouting, and counseling that put patients first.
#SpecialtyPharmacy #MedicationAccess #PatientCenteredCare

MDSC was proud to celebrate Ontario's bold step Tuesday night to accelerate medication access via the FAST Program at the IMC Queen's Park event! Pictured with Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Liberal MPP Dr. Adil Shamji, and NDP MPP Catherine Fife.

#MDSC #FASTProgram #IMC #MedicationAccess #ONMPP

HOPE Council hears literature update on alcohol‑use medications, opioid treatment and emerging GLP‑1 research Dr. Calderon reviewed 2024–25 addiction literature curated by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, highlighted low initiation rates of FDA‑approved medications for alcohol use disorder in hospitalized patients, and summarized early research linking GLP‑1 drugs (used for diabetes/obesity) to reduced alcohol and substance use in observational,

Dr. Calderon's recent findings reveal that less than 2% of patients with alcohol use disorder are receiving life-saving medications, despite promising new treatments on the horizon.

Learn more here

#LA #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #HealthEquity #LouisianaAddiction #SubstanceUseTreatment

Prior Authorization Denied: Medication Access Crisis

staffingly.com/prior-author...

#PriorAuthorizationDenied, #MedicationAccess, #PriorAuthAppeal, #InsuranceDenial, #FormularyChange, #PrescriptionDenied, #HealthcareAccess, #MedicationBarriers, #PriorAuthProcess

School Board Revises Medicine Administration Policy to Align With Healthcare Provider Guidelines New policy includes provisions for emergency medication and clarifies healthcare provider roles.

The Higley Unified School District is transforming student health policies to ensure every child's medical needs are met, featuring a groundbreaking shift in how medications are administered and emergency care is handled.

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#AZ #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #ArizonaSchools

DEA's Rod Marriott invited to discuss fentanyl access issues in fall meeting Local officials seek DEA's input on ongoing fentanyl IV medication access challenges.

Healthcare providers in Connecticut are raising alarm bells over a potential fentanyl shortage, calling for DEA's Rod Marriott to address the critical access issues at their upcoming meeting.

Learn more here!

#CT #PatientCare #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #HealthcareChallenges

New Diabetes Medications Drive Rising Claims and Weight Loss Trends Increasing use of diabetes medications triggers discussions on weight loss coverage and risks.

Rising claims for diabetes medications are igniting debates on coverage and safety, especially as non-diabetics seek these drugs for weight loss.

Learn more here

#ClearwaterPinellasCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #ClearwaterHealth #HealthcareCosts #PublicHealth

Drug Enforcement Administration scheduling negatively impacts patients with epilepsy: A call to action
doi.org/10.1111/epi....

#epilepsy #ILAE #epilepsia #medicationaccess #DEAscheduling #antiseizuremedications

Met My Quota It is the late afternoon and earlier today I went to pick up my monthly prescriptions from my pharmacist. Well, to my surprise one of my medications that has actually helped me is no longer available....

Met My Quota
Surprise! My vital medication is no longer covered due to insurance quantity limits. This "efficiency" ignores human need. If you've faced similar #MedicationAccess issues, you know the fight. On to plan B. #HealthcareReform #PatientRights
www.fdthornton.com/stories/met-...

Audit Reveals Medication Access Issues for King County Jail Inmates Report highlights disparities in medication access and suggests electronic administration system.

Whatcom County's Behavioral Health Committee has uncovered alarming gaps in medication administration for inmates, revealing that outdated systems are putting lives at risk.

Get the details

#WhatcomCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #InmateHealthcare #CivicAccountability

Connecticut establishes task force to study prescription drug shortage strategies Task force to identify drugs at risk of shortage and recommend mitigation strategies

Connecticut is taking action against prescription drug shortages by forming a task force to identify at-risk medications and propose solutions.

Learn more here!

#CT #CitizenPortal #CrisisManagement #MedicationAccess #PublicHealth

Pharmacy benefits managers face scrutiny over drug pricing and patient care practices Discussions reveal challenges in drug costs and patient management by pharmacy benefit managers.

Rising medication costs are putting pressure on Indian River County employers and residents, sparking urgent discussions about the role of pharmacy benefit managers and the future of healthcare access.

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#IndianRiverCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess

HHS, DARPA link up with Rutgers, Cost Plus Drugs and others in initiative to rethink US drug production On the heels of a production-tinged executive order earlier this month, the Trump administration is doubling down on efforts to boost medicine manufacturing in the U.S. | In a new public-private partnership,...

New public-private partnership "Equip-A-Pharma" aims to improve manufacturing of 8 essential medicines in the US. HHS/DARPA working with universities and companies to use AI and advanced tech to address drug shortages and lower costs. #DrugManufacturing #MedicationAccess

Health Plan estimates $46M savings by using OptumRx for drug procurement Health Plan projects $46 million savings by procuring top drugs through OptumRx

Vermont officials unveil a plan that could save $46 million on cancer medications by sourcing drugs through OptumRx, sparking a critical conversation about healthcare costs and patient access.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #VermontHealthcare #CivicAccountability

Government urged to scrap VAT on essential chronic medication Politician have joined the growing calls for the government to scrap taxation and import duties on all essential, non-cosmetic medication, particularly those prescribed for chronic illnesses. This comes after a group of people living with chronic conditions reached out to The Namibian this week to advocate for the removal of value- added tax (VAT) and import duties on essential medication. The group’s spokesperson, Stephen Bellesini, stated that this appeal is based on personal experiences of having to pay for essential chronic medications that are inaccessible in public hospitals. “Imagine struggling to breathe, not because you ran a marathon, but because your lungs are locked in a losing battle with asthma: a chronic, life-threatening condition. “Now imagine that, on top of that struggle, the very government entrusted with your well-being charges you tax for the medication that keeps you alive,” he stressed. Bellesini told The Namibian that despite constitutional guarantees and Namibia’s international commitments, this chronic medication and many other life-preserving medications remain subject to VAT. He further stressed that this is not just morally indefensible, it is, arguably, unconstitutional and a right denied in practice. “Article 95 of the Namibian Constitution lays out the principles of state policy, including the commitment to provide reasonable access to health facilities and services. While this is not an enforceable right per se (unlike Article 8 on human dignity), it is a binding obligation upon which government policy must be based,” he said. Landless People’s Movement youth league leader Duminga Ndala yesterday said the removal of taxation on this essential medication is both timely and deeply important. “Access to affordable treatment is a fundamental part of the right to health, and taxation on chronic medication can place an unnecessary financial burden on individuals who are already managing long-term health challenges,” she said. Ndala said that removing or reducing such taxes could significantly improve medication adherence, reduce complications and ultimately ease the pressure on the public healthcare system. According to Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu, the exemption of chronic medication from tax is in line with the principles of justice and fairness. “For us to attain economic freedom, we need to meet people halfway. You can’t be asking someone to pay tax every day on medication they rely on to stay alive. “The government should show its commitment to fairness and prosperity by removing this burden,” Kalimbo stressed. He added that a chronic illness is an everyday health matter that people must take care of. “So you can’t be asking this person to pay tax each and every day. So I think it’s best that we really look into the matter and exempt all chronic illness medications so that these people who are acquiring them, who are buying them, are not really subjected to paying tax,” he said. Councillor of the Judea Lyaboloma constituency Humphrey Divai pointed out the financial toll high medication doses and frequent medical visits take on those living with chronic illnesses. “These people go to the hospital regularly, unlike others who may only need to visit once or twice a month. Their medical aid gets depleted quickly due to the cost of chronic medication. The government should seriously consider removing the tax,” Divai said. He added that people with chronic conditions have to go to the hospital more frequently than those diagnosed with acute or cureable conditions. “But for a chronic person, the medication, the medical aid gets depleted just because of the medication that they are taking. They are on high doses and all that. So, I would suggest that the government should also look at that and remove the taxation on those chronic illness medication,” Humphrey said. National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato yesterday said the party has been calling for the removal of taxation on essential medication through its manifesto and will continue to do so. “VAT should be removed on this kind of medication because already these poor people are suffering from not only their illness but also the financial burdens of sometimes having to buy their medication,” Lukato said. The post Government urged to scrap VAT on essential chronic medication appeared first on The Namibian.

#HealthCare #ChronicIllness #VAT #MedicationAccess #TaxReform

Colorado lawmakers approve bill to expand unused medication donation program Legislature amends unused medication regulations to create Colorado drug donation program.

Colorado just took a major step towards sustainability and health by approving a groundbreaking drug donation program for unused medications!

Learn more here

#CO #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess

Healthcare panel addresses white bagging impacts on patient care and costs Panel discusses patient safety concerns and premium reductions related to white bagging practices.

Vermont lawmakers are raising alarms over "white bagging" practices that could jeopardize patient safety and inflate healthcare costs.

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#VT #HealthcareReform #VermontHealthcare #PatientSafety #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess

Miss Carpenter promotes collaboration for community healthcare solutions Miss Carpenter leads efforts to unite various healthcare professionals for better community outcomes

Butler County is taking a bold step towards better health by launching a collaboration board to address community medication needs and enhance healthcare outcomes.

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#ButlerCounty #OH #ButlerCountyHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunityWellBeing #MedicationAccess #HealthcareCollaboration

New guidelines establish copay assistance programs for all patients prescribed medications Guidelines ensure copay assistance available to all patients and mandate public transparency.

Massachusetts is taking a bold step forward with House Bill 4043, aiming to make essential medications accessible for all, regardless of insurance status.

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#MA #PatientEmpowerment #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #HealthcareDisparities

New Hampshire committee considers making ivermectin available over the counter Lawmakers discuss expanding access to ivermectin amid safety and prescription concerns

The New Hampshire House is at a crossroads: should ivermectin become over-the-counter to empower individuals, or do the risks outweigh the benefits?

Read the full story

#NH #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #NewHampshireHealth #MedicationAccess #HealthcarePolicy

Oklahoma Senate passes bill designating ivermectin as over-the-counter medication Senate Bill 1186 allows ivermectin sale without prescription in Oklahoma from November 2026

Oklahoma is on the brink of a controversial change as Senate Bill 1186 seeks to make ivermectin available over-the-counter, sparking heated debates about safety, access, and public health.

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#OK #CitizenPortal #PatientEmpowerment #MedicationAccess #PublicHealthPolicy

Board of Pharmacy outlines regulations for medicine donation and dispensing practices Board of Pharmacy establishes rules for labeling and dispensing donated prescription drugs

Massachusetts is about to change the game for healthcare accessibility with House Bill 1374, allowing unused medications to be donated and distributed to those in need.

Learn more here!

#MA #CitizenPortal #HealthcareEquity #MedicationAccess

5/10 Even small disruptions to pharmaceutical supply chains can cause significant shortages. The U.S. has already experienced increasing prescription drug shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Senate committee examining them as a national security threat.
#SupplyChain #MedicationAccess