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NABP Facilitates Emergency Pharmacist License Transfer Medication Distribution Efforts to Aid Hurricane Katrina Victims
NABP Facilitates Emergency Pharmacist License Transfer Medication Distribution Efforts to Aid Hurricane Katrina Victims
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, pharmacist assistance and medications are sorely needed in the areas affected by the hurricane as well as in those states sheltering refugees. To ensure that patients receive care and medications from legitimate pharmacists and pharmacies, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) is working with the state boards of pharmacy to centralize information regarding temporary licensure of pharmacists, the establishment of temporary pharmacies, and approval for temporary distribution of medications to pharmacies and into states.
Several states have contacted NABP, which facilitates the transfer of pharmacist licensure between states for the boards of pharmacy, regarding temporary licensure for pharmacists who are trying to assist with disaster relief efforts outside of the states in which they are licensed. To assist the state boards of pharmacy and ensure that only legitimate pharmacists in good standing are granted temporary licenses, NABP is compiling pharmacist names provided by state boards of pharmacy and verifying them through the Association's Disciplinary Clearinghouse. Once pharmacists are deemed licensed in good standing, NABP will expedite the licensure transfer process for those pharmacists assisting in disaster relief efforts. In addition, NABP will work with the states to document pharmacies and wholesale distributors that may be operating in temporary situations.
It is imperative that the victims of Hurricane Katrina receive critical maintenance medications and drugs to treat existing illnesses and conditions caused by a lack of essentials, inoperable sewage systems, standing water, and consumption of spoiled food. Currently, surrounding states in affected areas are allowing pharmacists to dispense medications to patients in certain zip code areas, absent some critical information, if the pharmacists judge the requests legitimate. NABP's expanded services would help coordinate the states' efforts while ensuring the integrity of existing state safeguards.
Carmen A. Catizone
Larissa Doucette
