Pharmacist; remote verification and counseling in opioid treatment programs.
What changed between versions
New section 54.1-3303.2 allows pharmacists to provide remote supervision and counseling via real-time audiovisual communication at federally certified opioid treatment programs.
Pharmacy technicians are now authorized to dispense methadone and other opioid medications if a licensed pharmacist is immediately available for remote visual supervision.
The Board of Pharmacy is required to promulgate regulations covering technology standards, personnel training, documentation, and patient privacy for remote verification.
Pharmacists serving as pharmacist-in-charge at multiple locations within an opioid treatment program may be required to be physically present on-site for at least one day per calendar month.
Section 54.1-3432 was amended to explicitly exempt opioid treatment programs from the standard requirement that a pharmacist must be physically present on the premises, referencing the new remote supervision section.
The document format changed from an 'Enrolled' draft to a 'Chaptered' final law, including the official chapter number (345) and the approval date (April 6, 2026).
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