Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1574
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Introduced: 2021-05-12
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug therapy

Health facilities and institutions

Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Medicare

Nursing

Prescription drugs
Latest action: action_date: 2021-05-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-05-12
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of </b><b>2021</b></p> <p>This bill establishes a statutory definition for <i>long-term care pharmacy</i> under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. </p> <p>Currently, there is no statutory definition. Regulations from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) define a long-term care pharmacy as a pharmacy that is owned by or under contract with a long-term care facility to provide prescription drugs to the facility's residents. Additional requirements are set out in CMS guidance relating to the Medicare prescription drug benefit; pharmacies are also subject to regulations and guidance from other agencies (e.g., packaging requirements from the Food and Drug Administration).<b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b></p> <p>The bill defines a long-term care pharmacy as a state-licensed pharmacy that is able to provide enhanced pharmacy and clinical services to individuals who have certain comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions and who reside in skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, or any other applicable setting (as determined by the CMS). The term <i>enhanced pharmacy and clinical services</i> includes medication dispensed in special packaging, drug utilization review, and 24-7 availability of medication delivery and on-call pharmacists.</p>

tv_txt: II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1574 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 12, 2021 Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. Warner , Mr. Lankford , Ms. Smith , Ms. Collins , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Cassidy , and Ms. Rosen ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To codify a statutory definition for long-term care pharmacies.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021 . 2. Definition Section 1860D–2 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–102 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) Long-Term care pharmacy defined (1) In general The term long-term care pharmacy means a pharmacy licensed under applicable State law that is able to provide enhanced pharmacy and clinical services to individuals who require enhanced medication services and reside in a facility (as defined in paragraph (4)). (2) Enhanced pharmacy and clinical services As used in this subsection, the term enhanced pharmacy and clinical services includes— (A) medications dispensed pursuant to a prescription or chart order in specialized packaging which shall include unit of use packaging, unit dose packaging, single use containers, packaging from remote automated dispensing technology, or other packaging required; (B) drug utilization review to identify potential adverse drug reactions and inappropriate drug usage; (C) medication reconciliation services at the transition of care and other necessary clinical management and medication services; (D) timely medication delivery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (E) pharmacist on-call availability to provider dispensing and clinical services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (F) emergency supplies of medication as permitted by law and as required, including emergency kits or remote automated dispensing technology at a facility; and (G) such other services as the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Individuals requiring enhanced medication services As used in this subsection, the term individual who requires enhanced medication services means an individual who has one or more comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions that are life-threatening or significantly limit overall health or function, pose a high risk of hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes, and require enhanced pharmacy and clinical services. (4) Facility As used in this subsection, the term facility includes a facility described in section 1819(a), 1919(a), or 1905(d), or any other setting in which individuals who require enhanced medication services reside as determined by the Secretary. .