Health
SACRAMENTO – On Thursday night Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 690, authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters).
Assembly Bill 690 will increase access to pharmacy care in vulnerable and rural areas of California, by authorizing the use of telepharmacy in medically underserved areas and streamlining the process for pharmacies to reopen after a natural disaster.
The bill contains an urgency clause, which means its provisions go into effect immediately.
“People living in pharmacy-deprived areas, whether rural or urban, face many barriers to obtaining comprehensive medical care,” said Aguiar-Curry. “Telepharmacy is a proven model to provide enhanced care that is both safe and effective.”
In 2017, Aguiar-Curry authored AB 401, which legalized the use of telepharmacy technology in California for the first time.
However, although this law was passed two years ago, the Board of Pharmacy had as yet been unable to implement the law.
Therefore, telepharmacy still has not been used in the state. AB 690 addresses this delay by codifying the qualifications required for a pharmacy technician to work in a remote dispensing pharmacy.
By changing the law rather than waiting for the regulatory process, perhaps years, the use of telepharmacy in California can begin immediately.
According to Aguiar-Curry, “My constituents in small towns and rural communities sometimes face real hardship needing to access pharmacies many miles away. This telepharmacy law will provide access to opportunities for better patient education, make it easier for patients to follow schedules for their medications, and result in better health for Californians.”
The second piece of AB 690 streamlines the process for a pharmacy that is destroyed or damaged in a natural disaster to relocate and reopen.
Currently, pharmacists whose businesses are destroyed or damaged during a disaster are required to completely re-apply for a pharmacy license in order to reopen their businesses, as if the pharmacy were brand new.
AB 690 would allow for these impacted pharmacies to quickly relocate and reopen following an emergency.
This is of critical importance, so that patients can have continuity in their pharmacy care and independent pharmacists can get their businesses back up and running.
“During the Camp Fire in 2018, five pharmacies were closed due to significant fire damage. I deeply appreciate the Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacy employee groups and other stakeholders for working with me to allow a speedier recovery of pharmacy services for victims of wildfire and other disasters. We’ve learned a lot over the past several years that instructed us all on how to develop solid policy,” said Aguiar-Curry. “I am excited that Governor Newsom recognizes the importance of access to pharmacy care for California’s smaller communities, and the added value that telepharmacy can provide to Californians with health and mobility challenges.”
Aguiar-Curry represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa counties, parts of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma counties, and all of Yolo County except West Sacramento.
Assembly Bill 690 will increase access to pharmacy care in vulnerable and rural areas of California, by authorizing the use of telepharmacy in medically underserved areas and streamlining the process for pharmacies to reopen after a natural disaster.
The bill contains an urgency clause, which means its provisions go into effect immediately.
“People living in pharmacy-deprived areas, whether rural or urban, face many barriers to obtaining comprehensive medical care,” said Aguiar-Curry. “Telepharmacy is a proven model to provide enhanced care that is both safe and effective.”
In 2017, Aguiar-Curry authored AB 401, which legalized the use of telepharmacy technology in California for the first time.
However, although this law was passed two years ago, the Board of Pharmacy had as yet been unable to implement the law.
Therefore, telepharmacy still has not been used in the state. AB 690 addresses this delay by codifying the qualifications required for a pharmacy technician to work in a remote dispensing pharmacy.
By changing the law rather than waiting for the regulatory process, perhaps years, the use of telepharmacy in California can begin immediately.
According to Aguiar-Curry, “My constituents in small towns and rural communities sometimes face real hardship needing to access pharmacies many miles away. This telepharmacy law will provide access to opportunities for better patient education, make it easier for patients to follow schedules for their medications, and result in better health for Californians.”
The second piece of AB 690 streamlines the process for a pharmacy that is destroyed or damaged in a natural disaster to relocate and reopen.
Currently, pharmacists whose businesses are destroyed or damaged during a disaster are required to completely re-apply for a pharmacy license in order to reopen their businesses, as if the pharmacy were brand new.
AB 690 would allow for these impacted pharmacies to quickly relocate and reopen following an emergency.
This is of critical importance, so that patients can have continuity in their pharmacy care and independent pharmacists can get their businesses back up and running.
“During the Camp Fire in 2018, five pharmacies were closed due to significant fire damage. I deeply appreciate the Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacy employee groups and other stakeholders for working with me to allow a speedier recovery of pharmacy services for victims of wildfire and other disasters. We’ve learned a lot over the past several years that instructed us all on how to develop solid policy,” said Aguiar-Curry. “I am excited that Governor Newsom recognizes the importance of access to pharmacy care for California’s smaller communities, and the added value that telepharmacy can provide to Californians with health and mobility challenges.”
Aguiar-Curry represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa counties, parts of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma counties, and all of Yolo County except West Sacramento.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s flu season, and the Lake County Public Health Division announced its community influenza vaccination clinic schedule.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.
Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm, instead of your hands.
Because a virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch, wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Try not to touch your face with your hands, as viruses can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth.
Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system.
The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F, combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.
Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.
Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows while supplies last:
– Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Flu shots are free at this event.
Lake County Public Health will be offering flu vaccines for $2 at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. Appointments are required. Please call 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291 to schedule.
– Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 17, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 24, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 29, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 31, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations, such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.
Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community. Get vaccinated today.
The Lake County Public Health Division wishes you all a healthy and happy fall and winter season.
Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 with questions or concerns.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.
Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm, instead of your hands.
Because a virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch, wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Try not to touch your face with your hands, as viruses can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth.
Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system.
The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F, combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.
Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.
Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows while supplies last:
– Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Flu shots are free at this event.
Lake County Public Health will be offering flu vaccines for $2 at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. Appointments are required. Please call 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291 to schedule.
– Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 17, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 24, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 29, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 31, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations, such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.
Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community. Get vaccinated today.
The Lake County Public Health Division wishes you all a healthy and happy fall and winter season.
Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 with questions or concerns.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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