To require prescriptions for opioids to be valid for a shorter period of time than the current 6-month expiration standard for all controlled substances.

In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Register of Regulations and will be published on March 15, 2021.  Comment on the petition may be sent by email, regular mail or posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov; comment will be requested until April 14, 2021.

Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language in Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy.  This matter will be on the Board’s agenda for its meeting scheduled for June 4, 2021, and the petitioner will be informed of the Board’s decision after that meeting.

The Board has voted to take no action at this time, but has included the issue of a 6-month allowance on dispensing of Schedule II drugs in the periodic review of Chapter 20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy. The Board will gather information and any available outcome data from other states.