Howard C. Anderson

The multi-day meeting included the review and approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Key discussions centered on integrating Pharmacy Technicians into the Community Health Worker (CHW) model, exploring models of Pharmacy Technician Education, and addressing workforce recruitment challenges. The Board reviewed rules revisions for Chapter 61 of the ND Administrative Code and discussed the 2026 inspection cycle focus areas, which include Policies and Procedures Manual Standards, DSCSA, Quality Assurance, and Enhanced Patient Care Services. The Board expressed support for legislation allowing pharmacists to practice to the fullest extent of their training during the special 2026 Legislative Session. An intern license was granted to a Foreign Pharmacist contingent upon obtaining a social security number. Discussions during the Profession of Pharmacy Dinner covered legislative funding factors, rural health grants, and advancing the scope of pharmacy practice. Administrative actions included the approval of paid invoices, bank statements, financial reports, and authorization of the Executive Director's legal actions.

The North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy meeting included discussions on various topics. The board reviewed relocation plans for Rockview Pharmacy and Mountrail County Medical Center Pharmacy. The board discussed HB1473 lawsuits, board prescriptive protocol, interim legislative updates, and pharmacy technician CE audit. The board also discussed the implications of changes to ACIP recommendations for the Board's vaccination protocol. The board reviewed a request from Sanford South University Fargo regarding their Class B license and filling prescriptions for Urgent Care Clinic patients. The board also discussed universal MPJE and complaints about compounding pharmacies in California.

The meeting addressed several operational and regulatory items. Key discussions included granting an exception for Technician Rodney Yellow Bird to work alone in Telepharmacy operations, approving an Intern License for Essam Abdelmonem following completion of the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination Certification process, and approving the relocation plans for the Mountrail County Medical Center Pharmacy, contingent on future approval for hazardous drug compounding areas. The Board also approved a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement for Valerie Salvaggio and authorized additional space for White Drug #46. Discussions covered legislative updates, positive ID requirements concerning digital IDs, ongoing 340B lawsuits, and the review and approval of the 2024-2025 audit report. The Board also reviewed and approved year-to-date financials and all legal actions taken by the Executive Director.

The meeting addressed several key areas including a review of the new building plans for the North Dakota State Hospital pharmacy, a remodeling plan for Thrifty White Pharmacy, and a reciprocity request. Discussions covered the NABP Annual Meeting, the election of Technician Diane Halvorson as an executive committee member, and Pharmacist Shane Wendel to the treasurer's position with NABP. The board also discussed the legislative session, a bill providing a licensure process for PBMs, and a lawsuit filed by Abbvie Inc. against the Board of Pharmacy and the State of North Dakota.

The meeting included committee reports from the Audit, Nominating, and Resolutions Committees. The audit committee's report, which was adopted, indicated a balance of $84,736.51. Katrina Howard was elected as the resolutions committee representative/delegate, with Connie Connolly as the alternate. Resolutions were passed to recognize annual meeting sponsors, host organizations, offer two study grants in 2026, and issue an honorarium of $5,000.00 to the Secretary/Treasurer. Invitations were extended to the district for future annual meetings in Minnesota in 2026 and Winnipeg, Canada, in 2027.