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Retail, pharmacy associations offer best practices for touchless prescription fulfillment

FMI, NGA among groups endorsing signature-free prescription pickup and delivery

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

June 24, 2020

3 Min Read
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Retail and pharmacy associations have outlined best practices for documenting signature-free delivery or pickup of prescription drugs during the coronavirus pandemic.Raley's

FMI – The Food Industry Association and the National Grocers Association this week joined with other retail and pharmacy associations to issue a joint statement outlining the best practices for pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to follow for documenting signature-free delivery or pickup of prescription drugs during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Other signees of the statement include the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA).

According to the statement, these best practices are intended to provide clarity so that consumers can feel confident in not having to physically sign for their prescriptions and to address pharmacy concerns about proper documentation for future audits. 

So long as one of the following is included in the delivery documentation, it should suffice for purposes of an audit: 

• The delivery date, time, and words “COVID delivery” in the signature line.

• The delivery date, time, and word “COVID” in the signature line.

• The delivery date, time, and word “COVID-19” in the signature line.

“In an effort to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, FMI appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with PCMA and the pharmacy trade associations to streamline transactions and facilitate a more consistent touchless customer experience regardless of whether the transaction is conducted in pharmacy, via mail order, curbside pickup or delivery,” said Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO, FMI.

Related:Giant, SpartanNash boost COVID-19 safety for pharmacy immunizations

“The 20,000 plus community pharmacies have courageously worked on the front line as essential businesses to make sure consumers had access to their prescription medications and other supplies needed to stay safe and healthy including reconfiguring their pharmacy operations to provide contactless delivery of medications,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey. “We appreciate consistent guidance from PBMs in this matter to help assure that pharmacists can focus on their most important job — taking care of patients.”

"Since the outset of COVID-19, NACDS has urged public policy that helps to keep pharmacies open, to protect pharmacy customers and staff, to help patients stay on their medication therapies, and to help meet the needs of those affected by COVID-19 and by other illnesses,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO, NACDS. “These collaborative principles support those goals, and they will benefit patients in this next phase of protecting public health and reopening our communities." 

Related:Publix launches same-day delivery of prescriptions

“On behalf of the over 3,000 independent grocery pharmacies across the country, the National Grocers Association is committed to working with a coalition of stakeholders to protect the health of patients and provide transparency for pharmacies as they continue to serve their communities during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO, NGA. “NGA is encouraged by these best practices and we hope that continued collaboration with all organizations involved will lead to better outcomes for patients.”

“We have appreciated the strong collaboration with our trade association partners on this issue of critical importance to patients seeking safe access to their prescription drugs,” said JC Scott, president and CEO, PCMA. “Open dialogue among stakeholders in the prescription drug supply and payment chain has been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to work together in the best interest of the patients we serve.”    

For our most up-to-date coverage, visit the coronavirus homepage.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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