Resources for Pharmacies Impacted by Hurricane Helene

October 1, 2024

Hurricane Helene has devastated many of Georgia’s communities, leaving almost no part of the state untouched. More than 370,000 people are still without power, and those in the hardest-hit areas have no idea when power can be restored. In some communities, including Augusta and South Georgia, it could be upwards of a month and many areas are without clean water or have restricted access to it because of damage from winds and rains.

Many of our members have extensive damage to their stores, between flooding, fallen trees blocking roads, and power outages. Some have been able to partially re-open, but others remain closed. GPhA is working closely with our members who have been directly impacted by the storm, and we encourage all members to keep our GPhA members and their families in their thoughts and prayers. GPhA is working closely with all state and federal agencies to figure out the best way we can be of service to all pharmacists and technicians in the state.

GPhA CEO Dawn Randolph and AIP Vice President Jonathan Marquess are actively working with members as well as state and local agencies to ensure that all pharmacies in Georgia can reopen and operate at full capacity as soon as possible. We know that patients are depending on pharmacy services to get through this natural disaster.

As many of Georgia’s pharmacies are closed, and pharmacists are without power and communication, help us spread this information when you are able to connect with colleagues, friends, and fellow pharmacists.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at GPhADisasterHelp@gpha.org or (404) 231-5074.

The Georgia Pharmacy Association

 

The Georgia Pharmacy Foundation is working to provide essential needs for distribution to pharmacy staffs in areas most impacted by Hurricane Helene. We will continue to assist our fellow pharmacy professionals as long as there is need.

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 formed exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Please consider donating today by clicking the button below to support Georgia’s pharmacists, technicians, and staff.

 

Donate here button
 
RESOURCES

GEORGIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (GEMA) DISASTER RELIEF
GEMA has multiple field offices across the state – one in every county — and you can find a list of those near you here. GEMA can help with refilling gas-powered generators, possibly providing a generator, and other emergency power needs for health providers.

There are additional resources available on that site, including links to the Red Cross’s Locating Loved Ones site here. You can find ways to donate in-kind products, including food, blankets, tarps, bottled water, and other items here. As other pharmacy-related volunteer opportunities arise, we will let you know.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Local Department of Public Health offices and Federal Qualified Health Centers are also impacted by Helene, with many offices closed due to staffing or direct impact. We have spoken with their representatives and will be glad to connect our members with resources. However, their refrigerators are full as they are experiencing the same power and connection challenges as all other local businesses.

If you have patients seeking oxygen tanks refills, have them call their local hospital to get a referral to fill the oxygen tank.

POISON CONTROL
Poison control offices are ready to respond when a prescription is taken incorrectly by the patient or another individual in the confusion of evacuation. That number is 1-800-222-1222. 

UPCOMING AUDITS
GPhA recommends those pharmacies with outstanding audits or on-site audits scheduled also impacted by the storms get in touch with the auditor as soon as possible and ask for an extension. We are compiling a list of impacted pharmacies to provide to Medicaid and State Health Benefit Plan to help mitigate audit issues.

MEDICARE
If a Medicare beneficiary has specific service concerns, they may call CMS at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or reach out via email at ROATLORA@cms.hhs.gov. CMS understands that Medicare beneficiaries may have questions about accessing their coverage if displaced and during emergencies. Please refer to the updated document, Getting Care & Drugs in a Disaster or Emergency. Additional guidance from CMS for healthcare providers on emergency preparedness and response is available at Healthcare Provider Guidance provided by CMS.

DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS
If your pharmacy experiences any damage due to this natural disaster, the NCPA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can help with costs for repairs. Impacted pharmacy owners can apply for a disaster relief grant visit here. Please contact Stephanie Vichness (stephanie.vichness@ncpa.org) at NCPA with any questions.

FEMA also has disaster assistance resources, and you can find more information about obtaining those resources at FEMA’s website disasterassistance.gov.

TRACKING POWER OUTAGES
You can track the latest information about power outage locations here. 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, pharmacies across Georgia are facing significant challenges in resuming operations, supporting staff, and ensuring continuity of patient care. This resource guide is designed to assist pharmacy professionals with actionable steps and resources to navigate the recovery process effectively and sensitively.

1. Share Your Status: RxOpen
Map of pharmacy statuses during disasters. 

2. Emergency Regulatory Flexibilities & Emergency Prescription Refills
Under Georgia law and the Georgia Board of Pharmacy’s Policy #14, pharmacists have specific authority during declared states of emergency to ensure patients continue to receive essential medications.

  • 30-Day Emergency Supply:
    • Authority: According to O.C.G.A. § 26-4-80(j) and Policy #14, Section 3(a), pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day supply of a prescription medication without prescriber authorization under certain conditions.
    • Conditions:
      1. Non-Controlled Substances: The medication is not a controlled substance.
      2. Essential for Patient Care: In the pharmacist’s professional judgment, the medication is essential to maintain the patient’s life or continuation of therapy.
      3. Unable to Contact Prescriber: Attempts to contact the prescriber have been unsuccessful.
      4. Documentation:
        • The pharmacist must make a good faith effort to document the dispensing, indicating it as an “emergency refill prescription.”
        • Records must be maintained in accordance with state and federal laws and any requirements from disaster relief agencies for reimbursement.
      5. Patient Notification: Inform the patient or their agent that the prescription is provided without prescriber authorization and that authorization is required for future refills.
      6. Prescriber Notification: When emergency conditions permit, notify the prescriber that the refill occurred.
  • Action Steps:
    • Document all emergency refills carefully as per Policy #14 and legal requirements.
    • Stay updated on any temporary regulatory changes issued by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

Temporary Recognition of Non-Resident Licensure
Policy #14 provides for the temporary recognition of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns licensed in other states to practice in Georgia during a declared state of emergency.

  • Pharmacists:
    • Authority: Per Policy #14, Section 4(a)(1) and O.C.G.A. § 26-4-43, a pharmacist not licensed in Georgia but currently licensed in another state may obtain a temporary license to dispense prescription drugs in affected areas during the state of emergency.
    • Requirements:
      • License Verification: The Board must verify the pharmacist’s current licensure in good standing, either directly with the state or via a third-party verification system.
      • Relief Effort Engagement: The pharmacist must be engaged in a documented relief effort.
    • Duration:
      • Temporary recognition ceases at the end of the month following the third Board meeting after issuance and will not be renewed.
  • Pharmacy Technicians and Interns:
    • Authority: Policy #14, Section 4(a)(2) allows pharmacy technicians and interns registered or licensed in other states to assist pharmacists during the state of emergency.
    • Requirements:
      • Registration Verification: The Board must verify current registration or licensure in good standing.
      • Relief Effort Engagement: Must be engaged in a documented relief effort.
    • Duration:
      • Temporary recognition ceases with the termination of the state of emergency.
  • Action Steps:
    • Contact the Georgia Board of Pharmacy for procedures to obtain temporary licensure.
    • Ensure all out-of-state personnel meet the verification requirements.

Temporary Pharmacy Facilities and Mobile Pharmacies
Policy #14 allows for the operation of temporary pharmacy facilities or mobile pharmacies to provide services during a state of emergency.

  • Authority: Policy #14, Section 5 and O.C.G.A. § 26-4-110.
  • Requirements:
    1. Control and Management: The facility must be under the control of the pharmacist-in-charge or a designated supervising pharmacist.
    2. Location: Must be within the declared disaster area or affected areas.
    3. Board Notification: Notify the Georgia Board of Pharmacy of the location, subject to approval.
    4. Security: Must be properly secured to prevent theft and diversion of drugs.
    5. Record-Keeping: Maintain records in accordance with state and federal laws.
    6. Duration: Services must cease with the termination of the state of emergency unless the facility is successfully licensed by the Board.
  • Approval:
    • The Board has the authority to approve or disapprove temporary facilities and will arrange for appropriate monitoring and inspection.
  • Action Steps:
    • Submit a notification to the Board with details of the temporary facility or mobile pharmacy.
    • Ensure compliance with all requirements as per Policy #14 and applicable laws.

3. Supply Chain and Inventory Management & Restoring Medication Supplies

  • Emergency Procurement:
    • Utilize the regulatory flexibilities under Policy #14 to obtain necessary medications.
  • Collaboration:
    • Coordinate with other pharmacies, including those operating temporary facilities, to share inventory and resources.
  • Action Steps:
    • Communicate with suppliers about emergency needs and any available assistance programs.
    • Document all inventory transactions in accordance with state and federal laws.

4. Staff Support and Well-being & Augmenting Staff

  • Temporary Personnel:
    • Leverage the provisions of Policy #14 to bring in pharmacists, technicians, and interns from other states.
  • Action Steps:
    • Verify credentials of all temporary staff as required.
    • Orient new staff to your pharmacy’s procedures and emergency protocols.

Supporting Staff Mental Health

  • Most people affected by emergencies will experience distress (e.g. feelings of anxiety and sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability or anger and/or aches and pains).
  • Here are some resources for you and your staff:
    • Disaster Distress Helpline: The national Disaster Distress Helpline is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor, 24/7/365. www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov.
      Learn More: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.
    • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
      Learn More: https://www.crisistextline.org/
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat www.988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
      Learn More: https://988lifeline.org/

5. Protect Yourself and Your Business from Scammers
Be aware of scam artists and identity thieves who are attempting to take advantage of survivors. Watch for and report any suspicious activity, or anything that just doesn’t seem right to you. Visit Disaster Fraud or CISA Warns of Hurricane-Related Scams to learn more.

6. Access to Financial and Recovery Resources & Disaster Relief Programs

Insurance Claims

  • Immediate Reporting: Contact your insurance provider promptly to report damages.
  • Documentation: Photograph damages and keep records of all related expenses.

Action Steps:

  • Gather necessary documentation for claims and assistance applications.
  • Consult with financial advisors if needed.

7. State Resources

Georgia Board of Pharmacy

Conclusion
The Georgia Pharmacy Association stands with you as you navigate the challenges following Hurricane Helene. This updated guide incorporates the Georgia Board of Pharmacy’s Policy #14: Public Emergencies, providing critical regulatory flexibilities to help you resume operations, support your staff, and continue delivering essential care to your community.

 

As many of you in North Georgia will likely be serving evacuees from Western North Carolina, our friends at NCPhA have shared some of the NC Medicaid updates to their benefits in light of the disaster relief. Please see below for details: 

North Carolina Medicaid is beginning to learn of beneficiaries not being able to get their medications due to either the pharmacy not being enrolled in NC Medicaid or that the drug formulary in their state differs from that of NC.    

Please share the following information with pharmacies, regarding key steps and information if encountering a NC Medicaid beneficiary displaced by the recent natural disaster:

  1. CMS has approved an expedited enrollment process, where the pharmacy can be enrolled within 24 hours in NC Medicaid, and claims back to September 25, 2024 will be covered.  Please see the bulletin link below for details on how to submit for enrollment.  Enrollment should be simple and fast.
  2. Please remind the pharmacies that North Carolina’s covered drugs should be nearly identical to their state.  North Carolina Medicaid has waived prior authorization and the agency is allowing for early refills, by putting in an edit on the claim.  Please see the bulletin link below for details.  With the disaster edit, the claims will pay
  3. Please remind the pharmacies of the requirement to dispense prescriptions to Medicaid members, even when the member cannot pay the copay. 
  4. Below is a link to the North Carolina Preferred Drug List.

NC Medicaid Preferred Drug List:  https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/pdl-october-1-2024/download?attachment

NC Medicaid Bulletin October 1, 2024:  https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2024/10/01/update-nc-medicaid-temporary-flexibilities-due-hurricane-helene-october-1-2024