COVID-19
Division Announcements/Info
warning The Heber Wells Building is CLOSED to the Public.
In order to support public health officials’ efforts to protect us all from the spread of the coronavirus, we are temporarily limiting our
business interactions to online transactions and email communications. As such, Division offices are closed to the public, however we
are open for business! Our employees are eager to answer any questions you have and we want to help you get to work!
We are currently working to connect the phone system with our employees’ work-at-home situations. In the meantime, please use our website, or email us. Click here for a Directory of Email Addresses. Otherwise, we are forwarding your email to the appropriate team members many times throughout the day. Our goal is to respond within one business day.
info HRSA COVID-19 Reimbursement Opportunities for Treating Uninsured Patients 
This document provides links to the program and instructions on how to sign up.
warning Fingerprinting services at the Division are temporarily suspended.
Because of the temporary suspension of FBI fingerprint background checks, DOPL is issuing temporary licenses based on Utah-only background checks. At this time, applicants will be required to obtain the FBI fingerprint check within 180 days of receiving their temporary license. If an applicant's later fingerprint check does not reveal any concerning information, their license application will be considered complete. If concerning information is revealed, DOPL may investigate and take action against the license. Applicants who fail to obtain the required fingerprint check may face disciplinary action.
warning Commerce Administrative Orders
- March 23, 2020 — DOPL Hearings shall be conducted Electronically or Continued
- March 26, 2020 — DOPL Pleadings may be filed by Email or Fax
info Temporary Suspension of "Live" CE Requirements
- The requirement to participate in "live" CE hours is temporarily suspended for those with license expiration dates between now and September 30, 2020.
- See Temporary Suspension Notice issued 3/25/2020 by Mark Steinagel
Visit coronavirus.utah.gov to review the State of Utah's Coronavirus Response Plan
description Application Forms
- Time-Limited Emergency License Application
To be used by the following professions:- Physican/Surgeon, Osteopathic Physician/Surgeon, Physician Assistant
- Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), APRN-CRNA, Certified Nurse Midwife, Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Social Workers, Clinical Mental Health, Psychologist, Marriage & Family Therapists
- Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Audiology
- Temporary Graduate Nurse - LPN or RN
- Temporary Emergency Dentist Application
- Temporary Emergency Dental Hygienist Application
- Temporary Emergency Optometrist Application
- Temporary Emergency Pharmacist Application
- Temporary Emergency Pharmacy Tech Application
- Temporary Emergency Pharmacy Class C Application
- Temporary Emergency Pharmacy Class D Application
- Temporary Emergency Pharmacy Class E Application
Physicians
- A physician who is licensed and lawfully practicing medicine in another U.S. state or
territory without restrictions or conditions may practice in Utah for the duration of the declared
emergency by obtaining a DOPL Time-limited Emergency License. Time-limited Emergency
Licenses expire upon the earlier of 180 days, 30 days from the end of the declared emergency,
or upon 10 days’ notice from DOPL. All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.
To apply: download, complete, and return the Time-Limited Emergency License Application
. - A physician formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was
unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to
work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.). This
practitioner would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional. All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.
Apply for a Volunteer Health Care Practitioner license at: https://dopl.utah.gov/md/.
Please Note:
The above provisions currently exist in statute or through interstate compacts. In the coming days, DOPL may announce other temporary measures to better address any increasing demands on Utah’s healthcare system. In the meantime, we continue to encourage online applications for licensure through our website at http://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html. All professionals should be aware of reimbursement and liability concerns beyond the date of license expiration.
Nurses
- A nurse who is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) may work in Utah without the need to obtain a license, per the eNLC rules. (If the eNLC nurse decides to designate Utah as the nurse’s primary state of residence, the nurse must notify DOPL and their previous home state and obtain a Utah license.)
- Per Utah Code Subsection 58-1-307(4)(b)(ii) for the duration of the declared emergency, an LPN who is licensed in good standing may dispense as a "practitioner" in accordance with Utah Code Section 58-17b-309.7 and Utah Admin. Code R156-17b-309.7.
- A nurse who is licensed and lawfully practicing in another U.S. state or territory without
restrictions or conditions may practice in Utah for the duration of the declared emergency by
obtaining a DOPL Time-limited Emergency License. Time-limited Emergency Licenses expire
upon the earlier of 180 days, 30 days from the end of the declared emergency, or upon 10 days’
notice from DOPL. (Time-limited Emergency licenses are issued as a single-state license valid
only in Utah, and will not be eligible as a Nurse Interstate Licensure Compact license.) All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.
To apply: download, complete, and return the Time-Limited Emergency License Application
. - A nurse formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was
unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to
work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.). The nurse
would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional. All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.
Apply for a Volunteer Health Care Practitioner license at: https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/.
Please Note:
The above provisions currently exist in statute or through interstate compacts. In the coming days, DOPL may announce other temporary measures to better address any increasing demands on Utah’s healthcare system. In the meantime, we continue to encourage online applications for licensure through our website at http://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html. All professionals should be aware of reimbursement and liability concerns beyond the date of license expiration.
Pharmacy Notices
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in collaboration with the Utah Board of Pharmacy is committed to protecting the health and safety of Utahns during the COVID-19 outbreak. The following information is for the duration of the declared emergency.
Exception to Regulations Emergency Oral CII Prescription
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has provided guidance regarding the issuance of oral schedule II prescriptions. These exceptions shall remain in place for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (unless modified or withdrawn by DEA).
- Guidance https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/GDP/(DEA-DC-021)(DEA073)%20Oral%20CII%20for%20regular%20CII%20scirpt%20(Final)%20+Esign%20a.pdf
- Flowchart https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/GDP/(DEA-DC-023)(DEA075)Decision_Tree_(Final)_33120_2007.pdf
Controlled Substance Inventory
Approved April 30, 2020
A pharmacy may conduct a controlled substance inventory 120 days before or after their regularly scheduled inventory date in 2020 or 120 days after the end of the declared emergency.
Pharmacy Intern Supervision during the Declared Emergency
Approved April 30, 2020
Pharmacy Interns may practice under General Supervision. General Supervision is defined in Utah Admin Code R156-1-102a-Global Levels of Supervision https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r156/r156-01.htm#T3
COVID-19 Out of State Emergency Licenses
Your license must be current and in good standing in your home state in order to obtain an emergency license.
To apply for an emergency license, click on Application Forms in the left-hand menu.
Guidance regarding Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Prescriptions
Approved on 3/26/2020
Authorizing Emergency Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products
Approved on 3/16/2020
To reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate possible shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit the compounding and sale of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products by Utah-licensed pharmacies. Compounders must adhere to the requirements and recommendations set forth in the FDA’s Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency. https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download This guidance is in effect until rescinded by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Assignment of Beyond-Use-Dates (BUD) for USP <797> Products
Approved April 30, 2020
Due to increased shortages and potential wastage of compounded medications the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance. The following BUDs may be assigned if compounding does not otherwise deviate from the currently official version of USP General Chapter <797> (last revised in 2008).
- For low- and medium-risk level CSPs prepared in a cleanroom suite, apply BUDs conservatively, not to exceed:
- 4 days at controlled room temperature
- 10 days in a refrigerator for medium-risk level CSPs
- 14 days in refrigerator for low-risk level CSPs
- 45 days in a solid frozen state at −25° to −10° or colder
- If a single-dose container is entered or punctured only in ISO Class 5 or cleaner air, it may be used up to:
- 12 hours after initial entry or puncture, as long as the storage requirements during that 12-hour period are maintained.
- Opened single-dose ampules must not be stored for any time period.
BLS/CPR Certification for Pharmacist
Approved 4/30/2020
DOPL is waiving BLS/CPR certification requirements for pharmacists whose BLS/CPR certifications expire between now and December 31, 2020. This waiver is permissive. Those who wish to obtain or renew their BLS/CPR certifications are free to do so, though DOPL encourages licensees to adhere to social distancing recommendations found at coronavirus.utah.gov or cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Face to Face Counseling during the declared emergency
Approved 4/30/2020
The risk of COVID-19 exposure to pharmacists and patients warrants alternative measures be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and to ensure that pharmacists remain healthy and available to serve patients. Pharmacists may supplement traditional face-to-face consultation and interact with patients through technological means, e.g., text chat, video chat, telephone. Patients should be provided supplemental materials with the prescription on the methods available for them to speak with the pharmacist.
Reuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Compounding Activities
Approved on 3/16/2020
To mitigate reported shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit licensees conducting sterile compounding to reuse certain personal protective equipment (PPE). To reuse sterile compounding garb, a licensed compounding facility shall comply with all the following:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the appropriate reuse of PPE that will not compromise the microbial state of control in the compounding rooms.
- Train compounding staff on the policies and procedures developed for reusing PPE.
- For the reuse of masks:
- The identification of personnel is clearly stated on the mask (i.e. initialed).
- Masks are removed on the dirty side of the ante-room or outside of the perimeter line of the segregated control area (SCA) without touching the inside of the mask.
- Each mask for reuse is placed in its own small bag.
- All masks in bags must be placed in a container located near where masks would normally be donned.
- Compounding personnel must inspect the mask each time it is reused to ensure the mask provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the mask, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
- For the reuse of gowns:
- Please refer to recommendations from USP Compounding Resource for COVID-19.
- Compounding personnel must inspect the gown each time it is reused to ensure the gown provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the gown, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
IMPORTANT: The following sterile compounding garb cannot be reused:
- Shoe covers and sterile gloves
If items are unavailable, the facility should develop a risk based approach.
USP Compounding Resource for COVID-19
General Reminders for Pharmacy Personnel to Mitigate Risk of Exposure
- Please ensure your staff use appropriate social distancing and avoid close contact to reduce spread. Also remind staff to be cautious about touching medications. Disinfect counting trays and spatulas routinely. Consider implementing policies similar to food service workers where staff are required to set a timer and wash their hands at regular intervals (30 minutes to 1 hour).
- Establish a process for reducing or eliminating the amount of time older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions wait in line to pick up medications.
- Implement infection control procedures, especially for waiting areas:
- Staff should maintain a distance of 3 feet from asymptomatic patients or other staff members and at least 6 feet from those actively coughing.
- Regularly clean counters, waiting areas, and other spaces where public interaction occurs with disinfectant. It is recommended to clean at least every hour or after every 10 patients, whichever is more frequent.
- Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol next to the cash register or check out area so people can sanitize their hands after using common items like pens.
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover cough and sneeze with tissue and discard.
- Monitor all staff for sickness regularly. Staff should stay home if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
- Pharmacies should consider using alternative delivery options (mail or delivery) for patients to help maintain social distancing recommendations.
- Pharmacy staff may use alternative methods to document patient counseling to avoid close contact and reduce spread according to a local policy and procedure.
- A pharmacy may mail stable oral medication to patients.
COVID-19 Guidance for Refills
Pharmacists may provide patients with a 3-day emergency supply of medications according to Utah Code 58-17b-608 Emergency refills.
- In the interest of the patient's health, a pharmacist or pharmacy intern may, in an emergency, refill a prescription for a patient, but only if the prescribing practitioner is not available promptly to authorize the refill and only if in the professional judgment of the pharmacist or pharmacy intern the prescription should be refilled.
- Only sufficient medication as necessary in the emergency may be furnished by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, not to exceed a three-day supply.
- The practitioner shall be contacted as soon as possible for further instructions concerning the emergency.
Pharmacist may dispense a one-time early dispensing of a Schedule II prescription, using professional judgement, and shall document the reason for early dispensing.
Contracting Notice
Prelicensure Course & Coronavirus
*** UPDATED MAY 18, 2020 ***
Starting Monday, June 8, 2020, all contractor applicants are required to provide a certificate of completion of the 25 or 30 hour prelicensure course unless they have already taken the class or are otherwise exempt. A copy of receipt of payment to a course provider will no longer satisfy the prelicensure course requirement (as previously permitted).
Prior to June 8, 2020, because of the difficulty in conducting the course at this time, unless you have already taken the course or qualify for an exemption from the course, DOPL is requiring the following as satisfaction of the 25 or 30 hour contractor prelicensure course at this time:
- You must sign up for the course for a future, undetermined date with one of the approved course providers (AGC, UHBA, or ABC). You will not actually take the course at this time.
- You must pay the provider in advance for the course.
- The course provider will give you a receipt of payment or other documentation that you signed up for the course.
- You will submit a copy of the receipt or other documentation along with your contractor application to DOPL as satisfaction of either 25 or 30 hour prelicensure course requirement.
- If you meet all of the other requirements for licensure, you will be issued a contractor’s license.
- You have until October 1, 2020 to attend the prelicensure course and provide the certificate of completion to DOPL. You will receive an email notification from the Division and from the course providers that you have until October 1, 2020 to attend the prelicensure course and provide the certificate of completion to DOPL.
- The course providers will then notify DOPL of any students that did not complete the course.
- DOPL may take disciplinary action on the applicant, including revocation of license, if the course is not completed as outlined above.
All applicants that obtained a contractor’s license by providing only a receipt of payment as satisfaction of the 25 or 30 hour prelicensure course will have until October 1, 2020 to attend the prelicensure course and provide the certificate of completion to DOPL.
BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS PROCESS IS TEMPORARY AND THAT THIS PROCESS WILL BE DISCONTINUED AFTER THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY HAS ENDED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU MAY CONTACT THE CONSTRUCTION TRADES BUREAU at b4@utah.gov OR ANY OF THE PRELICENSURE COURSE PROVIDERS.
library_add_check Exam Updates
If you are scheduled for an exam or planning to schedule, please see below.
Most state and national testing agencies have taken a peremptory stance to help stay the spread of COVID 19. Testing centers have begun to reopen, some with abridged exams to reduce the amount of public exposure; others with remote-proctoring to afford a candidate the opportunity to test from the safety of their own homes. All testing locations are expected to have reduced seating capacity to adhere to social distancing recommendations. To view the COVID 19 safety protocols that each testing agency has adopted, please see their links below. Most of these innovative solutions have been adopted to bring our State and our Nation back to some semblance of normality while still complying with safety recommendations from the Utah Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.
Professions considered "essential services" have already been extended the opportunity to begin testing, beginning on May 1. This opportunity will be extended to other occupations and professions over the course of the next month. This page is updated with new information on a daily basis. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact doplexams@utah.gov.
- Prometric
Testing is expected to resume for all client programs beginning June 1. Open testing sites include Lindon, Taylorsville and St. George. As more testing locations open the following Prometric link will update: Prometric Testing Sites. Seating is expected to be limited while adhering to CDC recommendations for social distancing. For specific information regarding this exam provider's COVID 19 plan, please visit: Prometric Corona-Virus Update - PearsonVue
Pearson Vue has opened several subset testing centers in major metropolitan areas, including Draper, Salt Lake, Bountiful and Ogden, for profession’s considered "essential services". In other professions, remote proctoring has also been added. To see which exams this option may be available for, please visit PearsonVue directly. By May 4th, Pearson Vue will have reopened all their testing centers. For specific information regarding this exam provider's COVID-19 plan, please visit: PearsonVue Corona-Virus Updates. - PSI
Effective April 2nd, PSI is no longer the exam vendor for Utah DOPL exams. If you have a DOPL exam, ARRT, NIC, ILE or ASBOG national exam already registered with PSI, please enquire about a refund immediately and reschedule your exam with Prov (see below). PSI is still administering a few of the National exams. Please review the DOPL profession page to determine if this applies to you. Limited testing expected to resume on May 1, 2020. Please check back for updates. Follow this link for more information on the COVID 19 response from PSI. - Prov
On April 2, 2020, Prov began administering exams on behalf of the Division. Prov utilizes college and university testing centers to administer the Division exams. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most testing centers will remain closed until mid-May. In the interim, Prov will be administering exams, on behalf of the Division, utilizing a remote-proctoring (at-home) testing platform known as Examroom-West. Seating will be limited and there are technological requirements. To see if you can utilize this testing method, visit this link for a System Compatibility Check: https://examroom.ai/systemtest/. If you have any questions regarding Prov, please contact them directly at: https://provexam.com. - Kryterion
As of April 29th, all Kryterion testing centers remain closed. Kryterion utilizes college testing centers to administer their exams so the closures are likely to remain in affect so long as the schools are closed. For more information on this exam vendor's response to COVID 19 please follow this link: COVID 19 Response.
ADDITIONAL TESTING INFORMATION
| Exam Name | Current Status | Resume Normal Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbers Practical | See Prov | May 16th w/ limited seating |
| Electricians Practical | See Prov | May 9th w/ limited seating |
| NIC National Exams | See Prov | May 11th w/ limited seating in Layton only. More locations in June |
| ARRT National Exams | See Pearson Vue | Available w/ limited seating. |
| ASBOG National Exams | See Prov | Next session is October 1, 2020 |
| ILE National Practical Exam | See Prov | Available |
| ILE IHS Theory Exams | See Kryterion | Undetermined |
| NBE | See Pearson Vue (Essential Service) | Available w/ limited seating |
| NCLEX and the MACE | See Pearson Vue (Essential Service) COVID-19 Impact to NCLEX Candidates |
Available with limited seating |
| ASWB | See Pearson Vue | Available w/ limited seating |
| FSBPT | See Prometric | Available w/ limited seating |
| NBRC | See PSI | Available w/ limited seating and Live proctoring test delivery. |
| PTCP | See Pearson Vue | Available w/ limited seating Online test delivery coming soon |
| NBCOT | See Prometric (Essential Service) https://www.nbcot.org/News#testingresume |
Available w/ limited seating. Extended exam windows |
| NASBA | See Prometic (Essential Service) | Available w/ limited seating |
| EPPP | See Pearson Vue (Essential Service) | Available w/ limited seating |
| ANCC | See Prometric (Essential Services | Available w/ limited seating |
| NAVLE | See Prometric | Eligibility window extended to 12/31 |
Once we are able to safely resume normal testing, the website will be updated.
Suspension of Enforcement of Statutes/Rules Relating to Telehealth Services
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Utahns during the COVID-19 outbreak, which the World Health Organization has declared to be a pandemic and Utah Governor Gary Herbert has declared to be a state emergency. The following information applies until the date the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 2020-1 is terminated, or until otherwise modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by Governor Herbert or by a succeeding governor.
March 25, 2020
Utah Governor Gary Herbert has issued an Executive Order allowing medical providers to offer a telehealth service that does not comply with the security and privacy standards required by Utah law, so long as the healthcare provider:
- Informs the patient the telehealth service does not comply with the security and privacy standards in Utah Code § 26-60-102(8)(b)(ii);
- provides the patient an opportunity to decline use of the telehealth service; and
- takes reasonable care to ensure security and privacy of the telehealth service.
"While we applaud health systems that have already expanded to offer telehealth services that provide the highest levels of privacy, we don’t want to stop health providers new to offering telehealth from innovating and using video conferencing programs that are readily available to them," Gov. Herbert said. "The more opportunities we can create for patients to consult with their medical providers remotely, the more we can prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 in our clinics and healthcare centers."
View the full Executive Order here.
- The Governor’s Executive Order also applies to telehealth requirements for licensed healthcare professionals in Utah Admin. Code §§ R156-1-601 and R156-1-602: https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r156/r156-01.htm#T39
- For additional telehealth resources, policy updates, and toolkits, providers may visit the Utah Telehealth Network’s COVID-19 and Telehealth Resources page, at https://utn.org/covid/
Medical Malpractice Prelitigation Review Panels
April 6, 2020
Pre Litigation Administrative Order – April 6, 2020
March 26, 2020
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Utahns during the COVID-19 outbreak, which the World Health Organization has declared to be a pandemic and Utah Governor Gary Herbert has declared to be a state emergency. Consistent with the State of Utah Department of Commerce Administrative Order dated March 23, 2020, the following information applies for the duration of the declared emergency, and may be amended at any time in response to changed conditions.
DOPL is Accepting Prelitigation Filings
DOPL is still accepting new prelitigation case filings, and is available to answer emails. Except for scheduling hearings, DOPL will continue to receive and process all filings in the ordinary course of business.
All pleadings, requests, notices of appearance, subpoenas, correspondence, and other documents must be filed with DOPL by EMAIL, sent to kfausett@utah.gov or to dcasper@utah.gov.
Prelitigation Hearings Continued Until Further Notice
Due to the rapidly changing circumstances of the declared emergency and the severe demands on healthcare professionals at this time, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals required to participate in prelitigation hearings, ALL currently scheduled prelitigation hearings are CONTINUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Additionally, NO NEW PRELITIGATION HEARINGS WILL BE SCHEDULED until further notice.
DOPL will update all parties as soon as practicable on the status of setting up hearings. Depending on circumstances at that time, DOPL may implement hearings consistent with all applicable government and public health orders to protect the health and safety of participants. This may include, with the agreement of the parties, conducting hearings through remote transmission, such as by telephone or video conferencing.
PLEASE NOTE: At any time, the parties may agree by written stipulation to waive the prelitigation hearing per Utah Code § 78B-3-416(3)(e), and have DOPL issue a certificate of compliance.
Contact Us
Unfortunately, DOPL offices are closed to the public, and no in-person or walk-in services are available at this time. Additionally, DOPL staff will not be able to answer any telephone calls for a period of time.
All correspondence, including all filed pleadings, notices of appearance, subpoenas, correspondence, and other documents, must be sent via email:
KoriAnn Fausett – Prelitigation Coordinator
Email: kfausett@utah.gov
Diana Casper – Prelitigation Secretary
Email: dcasper@utah.gov
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. We will resume normal services after the emergency is resolved. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to email us.
local_pharmacy Pharmacy Notices
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in collaboration with the Utah Board of Pharmacy is committed to protecting the health and safety of Utahns during the COVID-19 outbreak. The following information is for the duration of the declared emergency.
COVID-19 Emergency Licenses
Your license must be current and in good standing in your home state in order to obtain an emergency license.
Please go to the following link to apply for an emergency license. https://dopl.utah.gov/pharm/
Authorizing Emergency Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products
Approved on 3/16/2020
To reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate possible shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit the compounding and sale of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products by Utah-licensed pharmacies. Compounders must adhere to the requirements and recommendations set forth in the FDA’s Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency. https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download This guidance is in effect until rescinded by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Reuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Compounding Activities
Approved on 3/16/2020
To mitigate reported shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit licensees conducting sterile compounding to reuse certain personal protective equipment (PPE). To reuse sterile compounding garb, a licensed compounding facility shall comply with all the following:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the appropriate reuse of PPE that will not compromise the microbial state of control in the compounding rooms.
- Train compounding staff on the policies and procedures developed for reusing PPE.
- For the reuse of masks:
- The identification of personnel is clearly stated on the mask (i.e. initialed).
- Masks are removed on the dirty side of the ante-room or outside of the perimeter line of the segregated control area (SCA) without touching the inside of the mask.
- Each mask for reuse is placed in its own small paper bag with the personnel’s initials on the outside of the bag. A new bag must be used each time the mask is removed for reuse.
- All masks in bags must be placed in a container located where masks would normally be donned.
- Compounding personnel must inspect the mask each time it is reused to ensure the mask provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the mask, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
- For the reuse of gowns:
- Gowns may only be reused over the course of a single day.
- Compounding personnel must inspect the gown each time it is reused to ensure the gown provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the gown, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
IMPORTANT: The following sterile compounding garb cannot be reused:
- Shoe covers and sterile gloves
General Reminders for Pharmacy Personnel to Mitigate Risk of Exposure
- Please ensure your staff use appropriate social distancing and avoid close contact to reduce spread. Also remind staff to be cautious about touching medications. Disinfect counting trays and spatulas routinely. Consider implementing policies similar to food service workers where staff are required to set a timer and wash their hands at regular intervals (30 minutes to 1 hour).
- Establish a process for reducing or eliminating the amount of time older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions wait in line to pick up medications.
- Implement infection control procedures, especially for waiting areas:
- Staff should maintain a distance of 3 feet from asymptomatic patients or other staff members and at least 6 feet from those actively coughing.
- Regularly clean counters, waiting areas, and other spaces where public interaction occurs with disinfectant. It is recommended to clean at least every hour or after every 10 patients, whichever is more frequent.
- Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol next to the cash register or check out area so people can sanitize their hands after using common items like pens.
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover cough and sneeze with tissue and discard.
- Monitor all staff for sickness regularly. Staff should stay home if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
- Pharmacies should consider using alternative delivery options (mail or delivery) for patients to help maintain social distancing recommendations.
- Encourage people to buy cold medicine and refill prescriptions now, if possible, so they do not have to go out if they develop COVID-19.
COVID-19 Guidance for Refills
Pharmacists may provide patients with a 3-day emergency supply of medications according to Utah Code 58-17b-608 Emergency refills.
- In the interest of the patient's health, a pharmacist or pharmacy intern may, in an emergency, refill a prescription for a patient, but only if the prescribing practitioner is not available promptly to authorize the refill and only if in the professional judgment of the pharmacist or pharmacy intern the prescription should be refilled.
- Only sufficient medication as necessary in the emergency may be furnished by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, not to exceed a three-day supply.
- The practitioner shall be contacted as soon as possible for further instructions concerning the emergency.
Pharmacist may dispense a one-time early dispensing of a Schedule II prescription, using professional judgement, and shall document the reason for early dispensing.
Electrical and Plumbing Licensure Notice
Practical Exams & COVID-19
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Due to the difficulty associated with administering the requisite practical exam, DOPL is requiring the following as satisfaction of the exam at this time:
- You must sign up for the practical exam for a future date. You will not actually take the exam at this time.
- You must pay the exam provider in advance of sitting for the exam.
- The exam provider will give you a receipt of payment or other documentation that you signed up for the exam.
- You will submit a copy of the receipt or other documentation along with your application to DOPL as temporary satisfaction of the exam requirement.
- If you meet all of the other requirements for licensure pursuant to Utah Code Ann. 58-1-303(1)(a), you will be issued the respective license.
- After the COVID-19 emergency has subsided, you will have 120 days to take the practical exam and provide the certificate of successful completion to DOPL.
- DOPL may take disciplinary action on the applicant, including revocation of license, if the exam is not completed as outlined above.
BE ADVISED THAT THIS PROCESS IS TEMPORARY AND WILL BE DISCONTINUED AFTER THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY HAS ENDED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU MAY REACH US AT: B5@utah.gov.