April 19, 2024
The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of EMS (OEMS) is continuing to keep Agencies, Councils and EMS providers informed on the current conversation regarding the future of the hospital-based Drug Kit Exchange program in Virginia.
As we have shared in a previous memo on April 2, 2024, federal regulatory changes will require the existing Virginia EMS agency drug hospital kit exchange program to change as early as November 27, 2024. OEMS has been actively working to advocate for Virginia’s EMS providers and agencies throughout the current discussion on the state’s drug kit exchange program. Please see a new update from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) and Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacist (VSHP) on the EMS Drug Kit Transition Plan.
OEMS would like to remind all EMS stakeholders that the draft amendments to the EMS-related drug kit exchange regulations is quickly approaching. A Virginia Board of Pharmacy (BoP) meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2024 when the Board will review the proposed draft emergency drug kit exchange regulations. As such, it is important that any comments to the draft emergency BoP regulations are submitted no later than close of business on April 29, 2024. Additionally, if your agency has any questions, please email the BoP at pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov no later than April 29, 2024.
OEMS understands that the enforcement of the updated Federal regulation presents challenges for EMS agencies in the Commonwealth. OEMS strongly encourages EMS agencies to work with each other, their Regional EMS Councils, and healthcare coalitions, as well as reach out to OEMS for technical assistance. We will continue to work closely with the Regional EMS Councils to make sure everyone has the latest information and updates.
As more information becomes available, OEMS will post regular updates regarding the Virginia Drug Kit Exchange program, at: www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/other-ems-programs-and-links/virginia-ems-drug-box-exchange-program-updates/.