In a recent decision that marks the culmination of more than a year of industry dialogue, the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy (“the Board”) has finalized modifications to its proposed rule on shared pharmacy services. On June 10, 2022, the Board initially published the rule, which then became the subject of a highly attended public hearing. The framework was further shaped by numerous comments from stakeholders over an extensive 15-month review and deliberation period before finally winning approval with just minor tweaks.
According to a report by Quarles & Brady LLP, the finalized rule now awaits a final review by the state’s Occupational Licensing. The approval process underscores the commitment of regulators to conducting careful consideration of input from interested parties before deciding on pivotal industry changes.
This case serves as a model to highlight the importance of thorough interchange and discussion before ratifying a major rule. It further underscores the value of industry and stakeholder consultation in ensuring policy changes are well-balanced and take into consideration the potential repercussions they might have on the larger pharmaceutical landscape.
The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy’s careful balance between addressing industry needs and safeguarding public interest is pivotal and a learning point for other jurisdictions. It would be interesting to watch how other states and jurisdictions consider this cautious deliberation model while proposing changes in the rules governing their pharmaceutical sectors.