Long-acting Injections

Amendments in 2022 and 2023 to §6802(22) and §6801(8) authorize pharmacists to administer long-acting injectable (“LAI”) medication for substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health-related conditions. This law was amended in 2023 to correct defects in the original language, provides for regulations related to post-graduate training and goes into effect on April 1, 2024.[1]

The regulation provides that pharmacists and interns (under immediate personal supervision) may administer LAIs if they receive immunization training and are certified for the same by the Board of Pharmacy and the medication is FDA-approved for the particular indication.[2] Continuing competency regarding the populations served and the medications is explicitly stated in the regulation.

Administration is based on receipt of a prescription and may not be given unless the patient has received at least the first dose from the prescriber. The regulation explicitly provides for counseling concerning common side-effects, drug interactions, site reactions, and (implicitly) other relevant issues in the pharmacist’s professional judgement. Also, prior to administration, the patient must be assessed for any contraindications and anaphylaxis treatments must be available for emergency administration. Informed consent of the patient is required prior to administration with additional informed consent if an intern is administering. Because most of the products require gluteal administration a private space must be utilized. Report to the prescribing practitioner within 5 days of administration, 72 hours if a scheduled dose is not administered, and immediately with any adverse drug event.

[1] Laws of 2023, c. 746.
[2] 8 NYCRR §63.17.

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