Nebraska legislators are currently considering a new bill, LB202, which would would authorize pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under a pharmacist’s supervision. . Nebraska pharmacy technicians have been administering vaccines since October 2020 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance under the PREP Act declaration covering COVID-19 tests, drugs and vaccines to permit qualified pharmacy technicians under a pharmacist’s supervision to administer FDA-approved vaccines to individuals three and older. This bill will keep these new authorities in place as the permissions granted under the PREP Act declaration expire in 2024.

On March 16, 2022, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a new bill, LB 767, into law. LB 767 requires PBMs to obtain a license to operate in the state and provides the state with regulatory oversight over PBMs. In effect, LB 767 tightens restrictions on PBMs and supports fair reimbursements for pharmacies. LB 767 marks a big win for community pharmacy and sets a precedent for other states to follow.

Announced in a press release from the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, local pharmacies are partnering with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to Naloxone by offering free nasal spray kits. This is an important step to combating the opioid crisis and reducing drug overdose deaths, and community pharmacies are an easily accessible way to increase the availability of Naloxone.