Guidance After Roe v. Wade Reversal

HHS Issues Guidance for Pharmacies After Roe v. Wade Reversal

Thank You, PharmPAC Donors!

On July 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released guidance for pharmacies regarding federal civil rights laws in light of the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade. The guidance does not have the force of law, and the laws referenced in the guidance are long-standing civil rights protections regarding sex and disability discrimination.

Pharmacists in Tennessee should consider the following when reviewing the federal guidance and state laws in light of the overturn of Roe v. Wade:

• Tennessee state law previously prohibited abortion past 8 weeks, or past 6 weeks if the fetus has a heartbeat. Now, all abortions are prohibited due to the “Trigger Law.” Therefore, Tennessee state law prohibits dispensing products such as mifepristone and misoprostol when used to induce an abortion. HOWEVER, these drugs may still be prescribed and dispensed when used for other indications (miscarriage, ulcers, Cushing syndrome, postpartum bleeding, etc.). Pharmacists may consider requesting an indication when receiving a prescription or order for these medications.

• Tennessee state law allows pharmacists and institutions to refuse to provide “contraceptive procedures, supplies, and information when such refusal is based upon religious or conscientious objection,” and also protects them against any liability when they choose to do so.

• There are no criminal protections for those who perform abortions, even if the abortion would be life-saving, except for affirmative defense.

We understand that confusing and sometimes contradictory information is being shared. TPA is here to assist. Please email Olivia Welter at olivia@ tnpharm.org with any questions.

JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2021

TPA recognizes and thanks the generous contributors to the Tennessee Pharmacists Political Action Committee (PharmPAC) during the 2021 calendar year. PharmPAC contributions are vital to the advancement of pharmacy practice in Tennessee. Contribute to PharmPAC today, at tnpharm.org/pharmpac.

PharmPAC Gold Level Donors ($1,000-$9,999)

Epic Pharmacies Independent Pharmacy PAC of Tennessee Okies Pharmacy (Will Bunch)

PharmPAC Silver Level Donors ($500-$999)

Denise Barker Eddie Rowe Rick Sain Lacey Sexton Barry Walton Leslie Shepherd Wolfe

PharmPAC Bronze Level Donors ($250-$499)

Kimberly Bibb Baeteena Black Blount Discount Pharmacy Phonzie Brown Jim Bundy Dover Family Pharmacy (Marty Blane) Douglas Duncan Graves Family Pharmacy (Emily Graves) Sherry Hill Rebecca Hopper Donald Jones Kim Jones Jason Kizer Phil Lafoy Aubrey Nunley James Petty Jay Phipps Plateau Drugs (Brent Dunlap) Nina Smothers Natalie Tate Eleanor Twigg Mac Wilhoit Brian Winbigler

PharmPAC Members (Up to $249)

Amber Cagle Leonard Compton Macy England Jeanne Ezell Brandon Farmer Jeremiah Glass Stacey Grant Hassler Drugs (Gena Hassler) Brian Henderson Rob Lucas Kam Nola Thomas Rawl Mollie Scarbrough Kenneth Smith Mark Sullivan Kent Walker Steve Zaver

TPA Hires Meagan Frazier, Harris Frazier

Contract Lobbyist Services

In an effort to establish and expand upon its legacy of knowledgeable advocates at the state legislature, TPA hired Meagan Frazier and the Harris Frazier Government Relations team to serve as its contract lobbyists for 2022.

In November and December 2021, TPA conducted an extensive search and interview process to evaluate various contract lobbyists to represent the pharmacy profession in Tennessee. Meagan Frazier and the Harris Frazier team were chosen in a highly competitive selection process. As the profession of pharmacy reacts to many pressures, TPA will continue to be proactive and push the profession forward into the future.

Frazier and the Harris Frazier team were selected at a point of leadership and philosophical change for TPA’s representation at the state legislature. She will lead the Association’s advocacy efforts and help to achieve legislative and regulatory advances that affect how each Tennessee pharmacy professional practices on a daily basis. She will help open doors to advancing pharmacy care and pharmacy technician roles in Tennessee, with assistance from TPA staff and leadership. “Meagan has successfully guided her clients through complex issues, such as medication safety regulations, state funding needs, and professional licensing requirements. She is the best fit for TPA, as we will need an all-hands-on-deck approach to advocating for the profession of pharmacy, now and into the future,” said TPA Executive Director Anthony Pudlo.

A Dickson County native, Meagan Frazier has a solid reputation for her hard work on hospital, health care, business, and transportation issues. She is well known for her knowledge of the Tennessee General Assembly’s rules and procedures, as well as her relationships within all three branches of state government. A licensed attorney, Frazier graduated from the Nashville School of Law after earning a B.S. in Public Relations at Middle Tennessee State University. She arrived on Capitol Hill in 2001, by working for the Tennessee House of Representatives and the state Treasury Department. Frazier joined Harris Frazier Government Relations in 2003 and became a partner in 2008.