Pharmacies to comply with new OCR rule

Pharmacies are impacted by a new Office of Civil Rights rule relating to nondiscrimination regulations.  The new rule is part of the Affordable Care Act.

Taking effective July 18 the OCR rule requires health care entities receiving federal funds, such as Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP, to engage in certain practices preventing discrimination based on age, race, color, nationality, or gender, including gender identity.

Pharmacies must comply with posting notices of consumer rights within 90 days of the rule’s July 18 effective day (October 16).