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This is a reminder that SB 1159 as signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom remains in effect.

The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP), which focuses enforcement efforts on industries that have the greatest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. These are temporary programs, short of issuing an emergency Covid-19 safety standard, which many thought would come after President Biden’s executive order on January 21, asking for stricter and enforceable guidelines.

As we move beyond the dark path created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to the prospect of greener pastures afforded through mass vaccinations. While the vaccination will lend itself greater control of the virus, it also presents a series of moral and ethical obligations to business owners of all sizes. There is no one size fits all approach to handling this topic in your workplace. We have created this document of frequently asked questions to help you navigate the vaccination decisions you will ultimately make for your business.

As active COVID-19 cases climb in northern Iowa, I have made the difficult decision to close the PMIG Algona, Iowa office to most employees and the public. Effective Monday, September 21, 2020, all Algona employees, with limited exceptions, will be working remotely.  Similarly, the PMC Advantage offices will be open by appointment only.

Are you covered to order and administer COVID-19 tests to your patients? Yes, you are! Pharmacists are permitted to order and perform testing for COVID-19 pursuant to a declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. These activities are already included in the definition of Pharmacy Services in your professional liability policy from Pharmacists Mutual. There is no need to add anything to your policy in order to provide this essential service. Thank you for all that you have done and will do for your patients!

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company has been helping our members through difficult times for more than 110 years. Due to a reduction in travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are refunding approximately 15% of Pharmacists Mutual’s personal auto premium earned in April and May of this year. The refund will be offered as a one-time premium credit of $25 per auto to our personal auto policyholders. We are offering this assistance at a time when many of our members are working together to help “flatten the curve”.

April 3, 2020

Congress recently passed and President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27, 2020.  The Act contains a multitude of provisions on a number of different topics.  Pharmacists Mutual is providing this summary to help you implement the requirements under the Act.  Since every business has unique circumstances, this Alert is for general information and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice.  Due to the complexities of the law, members are encouraged to contact their attorney and/or tax advisor for specific advice on requirements and limitations of the provisions.

Congress recently passed and President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), which becomes effective April 1, 2020 and continues through December 31, 2020.  Pharmacists Mutual is providing this alert to its members to help you implement the requirements under the act.

March 16. 2021