CVS is requiring verification that scrips are not for abortions. We need to tell CVS

[Scrivener7]

that chains that do that are not for us.

SheltieLover posted this thread.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216968708#post12

CVS is requiring pharmacies in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Texas to verify that certain drugs like misoprostol and methotrexate are not going to be used for abortions.

There is no reason for them to do this. They don't have liability if they don't ask. If they want to confirm the prescription, they can call the doctor.

Please call CVS and tell them you will no longer patronize their stores because of this policy. Then, if possible, please move your prescription service to another pharmacy. The number for CVS is below.

I understand that Walgreens has a similar policy, and I'll try to get the details and contact information on them too. And I understand that in some areas, there is only one pharmacy in town and you are stuck with either CVS or Walgreens. Do what you can. Everyone seems to be having no problem facilitating the end of our rights. Let's make them pay for that where we can.

CVS/pharmacy Customer Service

For questions and comments including feedback about our stores, pharmacy, policies and in-store photo department, call 1-800-SHOP-CVS (1-800-746-7287) Monday-Friday 8 AM - 10 PM ET, Sat. & Sun. 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM ET. Closed major holidays.

ETA: In Sheltie's thread, some posters pointed out that HIPAA is not necessarily violated by this policy. I will answer that it is not necessarily NOT violated by this policy.

https://www.nationaladvocatesforpregnantwomen.org/hipaa-protections-for-abortion-pregnancy-related-care-know-your-rights/

• The Privacy Rule permits, but does not require disclosures when such disclosures are expressly required by state law. A state abortion ban, alone, does not provide a legal justification for a disclosure of PHI in the absence of an express requirement in law that health care providers make such disclosures.

• Not only do most disclosures to law enforcement regarding abortion or other pregnancy outcomes violate HIPAA, they also put maternal and neonatal health at risk by deterring pregnant people from seeking necessary medical care. Such disclosures are widely opposed by leading medical organizations.

These laws are waaaaaayyyyy up in the air. A retailer like CVS SHOULD be protecting half its customers and interpreting the gray areas in favor of women's health. If they choose not to, we should respond.

EDITED AGAIN: Just made the call myself. When prompted, tell them you want to give FEEDBACK on PHARMACY and they will connect you to a person.

[aeromanKC]

1. I called 1-800-SHOP-CVS (1-800-746-7287)

Was put on hold while representative talked to a supervisor. I was then told they were not aware of this policy. I then mentioned that if this turns out to be policy then I will be moving my business elsewhere and be prepared for a nationwide boycott.

[Scrivener7]

2. YOU ARE THE BEST!

You're the first! I am just dialing now.

Made the call. The woman was clearly happy for the call.

[Sympthsical]

3. This is spreading misinformation

The rules cited pertain to law enforcement disclosure.

Pharmacists verifying legality of use is not what those paragraphs you quote are about.

This is internet lawyering.

[Scrivener7]

4. No it is not. I'll point out again to you: the first three bullets in the source are broader

and do not pertain solely to law enforcement.

[Sympthsical]

7. I think I give up on this topic

I've talked about this topic extensively with my partner (who manages over a dozen pharmacies). Looked up things I didn't know or understand, then went to him for clarification when I wasn't sure I was understanding what I was reading.

The claims I'm reading online are just not factual. Pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors work certain ways, and those ways are governed by state laws and state pharmacy boards.

Seeing these misinformed or misunderstood claims is getting increasingly frustrating. I'm starting to feel like that comic.



Now, I'm starting to read things so startlingly wrong and unknowledgeable about how pharmacies work, I can feel my blood pressure spiking. So, nah. I'm out. If people feel better directing their rage willy nilly, that's their choice. I think directing anger to people who can change laws and policies is more useful.

I think all of us here want what is best for women's freedom and women's health. But there's the wall, and it's not my job to stand between people and a desire to bang their own heads against it.

[Scrivener7]

9. Your disdain is clear. And that's fine. It is great that you have an expert's understanding

of these brand new laws, backed up by a knowledge of your partner's corporation's application of the laws.

But if there is anything we should be learning in this fight, it is that the law is subject to interpretation.

Before your blood pressure goes up, I do understand that pharmacy corporation policies in response to these laws are emphatically NOT subject to interpretation.

But the laws themselves are often badly written, inconsistent, newly applied and full of gray areas. Many of the lines they draw are not at all clear.

A company like CVS, if they decide they are going to push back on these laws, has the resources to push back. If these were laws that cut into their Viagra profits, they would definitely be pushing back.

Right now, their incentive is entirely to avoid the threat of possible lawsuits and criminal prosecutions. That position precludes adequate medical care for women. All I am saying is we should give them some incentive to throw their clout on the side of women in this fight.

[Torchlight]

10. Whatever else, please don't feel discouraged

For what it's worth, you've been giving me a great primer into a topic I am astonishingly ignorant of (and a few others as well), and you supply both relevant links and relevant editorial, and do all of it in a kind and gracious manner.

[Scrivener7]

11. Wow. That is so kind of you. Thank you.

[stopdiggin]

15. thank you. appreciate your efforts inform

I was initially somewhat on guard with this. I now have the confirmation that my skepticism was warranted.

"I think directing anger to people who can change laws and policies is more useful."

Second that.

[Scrivener7]

6. Here are those first three bullets, if you prefer them to the others that I posted:

• Most health care providers must follow HIPAA’s “Privacy Rule,” which protects against disclosures of protected health information (PHI). PHI includes information related to abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy outcomes.

• There are limited circumstances in which the Privacy Rule permits, but does not require health care providers to make disclosures without the patient’s consent.

• The Privacy Rule permits, but does not require disclosures when such disclosures are expressly required by state law. A state abortion ban, alone, does not provide a legal justification for a disclosure of PHI in the absence of an express requirement in law that health care providers make such disclosures.

[Elessar Zappa]

5. Calling them right now.

[Scrivener7]

8. Thank you!!!

[MerryBlooms]

12. One of my pharmacists at Walmart asks me questions about

My medications all the time, he did it again today. I'm being treated for colitis, again, first round of antibiotics didn't quite clear it up. (Awful infection, I highly recommend avoiding 😄 ) Anyway, the pharmacist wanted to know "What We're treating with this medication today?". I never thought much about it, but he is the only pharmacist there that kinda grills folks before he dispenses.

[kcr]

13. I have never had a pharmacist ask me that

I would simply say, "Call my doctor if you have any questions." That's ridiculous.

[MerryBlooms]

14. Yeah, I just asked a couple friends, and they said that's Weird!

[Captain Zero]

16. CVS OWNS AETNA too.

I think they might own Optum mail order too?
They also have some mail order called CVS caremark.

In case you want to take money out of their pocket.

[roamer65]

17. It is none of their business.

Many drugs have off label uses and HIPAA is meant to preserve patient privacy.

Just dispense the damn medicine, CVS.