Which category of prescriptions requires a provider affiliation for eligibility under the 340B program?

The 340B program is designed to enable eligible healthcare organizations to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. For a prescription to qualify under this program, it must be written by a provider who has an established affiliation with an eligible entity.

In the case of follow-up care prescriptions, these typically pertain to ongoing treatment after an initial consultation or primary care visit. Since follow-up care often maintains continuity of care with a specific healthcare provider, these prescriptions are tied to the relationship between the provider and the patient, making them crucial for eligibility under the 340B program.

This requirement ensures that the drugs prescribed to patients are directly linked to their treatment from an affiliated healthcare provider, thereby reinforcing the program's focus on caring for vulnerable populations while managing costs. Prescriptions for maintenance medications, emergency drugs, and over-the-counter treatments do not have the same strict affiliation requirement, as they can often be issued without ongoing relationships that dictate follow-up care scenarios. Thus, follow-up care prescriptions stand out as the category that necessitates provider affiliation for 340B eligibility.