NACDS is asking members to call Chari Stephanie Klick and members of the House Public Health Committee asking for a hearing as soon as possible for TX HB 678 by Rep. Phil Cortez. Our message is that “there is an urgent need to permanently remove the administrative barriers allowing pharmacists to independently order and administer all immunizations to anyone 3 years of age or older without a prescription. Passing HB 678 will guarantee Texans get much better access to convenient, preventive health care.”
Also in Texas, as the state opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone age 16 and older, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) launched the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler, giving people one place to sign up for a COVID-19 shot through multiple public health departments, including the eight DSHS public health regions, which provide public health services in nearly 200 Texas counties, and more than a dozen local health entities across the state.
Also in Texas, beginning April 1st, Health and Human Services (HHSC) set the fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement rates for COVID vaccines to align with Medicare. The FFS administration reimbursement rate is now $40 for each dose.
Lastly in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy is requesting comments by May 4th on several proposed rules:
- Proposed rule amending regulations allowing pharmacists to electronically sign the data entry attestation statement. The rule also would update references to the DEA 222 order form requirements for distributing Schedule II controlled substances.
- Proposed rule extending the period that Schedule II prescriptions are valid to 30 days to conform to federal standards. The rule also would remove a reference to the effective date of the pharmacy responsibility provisions.
- Proposed rule correcting statutory and regulatory cross-references in the requirements on pharmacy operation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.