Having accepted a Conflict Avoidance Plan, the Department of Health Care Services plans full Medi-Cal Rx implementation will begin January 1, 2022, meaning the prescription drug benefit in Medicaid managed care will move to Medicaid fee-for-service. The Conflict Avoidance Plan will be posted on the DHCS website.
Also in California, on July 1, the Department of Health Care Services updated its COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Provider FAQs.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is offering a free six-hour online CE training program, “Prescription Drug Abuse and Diversion: What a Pharmacist Needs to Know,” on August 11. Preregistration is required and space is limited. For questions about the event, email the Board.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy published a Notice of Proposed Action to amend section 1709 to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations related to Ownership, Management and Control of Pharmacies and Other Business Entities. Written comments are due September 7.
Also in California, the California Pharmacy Law Update 2021 Edition, a free continuing education webinar from the Board of Pharmacy, is now available. The program includes recently enacted pharmacy laws, recently adopted regulations, an overview of the Board’s organizational structure and activities and tips for navigating the Board’s website.
Also in California, the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs issued several waiver extensions including one waiving license renewal requirements for individuals with active licenses between March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2021.
Also in California, the governor appointed Nicole D. Thibeau, a pharmacist, to the Board of Pharmacy. Since 2013, Dr. Thibeau has been Director of Pharmacy Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She previously served as a pharmacist-in-charge at both Target and CVS pharmacies.
Finally in California, on July 27, Gov. Gavin Newsome (D) signed AB 133 (Chapter 143, Statutes of 2021) that includes language adding medication therapy management (MTM), provided by a pharmacist in conjunction with the dispensing of qualified specialty drugs, to the list of covered pharmacist services under the Medi-Cal program. It also makes an exception for MTM to the 85% Medi-Cal rate, requiring the Department of Health Care Services to implement an MTM reimbursement methodology.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.