Last week, the State Assembly passed an amended version of SB 966, PBM Reform legislation, and the State Senate concurred with the amended version. Upon passage, the bill was ordered to “engrossing and enrolling” after which it will be presented to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for signature. The governor has until September 30 to act. The bill requires PBMs to apply for a licensure from the California Department of Insurance by January 1, 2027; clarifies the State Attorney General retains all authorities to maintain or restore competitive, fair and honest markets and prosecute state and federal antitrust and unfair competitive violations; prohibits retroactive fees; and would allow a pharmacy that is not owned by the PBM to participate in a PBM network as a preferred provider if the pharmacy is willing to accept the same terms and conditions. NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) urging him to sign SB 966 to help preserve and expand patient access to pharmacists, pharmacies of all sizes and the Californians they serve.
Also in California, last week, AB 3063 passed the state legislature and was ordered to “engrossing and enrolling” after which it will be presented to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) who has until September 30 to act. This legislation states the addition of a flavoring agent to a conventionally manufactured product is not considered compounding if certain conditions are met. It also requires the addition of the flavoring agent to be documented in the prescription record.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notice and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the MAIC 30-day pharmacy provider notice; rates will be effective October 1, 2024, and were to be posted to the Mercer Medi-Cal Rx website no later than September 1, 2024.
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccine Administration Coverage for Family PACT End-Dated
- COVID-19 Antigen Over-the-Counter Test Coverage Updates, Effective October 1, 2024
- Updates to the List of Contracted Enteral Nutrition Products, Effective October 1, 2024
- Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for September
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List – Over-the-Counter Drugs and Cough/Cold Preparations
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual
- Vaccines for Children Program Policy and Billing Guidance for Pharmacy Providers
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for August 23-29
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the Full Board Meeting on September 12, 2024. Please note the discussion and action related to awarding a contract for medication error reporting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.