The House Health and Mental Health Committee held a hearing on two PBM reform bills supported by pharmacies. HB 1975, by Rep. Bennie Cook (R), provides for network adequacy and prohibits below-cost reimbursement. HB 1850, by Rep. John Hewkin (R), governs audits and beefs up enforcement provisions.
Also in Missouri, Rep. Bennie Cook (R) filed HB 1976, an immunization clean-up bill that removes the January 1, 2023 date, and excludes any vaccine that is jointly excluded by joint rules promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Also in Missouri, SB 878, legislation expanding the pharmacists scope of practice filed by Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R), was unanimously approved by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on February 4. Current law allows certain pharmacists to provide certain medication therapy services under a statewide order issued by the Director or the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The bill would eliminate the standing order and authorize pharmacists’ medication therapy services pursuant to rules established by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts jointly promulgate rules to implement this provision within six months of the effective date of this act. In addition, it would allow pharmacists to prescribe durable medical equipment. The bill is pending action by the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.