The WA Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is holding two calls per week during the COVID crisis, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m. PACIFIC. They are discussing actions that may be needed to take the strain off pharmacists, interns, techs and assistants as they provide access to patients. To participate you can register at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6130868446164549132. If you have questions you would like the Commission to consider, please address them to COVID19.PQAC@doh.wa.gov
Also in Washington... Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed 2SSB 5601 relating to health care benefit managers into law. This “landmark” bill creates a new statute in Washington law specific to the regulation and registration of Health Care Benefit Managers (HCBM) and includes PBMs. Due to the lack of funding available, the Governor vetoed Section 22, the creation of the pharmacy contract work group. Rulemaking will begin this summer under the direction of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).
Also in Washington... Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed SHB 2464, protecting patients from excessive medication charges. Beginning January 1, 2021, the maximum amount a PBM or health carrier may require a person to pay at the point of sale for a covered prescription medication is: the lesser of the applicable cost sharing (co-payment/co-insurance); or the amount the person would pay for the medication if purchased (cash) without using a health plan.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.