Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) convened a special session in mid-November to address property taxes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
District of Columbia
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) Quarterly Pharmacy Stakeholders meeting will take place on December 19 and 20. A virtual meeting link is available by RSVP’ing to allison.williams@primetherapeutics.com no later than December 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Indiana
The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued a bulletin reminding pharmacy providers to submit claims with the appropriate DAW codes.
Also in Indiana, after four interim legislative hearings, the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force issued a report with seven recommendations for legislation, including increasing transparency and prohibiting spread pricing by PBMs, third parties and insurers.
Finally in Indiana, the IHCP Bulletin 2023168 provides informational updates on the November Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) issued a report detailing the results of key initiatives and policy goals for five major categories designed to make measurable improvements:
- Improve health and well-being across the lifespan of Louisianans
- Support vulnerable and underserved populations
- Invest in and empower #TeamLDH
- Improve performance, accountability, and compliance
- Strengthen customer service, partnerships, and community relations
Also in Louisiana, LDH issued a bulletin outlining the available options to providers for pursuing claims resolutions and appeals of issues with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) and the state’s fee-for-service claims processor, Gainwell Technologies.
Also in Louisiana, LDH issued a revised bulletin with added information on provider enrollment.
Also in Louisiana, LDH announced an 11% decline in new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses over the past five years. As of June 2023, the number of individuals living with HIV in Louisiana stands at 22,920.
Finally in Louisiana, LDH issued a memorandum announcing that diabetic supplies will be added to the Medicaid Single Preferred Drug List to be reimbursed as pharmacy claims only effective December 1, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Stakeholder Council will be held remotely at 2:00 PM on Mon. December 18, 2023, and is open to all stakeholders. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council page prior to the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details about joining the meeting. To register for in-person comments, please refer to the Stakeholder Council page. You can find more information about upcoming and previous meetings of the Board and the Council, and presentation materials on the PDAB website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy issued the following orders:
- Policy 2023-07: Non-Sterile Compounding: Several modifications regarding the addition of flavoring agents were added.
- Policy 2023-09: Action Level Environmental Monitoring Results: Clarified that highly pathogenic microorganisms will be those determined by a qualified microbiology professional.
- Policy 2020-15: Scope of Practice: Statement that the pharmacist is responsible for the accuracy of the final dispensed prescription was added.
- Compounded Ketamine: Edits to this document include the FDA cautions regarding the use of all compounded ketamine products, not just nasal spray.
- Sterile Injectable Dispensing (Including Testosterone): Reviews how to interpret the proper days’ supply of injectable vials.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
Medicaid issued a bulletin announcing prescription copay change for Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees.
Also in Michigan, The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issued an email communication to pharmacies regarding the new Pharmacy Technician Administrative Rules that were effective on Oct. 2, 2023. They noted they are diligently working on updating relative information on their website to reflect the revision. Please send questions about the revised rules to BPLHELP@michigan.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
The Secretary of State announced open positions on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and the PDAB Advisory Council. Applications may be submitted on the Open Positions page. If you are interested in applying, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack to coordinate.
Also in Minnesota, the Department of Health (MDH) has opened registration to all manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers required to submit prescription drug price transparency reports. Beginning in 2024, prescription drug manufacturers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers will be required to report quarterly on drugs of substantial public interest identified by MDH. All reporting entities are required to register with MDH’s online reporting system beginning January 1, 2024. MDH’s guide to registering provides more detail on the process.
Upcoming Implementation Steps:
- January 1, 2024: registration requirement goes into effect
- By January 31, 2024: MDH releases the first list of drugs of substantial public interest for reporting
- Thirty (30) or more days after the drug list is posted, MDH will notify reporting entities of their reporting obligations; reporting entities have 60 days after the notification is sent to report
- Early 2024: MDH will release finalized reporting guidance
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Board of Pharmacy hosted a webinar providing new information on the Prescription Drug Monitor Program (PDMP).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.