Erica Joyner, Author at In The States

About Erica Joyner

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Erica Joyner has created 554 blog entries.

Washington

The Health Care Authority (HCA) Office of Health Professions submitted to the Legislature the Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority Sunrise report on December 19, 2025. This was provided in response to the request of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee last spring, directing the Department of Health to review a proposal to increase the pharmacist scope of practice to assess whether it meets the sunrise criteria in RCW 18.120.010. The request would allow the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, the authority to regulate licensed pharmacist prescribing outside of a collaborative agreement.

Also in Washington, the 2026 first-quarter Preferred Drug List (PDL) utilized by Uniform Medical Plan and the Department of Labor and Industry for worker’s compensation claims was posted by the Health Care Authority (HCA).

Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that the Apple Health (Medicaid) provider enrollment application fee for 2026 increased to $750.00.

Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) published quarterly updates to many of the Apple Health billing guides, effective January 1, 2026.

Also in Washington, in response to recent flooding, the HCA authorized Apple Health (Medicaid) Fee-for-Service pharmacy providers to furnish medications and supplies to clients, as needed, if such products have been lost, destroyed or have become inaccessible due to flood-related conditions.

Also in Washington, Apple Health Fee-for-Service (FFS) does not have an electronic pharmacy prior authorization (PA) system and does not contract with healthcare software companies that offer automated PA solutions.

How to submit a PA for FFS:

Drug coverage and billing guidelines:

Finally in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Health (DOH) released a new resource library to help healthcare providers and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel build knowledge and confidence to prescribe and administer medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). A National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) study found that MOUD like buprenorphine and methadone can help manage opioid withdrawals and cravings and cut opioid-related deaths by half. Yet, these medications remain underused across the medical community. The new MOUD resource library gives Washington providers practical, easy-to-follow guidance for discussing and providing MOUD to their patients, which helps break down common barriers to treatment like stigma and lack of information. HCA and DOH also launched an awareness campaign to connect providers to training, clinical support and patient education materials.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2026-01-08T16:29:22-05:00January 8, 2026|Washington|

California

The Board of Pharmacy seeks to remind affected licensees about Proposition 34, a ballot initiative that was approved by the voters in November 2024. Proposition 34 added the Protect Patients Now Act of 2024 (Act) to the Welfare and Institutions Code (see sections 14124.39-14124.52). Among its provisions, the Act establishes requirements for a “Prescription Drug Price Manipulator” (as defined in subdivision (l) of WIC section 14124.48) to report specified information to certain agencies, including the Board, by no later than December 31, 2025.

Additional information about Proposition 34 is available online.

Public comments related to the Act, and information relating to entities that qualify as Prescription Drug Price Manipulators, may be submitted to Prop34@dca.ca.gov.

Also in California, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11161.7(b), the Board of Pharmacy is distributing an October 22, 2025 list of prescribers whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California. The Board of Pharmacy is making this information available to prevent the dispensing of prescriptions for controlled substances issued by restricted prescribers.

Also in California, NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the Board of Pharmacy (Board) will hold a hearing to receive public comments on a petition received related to Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1709.1, Designation of Pharmacist-in-Charge.

The public hearing will be held on January 6, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am in the first floor Hearing Room of the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Additionally, attendees may participate via the WebEx meeting platform. To participate via WebEx, please use the following link: WebEx Link or https://dca-meetings.webex.com/dca-meetings/j.php?MTID=m1240449cdb3802fe4e363f663d60bb6e

If joining using the link above

Webinar number: 2491 140 0958

Webinar password: CSBP16

If joining by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Access code: 2491 140 0958

Passcode: 272716

To view and download the hearing materials, please visit the following link: Laws and Regulations or https://pharmacy.ca.gov/laws_regs/index.shtml, and click on Hearing or https://pharmacy.ca.gov/laws_regs/hearing.shtml.

Written comments may be submitted to PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov or to the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Written comments will be accepted through January 6, 2026. The public will also be able to provide public comment when prompted during the hearing.

Requests for further information should be directed to the Board at (916) 518-3090 or PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov, or by writing to the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833.

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy, Board of Registered Nursing, Physician Assistant Board, Medical Board of California, Osteopathic Medical Board of California and Dental Board of California licensees can now register to attend the joint forum. Spots are limited, register today at https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum/register.shtml.

Healthcare practitioners involved in prescribing or dispensing medications are invited to a forum on December 17 at California State University, Sacramento, focusing on clinical and practical challenges practitioners and patients face in accessing medications for opioid use disorder and other controlled substances used to manage pain. This is a virtual and in-person event.

Topics to be addressed include:

Legal and regulatory requirements governing controlled substances.
Communication and collaboration between prescribers and dispensers.
Reducing stigma and barriers to care for patients with chronic pain or substance use disorder.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: California State University, Sacramento

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Register today at https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum/register.shtml. Attendance is capped at 32 in-person participants per Board and 83 virtual participants per Board. Further event details will be provided after registering. Please note that this event is not open to the general public.

WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: Visit https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum for updates.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review the numerous upcoming changes to Medi-Cal Rx.

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

November 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
November 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Erica Joyner2025-12-04T10:58:37-05:00December 4, 2025|California|

Florida

The Department of Health, Division of Disease Control, scheduled a public meeting and workshop to discuss proposed revisions to Rule 64D-3.046 of the Florida Administrative Code, which governs immunization requirements for school entry. The session will take place on December 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Central Time, or until all business is concluded. The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach, in The Dunes Conference Room, located at 15727 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Additional details are available in the official notice posted at the Florida Administrative Register.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-12-04T10:56:30-05:00December 4, 2025|Florida|

Georgia

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 1028. This legislation allows the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to issue a Standing Order for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This Standing Order may be used by Eligible Persons who may have been exposed to HIV as a prescription to obtain PEP medication for the prevention of HIV from a licensed Pharmacy. The Department of Public Health created a Standing Order, supporting documents, and training for pharmacists, which are now available on the Department’s website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-12-04T10:55:59-05:00December 4, 2025|Georgia|

Iowa

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicaid posted the following: INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2717-MC-FFS RE: Annual Submission Requirements Regarding Prevention and Detection of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, effective immediately.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Erica Joyner2025-12-04T10:55:31-05:00December 4, 2025|Iowa|

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential launch of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in the state. A key part of this effort is the release of a statewide Intent to Apply Survey to gather input from organizations across the state that plan to apply for future RHTP funding. For details about the survey, visit the RHTP website.

Survey Deadline: December 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT

Who should complete the survey?
Organizations that:

Serve rural, frontier, or remote areas of Oregon
Are in good standing with the State of Oregon

Even if your organization provided public comment in the fall, OHA encourages you to complete this survey.

Also in Oregon, the December 10-12 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available.

Please note that on December 10, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm.

Please note that on December 11, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 2:00 pm.

The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on December 12 and will break for lunch between 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm.

The Public may attend the board meeting in person during Open Session. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. *Please be advised that additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.

Also in Oregon, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced TK Keen has been chosen as the state’s insurance commissioner. Keen has been serving in the acting insurance commissioner role since June and was deputy insurance commissioner for five years before that. He is also the administrator of the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of DCBS.

Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the draft agenda for the December 17 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Erica Joyner2026-03-10T15:09:31-04:00December 4, 2025|Oregon|

Alabama

Effective for dates of service on and after October 1, the Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) updated the laboratory fee schedule rates. Providers with billing questions may contact the Gainwell Technology Provider Assistance Center at 1-800-688-7989.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:10:29-04:00October 23, 2025|Alabama|

Arkansas

The Board of Pharmacy finalized rules that permit pharmacies to utilize up to four (4) support staff members per supervising pharmacist. This includes pharmacy technicians and other non-intern personnel. Licensed interns participating in an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited experiential programs and graduate interns are excluded from the ratio count, as are non-clinical personnel such as clerks and delivery staff. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize pharmacy regulations and provide greater operational flexibility.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:10:04-04:00October 23, 2025|Arkansas|

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 41, PBM reform legislation. SB 41 requires licensure of PBMs, protects patient choice by prohibiting PBMs from steering or inducing patients to affiliate pharmacies, prohibits retroactive fees and claw backs, mandates PBMs use a passthrough pricing model and prohibits spread pricing among its various provisions. Recall earlier this year, Gov. Newsom signed AB 116, the health omnibus trailer bill that contains the specific statutory language to implement the governor’s PBM reform policies as outlined in the state’s main budget bill.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

October 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
October 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alert on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Important Update: GLP-1s for Weight Loss Are Not a Covered Benefit.

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed adding Title 16 CCR § 1707.4, related to Central Fill Pharmacies.

Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed text may do so by submitting written comments beginning October 17 and ending on December 1 to the following:

Contact Person: Lori Martinez
Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 574-8618

Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed text of the regulation will be considered and responded to in the Final Statement of Reasons.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:09:35-04:00October 23, 2025|California|