Per a recent newsletter, effective June 21, the Medicaid policy for first fill of narcotic prescriptions changed from a 14-day supply to a 7-day supply. This change was made as an effort to align with the PQA Opioid Core Measure set.
Also in North Dakota… The Department of Human Services announced the recent redesign of its website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a notice to Medicaid pharmacy providers on May 25 regarding the requirement that prescribers (including those administering immunizations) register with the OHA by Saturday, September 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced the appointment of a new president and five new members to the State Board of Pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Medicaid will host a conversation with staff from the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program known as E-FORCSE to provide insights into the new program requirements and opportunities following passage of HB 21. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Register online after which you will receive an email confirmation. Please send questions to Medicaid staff.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services updated the Michigan Opioid Laws Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) last week on June 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Board of Pharmacy issued a statewide standing order allowing pharmacists to dispense by request naloxone without a prescription. Pharmacists are required to maintain proof of completion of a board-approved training program, to maintain a copy of the standing order, to fill and file the prescription as a legend drug and to provide proper counseling on the use of naloxone.
Also in Mississippi…The Division of Medicaid was instructed by CMS to change the way it reimburses for medical supplies, equipment and appliances and subsequently published a news notice. The agency is actively working with CMS and other stakeholders to address compliance with the rule while ensuring that non-physician providers continue to serve as a vital access point for patients enrolled in the Medicaid program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
With the enactment of TN Together (SB 2257/ HB 1831), there are several new prescribing and dispensing limits that will become effective on Sunday, July 1 for new patients receiving prescriptions for opioids. The Tennessee Pharmacists Association is offering a one-hour webinar, “Updates on Dispensing of Opioids in Tennessee” on Wednesday and Thursday, June 13 and 14. Webinar registrants will also receive reference materials, flow charts and opioid conversion tables to help guide implementation of the new law. This is a knowledge-based CE activity that benefits pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who provide care to patients through the dispensing of opioids. There is a fee for this program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Medicaid Agency is pursuing a new initiative to transform the Medicaid delivery system through a flexible and more cost-efficient effort which builds off the Agency’s current case management program structure. A meeting to discuss this initiative will be held on Wednesday, June 13. The meeting is for providers, recipients, advocates and others with an interest in Medicaid.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy will be meeting in Little Rock on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 5 and 6. The following regulatory changes will be considered at a public hearing on Wednesday, June 6:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.