Michael Angeloni – Page 14

Alabama

The Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid)has released several final rules, effective December 14, 2020, regarding Durable Medical Equipment/Prescription Orders, Preferred Drug List, Reimbursement for Covered Drugs and Services. Summaries for the rules are below with links to access each.

Final rule to amend regulations under AAC 560-X-13 to allow additional non-physician practitioners to place an initial written prescription or order for certain medical supplies, equipment, and appliances.
Final rule to amend regulations under AAC 560-X-16 to remove requirements that the clinical pharmacist committee consist of at least one long-term care pharmacist and one independent pharmacist. The rule also allows correspondence to be directed to Medicaid’s authorized representative.
Final rule to amend regulations under AAC 560-X-16 to change the default pharmacy ingredient cost reimbursement methodology when no average acquisition cost is available from wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) +0% to WAC -4% for brand drugs and WAC +0% for generic drugs, effective Jan. 1, 2021.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:53:58-05:00November 20, 2020|Alabama|

California

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has decided to lengthen the transition time to the full implementation of Medi-Cal Rx by three months. All current Medi-Cal prescription drug services DHCS and Medi-Cal processes and protocols will remain unchanged and in place until Medi-Cal Rx launches on April 1, 2021. Questions should be referred to RxCarveOut@dhcs.ca.gov.

Also in California. On November 19, the Board of Pharmacy held a virtual meeting to discuss seeking a waiver allowing technicians to administer all vaccines, rather than just influenza as was adopted by the Board in October. Unfortunately, the vote was 5-6, defeating the motion for full expansion. This issue of administering all vaccines will be returned to the Licensing Committee for further discussion at their next meeting. The Board then amended their original policy to include COVID vaccines to be administered by technicians when they become available and that motion passed with a vote of 8-3. As it stands right now, the California Board of Pharmacy policy supports both temporary waivers and permanent adoption of a statute change allowing pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and COVID vaccines.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:51:41-05:00November 20, 2020|California|

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis (D) is planning to convene a special session of the Legislature after the Thanksgiving holiday to address COVID relief.

Also in Colorado. On November 19, the Board of Pharmacy approved emergency rules effective immediately allowing pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and immunizations (Rule 19). The Board also unanimously supported a motion for permanent rulemaking at their January 2021 meeting.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:49:58-05:00November 20, 2020|Colorado|

Florida

The Board of Pharmacy has released a couple of final rules regarding pharmacist test and treat certification and pharmacists/laboratory tests. Summaries for the rules are below with links to access each.

Final rule to adopt regulations under FAC 64B16-31 to establish standards for collaborative practice and test and treat certifications. The rule specifies that licensees are not required to complete the three-hour continuing education related to minor, nonchronic health conditions if the initial certificate was issued fewer than 12 months prior to the expiration date of the license. The rule is effective Nov. 22, 2020.

Final rule to repeal regulations under FAC 64B16-27 regarding ordering and evaluation of laboratory tests. The rule is effective Nov. 25, 2020.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:48:26-05:00November 20, 2020|Florida|

Illinois

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a notice with information for Critical Access Pharmacies (CAP) that missed the June 30 self-attestation deadline for the enhanced dispensing fee. To receive enhanced dispensing fees for the current fiscal year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, a CAP must self-attest via the MEDI system between July 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020 to meeting the State Plan CAP criteria. CAPs that completed the attestation process after July 1, 2020, and are currently not receiving the enhanced dispensing fee, can expect to start receiving the correct CAP dispensing fee by December 15, 2020. Once the update is complete, CAPs that are not receiving the enhanced dispensing fee may void and rebill affected claims for dates of service back to July 1, 2020. Questions may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:46:56-05:00November 20, 2020|Illinois|

Iowa

The Department of Public Health issued a new COVID-19 Vaccination Issue Brief on November 17. Topics include vaccine provider enrollment clarifications, vaccine assumptions, and Immunization Registry Information System information. Healthcare provider questions regarding COVID-19 vaccine can be directed to the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or emailed to COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:45:46-05:00November 20, 2020|Iowa|

Missouri

The Department of Social Services’ MOHealthNet issued an updated set of COVID testing and specimen codes as of November 9. Please visit the above link for additional information.

Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a statement regarding pharmacy technicians and HHS expanded vaccination authority. All of the Board’s COVID-related updates can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:41:36-05:00November 20, 2020|Missouri|

Nebraska

Effective December 1, 2020, fee-for-service and Managed Medicaid will implement a 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day limit. This limit will not apply to Medicaid patients who are receiving hospice, palliative care, or treatment for cancer.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:40:13-05:00November 20, 2020|Nebraska|

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) indicated that she will be calling a Legislative special session focused on aid families and businesses impacted by COVID.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-20T08:38:44-05:00November 20, 2020|New Mexico|

About Michael Angeloni