The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Courtney Phillips, was hired by Gov. John Bel Edwards to serve as the chief of the Louisiana Department of Health. Phillips is replacing former Secretary Rebekah Gee who announced her retirement last month as the head of Louisiana’s largest state agency.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing its series of Town Hall meetings across the State about the opioid epidemic. More information about the March 12 Town Hall in Sterling Heights, as well as future Town Hall dates and locations, can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Human Services has selected Mercer to perform the upcoming cost of dispensing survey per the State’s implementation of the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs rule. NACDS will share more information as it becomes available.
Also in Minnesota... NACDS reviewed HF 3223 pertaining to biologics, determining it will remain neutral on the bill. NACDS has no historical position on the plan design issue addressed in the legislation. However, NACDS will monitor and has alerted members to this legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
HB 1693, legislation to create a statewide Prescription Monitoring Program, has cleared the House, but is expected to encounter the same Senate filibuster threat as in previous years. NACDS continues to engage in-state partners on the issue.
Also in Missouri... Pharmacist Senator David Sater and the Missouri Pharmacy Association kicked off the introduction of SB 971, legislation pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, with a press conference that garnered considerable media attention.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
LB 1196, NPA’s legislation addressing Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, is scheduled for a hearing before the Banking, Commerce, and Industry Committee on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 pm.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
NACDS submitted comments to the Health Care Authority on proposed rules enhancing drug utilization review program requirements intended to promote safe and intended use of opioid medications.
Also in Oklahoma... NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy urging them to amend their regulations under review to expand the administrative duties of pharmacy technicians.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Health and Human Services Commission’s Medicaid Standing Order covers mosquito repellents for the prevention of the Zika virus for four programs: Medicaid (both traditional and managed care), Children’s Health Insurance Program, Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program and Healthy Texas Women Program. This order serves as a prescription and allows pharmacists to dispense mosquito repellent under the terms of the order. Beginning February 18th, people enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women Program will now require a prescription to receive mosquito repellents.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Senate unanimously passed 2nd Substitute Senate Bill 5601 – Health Care Benefit Manager reform. Requiring registration with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and transparency. The Bill now goes to the House.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The State Assembly passed AB 114 pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, key priority legislation for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.