NACDS and the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy NACDS submitted a comment letter to the Iowa Division of Insurance suggesting modifications which would limit the definition of “specialty drugs.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
HB 2263, legislation that would add pharmacy technicians over 18 years of age to the list of those that can administer vaccinations under Kansas law was amended and reported favorable from the House Health and Human Services Committee on February 6. Next, the bill goes to the full House. NACDS pharmacist and technician constituents are urged to contact their state representative and ask them to vote for HB 2263.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health (LDH) issued a standing order for naloxone allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone to caregivers, family and friends of an opioid user.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D) has introduced SB 372, to make state law permanently consistent with the PREP Act’s pharmacist vaccine and testing allowances. The bill is a continuation of HB 1040 of 2021, that temporarily adopted the same provisions in state law with a sunset date in June 2023. A separate bill allowing pharmacy technicians to vaccinate and perform remote data entry will be introduced soon. NACDS is actively working on the ground with in–key legislators, in-state partners and members to advance this bill in the 2023 session.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
On February 3, the Department of Public Health published its final regulations (105 CMR 700) that authorizes pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and other immunizations. The regulations also reduce the age of persons from 9 to 5 years who may receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. Pharmacists may also administer the first dose of a controlled substance to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders upon the order of a practitioner. This regulation was effective upon publication.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Board of Pharmacy has posted the minutes from the January 19 Rules Committee Work Group Meeting, where a proposed rule regarding central fill and other shared pharmacy services was discussed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
HF 1197 and SF 1176, companion bills that would make pharmacy immunization and testing practice consistent with the federal PREP Act, have been introduced. The bills also include Medicaid reimbursement language. NACDS is working with the Minnesota Pharmacists Association and the Minnesota Retailers Association, supporting their on-the-ground efforts to advance the bills.
Also in Minnesota, this week’s Department of Health COVID Provider Newsletter includes a segment encouraging providers’ to begin planning for when COVID vaccine is only available from the commercial market.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
SB 112, allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications with limitations, passed the Senate Human Services Committee (6-3) and the Senate (34-15). The bill is now in the House Human Services Committee.
Also in Montana, SB 239, making pharmacist and technician immunization flexibilities under the PREP Act permanent, will not advance. The Montana Retail Association and the Montana Pharmacy Association are seeking a new sponsor and a new placeholder draft, LC 1310, permitting a pharmacy intern and technician to administer immunizations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted recordings from the January 4 and February 6 COVID-19 Provider Calls.
Also in Nebraska, the DHHS will host the next monthly COVID-19 provider call on March 1 at 12:00 noon (Central). Details will be posted on the website one week before the call.
Also in Nebraska, the DHHS issued Provider Bulletin 23-02: Resuming Regular Reviews of Medicaid Eligibility and Provider Bulletin 22-22: CGM [Continuous Glucose Monitoring] Coverage by Medicaid.
Finally in Nebraska, DHHS launched its iServe Nebraska Portal Explore Benefits Tool. The new portal offers an easy-to-use system for individuals to apply to get help with food, heat, electricity, healthcare, childcare, and other essential needs. Individuals may apply for a single benefit or more at the same time.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.