Michael Silber – Page 108

Virginia

Two companion bills that would allow pharmacists to test and treat under a statewide Board of Pharmacy protocol have advanced in their respective chambers. HB 2274 is poised for a vote on the House floor and SB 948 passed the Senate unanimously. The bills add the authority for pharmacists to test and treat for Flu, Strep, COVID and UTIs to the existing ten conditions/therapies that pharmacist can currently treat. However, opposition from the medical community to the UTI provision drove 10 negative votes in the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, with the bill just squeaking out of committee with 11 favorable votes. NACDS has been working closely with in-state partners and members to advance these practice advancements over the last several sessions and issued an RxImpact Alert this week encouraging outreach to House members prior to the upcoming floor vote.

Also in Virginia, the Board of Pharmacy published a reminder that pharmacists must obtain at least two (2) hours of continuing education (CE) in 2023 on the following subjects related to opioids: medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, naloxone or any other drug indicated for OUD. The CE must be obtained between January 1 and December 31. Inquiries may be directed to pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:05:23-05:00January 27, 2023|Virginia|

West Virginia

HB 2754, legislation that would codify pharmacy immunization authority to match that of the PREP Act has advanced. HB 2754 deletes the prescription requirement for children’s vaccines and allows pharmacy technicians to immunize. The bill received swift committee approval, overwhelmingly passed the House (90-5) and has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Resources.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:04:46-05:00January 27, 2023|West Virginia|

Wisconsin

The Department of Health Services announced February 2023 will be the last month families will receive extra benefits in the state’s FoodShare program as a result of enactment of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, passed by the U.S. Congress in late December. This act ends a federal program that has been providing additional benefits to households enrolled in the FoodShare program.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:00:46-05:00January 27, 2023|Wisconsin|

Alabama

The Alabama Medicaid Agency has removed the requirement of absence of alcohol and illicit drug use by recipients for the prior approval of antiviral drugs used in the treatment of hepatitis C. A copy of the patient’s drug and alcohol screening lab report is no longer required. All other criteria remain, including the patient consent form with the patient’s and physician’s signature, which must be submitted with requests.

The updated Prior Authorization (PA) request form and criteria booklet should be utilized by the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacy when requesting a PA. Updated forms and criteria can be found here.

Also in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Pharmacy Division is asking that you complete the following ReadyOp survey if you are unable to obtain oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for your patients due to drug shortages or supply issues. The information provided through this survey will enable ADPH to assess potential oseltamivir shortages quickly and respond appropriately.

The link will remain open until June 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to pharmacy@adph.state.al.us.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:13:17-05:00January 13, 2023|Alabama|

Arizona

NACDS, along with the Arizona Independent Pharmacy Coalition and American Pharmacies, sponsored “Putting Patients Before Profits in Healthcare.” The breakfast briefing for state legislators and staff provided information about how PBMs currently operate in the marketplace and the adverse impacts these practices are having on patients, prescribers, and pharmacies.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:12:39-05:00January 13, 2023|Arizona|

Arkansas

The legislature convened on January 9, 2023. HB (House Bill) 1007 was a prefile. The bill would expand a pharmacist’s authority to prescribe HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) under a statewide protocol.

Also in Arkansas, the Department of Human Services posted pharmacy billing Medicaid copay changes and exemptions effective January 1, 2023.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:12:09-05:00January 13, 2023|Arkansas|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the reinstatement resources and information below.

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:  

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:11:35-05:00January 13, 2023|California|

Colorado

The legislature convened on January 9, 2023.

Also in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is hosting an informational session on preparing for the end of the Public Health Emergency. This online seminar is geared toward community partners such as advocacy organizations, providers and community organizations that may provide other assistance to Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or CHP+ members. Register in advance for the January 25 online seminar scheduled from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm MST.

Finally in Colorado, Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under SB21-175 is currently evaluating draft rules for the Upper Payment Limits.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:10:52-05:00January 13, 2023|Colorado|

Florida

This week, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at the Villages to outline proposed legislation that would target pharmacy benefit managers to try to lower prescription-drug costs in the state. NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson released the following statement after the press conference.

Finally in Florida, all Medicaid Fee-For-Service claims submitted January 1, 2023, or after from a non-exempt provider type that does not have a ROPA [Referring, Ordering, Prescribing, and Attending] provider listed on the claim will be denied. The exempted provider types that will not require a ROPA on the claim are listed here, all other provider type claims must have a ROPA provider identified by NPI (National Provider Identifier) on the claim for reimbursement by Medicaid.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:10:14-05:00January 13, 2023|Florida|

About Michael Silber