On December 9, Gov. John Carney (D) extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE) another 30 days permitting medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. This is the 10th extension of the PHE.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy shared “Volume 4” of its newsletter. The newsletter is created on a quarterly basis and is intended to provide insights and updates on the profession of pharmacy in the state. The newsletters can be found on the GBOP website for easy access.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following rules effective January 4, 2023:
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy published ARC 6696C as a Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 3, “Pharmacy Technicians,” Chapter 6, “General Pharmacy Practice,” Chapter 8, “Universal Practice Standards,” Chapter 18, “Centralized Prescription Filling and Processing,” Chapter 21, “Electronic Data and Automated Systems in Pharmacy Practice,” and Chapter 39, “Expanded Practice Standards.” Comments may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. on December 20.
Finally in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2405-MC-FFS announcing January 2023 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA) is seeking nominations for two trustee Board positions for 2023-2024. Trustees serve a three-year term. Any active MPhA member in good standing is eligible for nomination and self-nomination is acceptable. Interested parties may submit their nominations online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted an Interim Guidance for Clinicians to Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir, an official CDC Health Advisory.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has vetoed A7889, a bill meant to reform the Medicaid audit process. In her veto message, the Governor cited concerns about the bill preventing Medicaid from recovering legitimate overpayments and any corresponding impact on the loss of federal funds.
Also in New York, on December 20, the State Department of Health is hosting an informational online seminar for all stakeholders about the transition of the pharmacy benefit from Medicaid Managed Care to NYRx, (Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) pharmacy program). This is part of a series of recurring monthly webinars about this topic. Note that you must complete the registration form to attend. Afterward, a copy of the presentation will be posted on the transition website, where past presentations are available.
Finally in New York, Medicaid’s newsletter from November includes a section on pharmacy dispensing/prescribing of emergency contraceptives.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy (BOP) released another draft rule for stakeholder feedback from the Pharmacy Workforce Advisory Committee. This rule would establish mandatory breaks for pharmacy personnel. Members may submit comments to the BOP by January 20, 2023. Please note that the document also has guidance related to the current law around protections against employee violation reports to the Board.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Office of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) published Bulletins with updates to the Preferred Drug List effective January 9, 2023, and another about PA (Prior Authorization) instructions for Monoclonal Antibodies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will operate on an updated schedule for Healthy Connections Medicaid claims submission and payments to accommodate the December 2022 holidays.
December 2022
Due to observance of the Christmas holiday, Monday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to submit claims for payment date Friday, December 23. Payments will run Tuesday, December 20, and electronic remittance advice will be available Thursday, December 22. Payments will be dated Friday, December 23, as usual.
Monday, December 26, at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to submit claims for payment date Friday, December 30. Payments will run Tuesday, December 27, and electronic remittance advice will be available Thursday, December 29. Payments will be dated Friday, December 30, as usual.
January 2023
Due to observance of the New Year’s Day holiday, Monday, January 2, at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to submit claims for payment date Friday, January 6. Payments will run on Tuesday, January 3, and electronic remittance advice will be available Thursday, January 5. Payments will be dated Friday, January 6, as usual. The schedule will return to the normal payment cycle on payment date Friday, January 6, 2023.
Provider Service Center (PSC) Holiday Hours
The PSC will be closed Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday, and on January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.
Please refer any questions or concerns about this alert to the PSC at 888-289-0709. The PSC’s regular hours of operations are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Friday.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.