Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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.

Drug Use Review (DUR): Additive Toxicity (AT) – System Issue Resolved (February 6)
Reinstatement Spotlight (February 3)
Correction to Alert Link for 30-day Countdown – Reinstatement of Prior Authorization Requirements for 46 Drug Classes Including Medical Supplies (February 3)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 27-February 2 (February 3)
Updated: Appendix H – List of Physician Administered Drugs (PADs) with Reject Code 816 (February 1)
Updates to Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits, Effective March 1, 2023 (February 1)
Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for February (February 1)
Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) (February 1)
Updates to Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (February 1)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 20-26 (January 27)
Reinstatement Spotlight (January 27)

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following: Medi-Cal Update – Pharmacy – January 2023 – Bulletin 1032 (Correction) (January 31)

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted agenda and meeting materials for the February 15 meeting of the Enforcement and Compounding Committee.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:56:16-05:00February 10, 2023|California|

Florida

House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo announced on February 3 that legislators will hold a 12-day special session that started on February 6.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:55:44-05:00February 10, 2023|Florida|

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) wishes to inform providers that due to the widespread availability of generic Tamiflu (oseltamivir), the Department will end the temporary procedures outlined in the December 9, 2022 provider notice effective March 1. This affects the Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) program and the managed care organizations (MCOs).

Effective March 1, the Department will no longer reimburse providers for dispensing brand name Tamiflu or for compounding suspensions with brand name Tamiflu. While there is no current shortage of oral suspension, compounding with the generic oseltamivir will be allowed only in emergency situations, as there still may be localized areas of shortage where demand is high.

The drugs will be removed as preferred products on the Preferred Drug List, and prior authorization will again be required for brand Tamiflu under the FFS program and the MCOs.

Please direct questions regarding this notice to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 for FFS claims, or the appropriate MCO.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:55:14-05:00February 10, 2023|Illinois|

Iowa

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:54:42-05:00February 10, 2023|Iowa|

Kansas

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:54:09-05:00February 10, 2023|Kansas|

Louisiana

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:53:38-05:00February 10, 2023|Louisiana|

Maryland

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:53:08-05:00February 10, 2023|Maryland|

Massachusetts

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:52:34-05:00February 10, 2023|Massachusetts|

Michigan

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.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:51:57-05:00February 10, 2023|Michigan|

About Michael Silber