Michael Silber, Author at In The States

South Carolina

After evaluating utilization data and consulting with the state’s managed care organizations (MCOs), the provider community and other stakeholders, SCDHHS (South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) is announcing updates to the policy changes it previously issued. The updates announced in this bulletin are specific to the temporary flexibilities that were created during the COVID-19 PHE (Public Health Emergency) and do not impact other agency policies that existed prior to the PHE unless specifically indicated. The changes announced today will take effect once the current federal PHE has expired. While the exact end-date is not yet known, providers are advised that the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services previously announced that the federal PHE will remain in effect until at least April 11.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:07:39-05:00January 27, 2023|South Carolina|

Tennessee

The Division of TennCare invites you to our virtual Annual Feedback Session for the Episodes of Care Program on March 23. This Session is open to all stakeholders to share successes, ask questions and give feedback to improve program design. The entire session is anticipated to take approximately one hour; however, the session will conclude when all feedback is given. This is a free event, although registration is required. Click HERE to register.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:06:41-05:00January 27, 2023|Tennessee|

Texas

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate Committee assignments this week.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-27T10:06:01-05:00January 27, 2023|Texas|

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|

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