Vermont
On February 28, the Board of Pharmacy will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting at 9:00 am. The agenda has been posted.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Washington
E2SSB 5213, PBM reform legislation pharmacy supports, continues to advance. The bill passed the Senate and was referred to the House Health and Wellness Committee where it passed on February 21 by a vote of 11-6.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wyoming
HB 173, legislation related to the inclusion of retail pharmacies as in-network providers, failed a vote to be introduced. In an even-numbered year, bills in Wyoming must pass a vote in order to be formally introduced.
Also in Wyoming, SF 0100, legislation related to prompt payment of clean pharmacy claims, passed the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) on February 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arizona
NACDS submitted a letter to the Senate Finance and Commerce Committee in support of SB 1165, expanding PBM reforms in the state. The bill would prohibit PBMs from deploying discriminatory reimbursement practices that favor pharmacies affiliated with and under common control of the PBM over other, non-affiliated, network pharmacy providers. Additionally, the bill also includes provisions that would strengthen the state’s existing laws for audits conducted by PBMs, preventing PBMs from engaging in audit practices that penalize pharmacy providers for clerical or administrative issues on claims for covered medications that otherwise are payable.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Legislation pharmacies are supporting, HB 24-1045, which includes language in Sections 7 and 8 on pharmacy treatment and payment for substance use disorders (SUDs) is scheduled for a hearing on February 20 in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Also in Colorado, the Colorado Pharmacists Society's (CPS) Pharmacy Day at the Capitol is February 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Indiana
The Family and Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) provided pharmacy updates approved by the Drug Utilization Board.
Also in Indiana, SB 192, legislation allowing a pharmacist to administer any immunization that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under a drug order, a prescription or a physician protocol, died in the House Appropriations Committee. Current law restricts the types of vaccines that can be administered under a physician protocol.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
HB 2747, legislation that would allow pharmacists to provide HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), was referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
A bill that would apply many of the PBM reforms adopted in Medicaid to commercial and state employees’ plans has been introduced. SB 188 is sponsored by Sen. Max Wise (R), a longtime advocate of PBM reform. A few of the provisions included in this comprehensive bill include: a NADAC and Medicaid Dispensing Fee rate floor, anti-steering and anti-mandatory mail order language, a broad definition of specialty pharmacy and a formula to determine network adequacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.