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So far Michael Silber has created 2722 blog entries.

Oregon

Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed HB 2725 (Chapter 509), legislation prohibiting PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to clerical error. It also prohibits PBMs from imposing fees on pharmacies after point of sale. It also requires a PBM, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to pharmacy of specific claim that is denied or reduced and detailed explanation for denial or reduction.  

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority has posted new protocols for the following vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Influenza (IIV 2023-24 – Interim), and Influenza (LAIV 2023-24 – Interim). An interim protocol will be replaced with a final protocol once the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations are published in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report). Also, the following protocols have been updated: HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS) vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B.  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted opportunities for interested persons to serve on the Board. The Board has the following member opportunities available:  

  • Two Pharmacy Technician member positions available for reappointment or appointment – Apply here by November 5, 2023  
  • One public member position available for reappointment or appointment – Apply here by November 5, 2023  

Board members are appointed by Governor Tina Kotek and each Board member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. If you are interested in applying to serve on the Board, please visit the Board Member Opportunities webpage, review ORS 689.115, and apply through the governor's Boards and Commissions website.  

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy announced the next meeting of the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee and posted the meeting agenda.  Of interest is "Concept #1 – Immunizations" under "Committee Protocol Development". A link to the meeting agenda is provided below. 

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

2023-09-08T10:45:48-04:00September 8, 2023|Oregon|

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee (R), Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and The Kroger Company officials announced that Kroger will be constructing its fifth U.S. Central Fill facility in Cleveland, TN. Rep. Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) stated, “…This endeavor will create 140 jobs and provide state-of-the-art care through the utilization of automated technology to fulfill prescriptions. We are honored to be the site for this project, and highly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our economy and community.” 

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

2023-09-08T10:43:24-04:00September 8, 2023|Tennessee|

Texas

On September 1, 2023 more than 770 new laws passed by the legislature went into effect, including Senate Bill 29 that bans the state from enacting mask mandates, vaccine mandates or business and school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The law makes exceptions for certain entities, such as prisons, hospitals and assisted living centers or nursing homes.  

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where HEB pharmacist Jay Bueche was sworn in as president at the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) Convention and Expo in Houston.  

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor drug program provided several updates of interest to pharmacies:  

Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convened on September 5, and the trial is expected to last two-three weeks. In May, Paxton was impeached by the House of Representatives by a vote of 121-23 (61D & 60R) on 20 charges of misapplication of public resources, bribery, obstruction of justice, abuse of public trust and disregard or official duties. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) is presiding over the trial and the 31 State Senators are serving as the jurors. 

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

2023-09-08T10:42:40-04:00September 8, 2023|Texas|

Vermont

On August 23, the Board of Pharmacy held its monthly meeting.  On the agenda was a request for input regarding draft proposals for prescribing emergency contraceptives and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

2023-09-08T10:40:34-04:00September 8, 2023|Vermont|

Alabama

The Medicaid Agency has published a PSA video to encourage Medicaid recipients to complete their eligibility renewal forms when their notices come in the mail. Medicaid providers and partners are encouraged to share this video in public locations and on websites. 

Medicaid has taken extraordinary efforts to notify recipients when it is time to renew.
Renewal notices are sent through regular mail, and the Agency is contacting recipients by
email, text message and phone when it is time to renew (if they have provided that contact
information to the Agency). Several outreach resources are available for Medicaid partners to
make it simple to share the key messaging.
 
Please share the following key messaging from Medicaid: 

* Public Service Announcement – August 29, 2023
* How to Update Contact Information with the Agency (Medicaid Recipients)
* Video: Keep Your Coverage
* Video (Spanish): Keep Your Coverage

Medicaid regularly updates information for recipients on the COVID-19 Information for Providers webpage. Medicaid recipients who have questions should call Medicaid's Recipient Call Center at (800) 362-1504 or visit a Medicaid office in their area. Providers may contact the Provider Assistance Center at (800) 688-7989. 

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

2023-09-01T09:17:51-04:00September 1, 2023|Alabama|

Arizona

This week, the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) held a Study Session that included pharmacy technician rules to permanently authorize pharmacy technician to administer vaccines under the delegation and supervision of a pharmacist. The GRRC will hold a meeting on September 6 where they will vote on the rules package.

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

2023-09-01T09:17:14-04:00September 1, 2023|Arizona|

Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) may call a special session in September to address property tax relief. 

Also in Arkansas, the Governor appointed two new members to serve a six-year term on the Board of Pharmacy. Clint Boone from Little Rock replaces Rebecca Mitchell and Beth Ann Davenport from Bentonville will succeed Amy Fore. 

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

2023-09-01T09:16:34-04:00September 1, 2023|Arkansas|
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