Rhode Island
The state issued a Provider update. Please find here the link to the August Provider Update.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
South Carolina
Due to recently enacted legislation, South Carolina retailers who sell tobacco products must notify the Department of Revenue (SCDOR) by August 14, 2023. The legislation, signed into law May 16, updates the definition of "tobacco products" to include cigarettes, products made of tobacco, electronic smoking devices, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, e-hookah, e-liquid and tobacco items that may or may not contain nicotine. For more information on the definitions of tobacco products, see SC Code Section 16-17-501.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual (PPPM) was updated on August 1, 2023. The revised manual is a comprehensive resource for Medicaid pharmacy providers enrolled with the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) on benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates.
Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) Conference and Expo in Houston, where Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), the author of legislation would have made permanent in Texas law the expanded vaccination authority afforded to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act, gave the keynote address. NACDS also sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where pharmacist Jay Bueche with HEB was sworn in as president of TPA.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy's monthly newsletter is available here.
Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy's quarterly meeting was held on August 1. The next meeting is scheduled for November 7, election day.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy will meet on August 22. The details for participation and the agenda have been posted online. Below are the discussion items.
- 9:00 AM DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act); Justin Macy, NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) Director of Innovation
- Vaccine Protocol
- Pharmacist In Charge Responsibilities Review
- Pharmacist Prescribing Epinephrine Auto-injectors
- Transfer of Electronic Prescriptions Schedule 2-5
- Alterations to Schedule II Controlled Substances
- Hormonal Contraception Questionnaire Update
- PEP/PrEP Update
- Next APCEC meeting September 14.
Also in Utah, the Board of Pharmacy distributed its August 2023 newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Vermont
NACDS joined its members, in-state partners, and representatives from the state medical community to discuss pharmacist and technician scope with members from the Department of Health. Stakeholders also met on July 27 to discuss test and treat legislation for 2024.
Also in Vermont, on July 26, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting, during which it reviewed the emergency declarations and the Executive Order regarding pharmacies. Link to the agenda
Finally in Vermont, the Executive Order allows a one-time 30-day maintenance prescription to be filled, as well as emergency licensing for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from out-of-state to fill any staffing gaps. This Executive Order lasts for 90 days or if there is a State of Emergency, whichever is shorter. There will be updates to come as things change. The next board meeting is August 23.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Alaska
HB 112, signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R), requires that Out-of-State Pharmacies be licensed rather than registered by June 30, 2024.
- If an Out-of-State Pharmacy is currently registered, it will not need to do anything until renewal time, which is scheduled for June 2024.
- If an Out-of-State Pharmacy is not currently registered, they will need to apply to be licensed rather than registered beginning November 27, 2023.
- All Internet-based/Online Pharmacies will fall under the same statutory and regulatory requirements as Out-of-State Pharmacies if they want to provide pharmacy services.
- Beginning November 27, 2023, all licensed Out-of-State Pharmacies must also have a Pharmacist-in-Charge that holds an active Alaska Pharmacist license. Out-of-State Pharmacies that are currently registered and will renew in June 2024 must have a Pharmacist-in-Charge that holds an active Alaska Pharmacist license at renewal time.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy’s rules, permitting pharmacists to provide patients 18 years of age and older with self-administered hormonal contraceptives via a standing order, were approved and effective immediately. The Arizona Department of Health Services issued the statewide standing order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
The Joint Committee on Insurance and Commerce held a hearing at the Capitol on July 13. Included on the agenda was Interim Study Proposal (ISP-2023-068) by Sen. Clarke Tucker (D), draft legislation proposing to amend the Law Concerning Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) Lists to Define a Similarly Situated Pharmacy, Clarify How a Pharmacy Benefits Manager Provided its Maximum Allowable Cost List and Establish a Private Right of Action.
Also in Arkansas, the Insurance Department issued Bulletin 12-2023: "Application of Arkansas Prior Authorization Law to Non-Physician Healthcare Providers."
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Effective July 1, 2023, the Board of Pharmacy and all other Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing boards and bureaus were required to grant temporary licensure to the spouse or domestic partner of an active-duty military member stationed in the state if the applicate is currently licensed and holds an active and unrestricted license in another state with the same scope of practice as the profession in California for which they would like to practice. This applicant population also receives expedited processing and initial application and license fee waivers. Applications for this temporary licensure are available through the board or bureau with jurisdiction over the type of license being sought. DCA posted the requirements and additional information.
Also in California, as required in Business and Professions Code Section 4301.3, the Board of Pharmacy submitted its report to the Legislature. The report provides summary information of the efforts undertaken to evaluate whether moving to a standard of care enforcement model would be feasible and appropriate. The report offers recommendations, including most notably that the Board concludes that a hybrid enforcement model remains appropriate for the regulation of the practice of pharmacy for consumer protection. The report also provides next steps, including continuing to work with stakeholders to advance patient access to care that achieves health equity for California consumers without compromise to public safety.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following weekly notices and alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for July 7-13 (July 14)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (July 14)
- Prior Authorization Submission Processing – System Issue Resolved (July 13)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 30-July 6 (July 7)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (July 7)
- 30-day Countdown: Phase IV, Lift 1: Reinstatement of Claims Edits for Age, Gender, and Labeler Code Restrictions for Members 22 Years of Age and Older (July 3)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for July (July 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List (July 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List – Blood Factors (July 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List – Over-the-Counter Drugs (July 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment Pharmacy Formulary (July 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (July 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 23-29 (June 30)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (June 30)
- 90-day Countdown: Reinstatement of Prior Authorization Requirements for Enteral Nutrition Products for Members 22 Years of Age and Older (June 23)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 16-22 (June 23)
Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
- July 2023 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- July 2023 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- COVID-19 Medi-Cal Response Page Update and Vaccine Guideline Removal
- 2023 HCPCS Quarter 3 Update
- Simplified Bivalent Vaccine Administration Codes Added for COVID-19
- Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- June 2023 Update: Discontinuation of the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program
- National Correct Coding Initiative Quarterly Update for July 2023
- June 2023 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- June 2023 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.