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.
Illinois
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
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.
Minnesota
HF 1197 and SF 1176, companion bills that would make pharmacy immunization and testing practice consistent with the federal PREP Act, have been introduced. The bills also include Medicaid reimbursement language. NACDS is working with the Minnesota Pharmacists Association and the Minnesota Retailers Association, supporting their on-the-ground efforts to advance the bills.
Also in Minnesota, this week's Department of Health COVID Provider Newsletter includes a segment encouraging providers' to begin planning for when COVID vaccine is only available from the commercial market.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.