Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2568 blog entries.

Hawaii

The Department of Health (DOH) issued immunization recommendations for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season, as part of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). Hawaii, along with California, Oregon and Washington, are members of WCHA. These recommendations provide evidence-based guidance for protecting against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Detailed recommendations are available on DOH’s Respiratory Virus, COVID-19 and Immunization Branch websites. 

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:51:39-04:00September 26, 2025|Hawaii|

Idaho

The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses published its September 2025 newsletter including the following items of interest: Congratulations! Nicole L. Chopski Elected NABP President-Elect, Fraudulent Activity and GLP-1 Drugs, 'Certification of No Dispensing of Controlled Substances' Form No Longer a Required Document for RDOs [Resident Drug Outlets], NDOs [Non-Resident Drug Outlets] and PDOs [Prescriber Drug Outlets], Celebrating the Career of Berkeley Fraser: A Legacy of Service to Idaho's Pharmacy Community, Struggling in Silence? You're Not Along – Health Is Here for Health Professionals, Pharmacy Professional Recovery Program Forum and Board of Pharmacy 2025 Meeting Schedule.

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

Indiana: The Medicaid proposal to cut pharmacies' reimbursement remains unchanged, but the timeline for stakeholders to comment has been extended until October 27. A public hearing is scheduled on the same date to allow for public comments.

https://iar.iga.in.gov/register/20250917-IR-405250436RAA

https://iar.iga.in.gov/register/20250917-IR-405250436PHA

https://iar.iga.in.gov/register/20250917-IR-405250436FNA

Also in Indiana, to address a $250 million Medicaid budget shortfall, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) is proposing to reduce the pharmacy dispensing fee from $10.48 to $9.63. This proposal is based on the 2024 survey conducted by Myers and Stauffer. If approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the new reimbursement rate would take effect on March 1, 2026. NACDS is submitted a comment letter objecting to these proposed cuts.

Finally in Indiana, the Family and Social Services Administration (FFSA) Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) provided updates approved by Drug Utilization Review Board at the August 2025 meeting. 

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:51:03-04:00September 26, 2025|Idaho|

Kansas

The legislative research department issued an agenda for special interim committee meeting to discuss the 340B drug program and PBMs.

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:50:34-04:00September 26, 2025|Kansas|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH) issued an Informational Bulletin 25-27 on revisions being made to align with CMS 2434-F 2024 Final Rule on 340B.

Also in Louisiana, effective October 1, the Medicaid program will phase out its single Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and return to managed care organizations (MCOs) to manage its own pharmacy services—including prior authorizations, claims processing and prescription coverage—through its designated PBM. The Department of Health provided a list of the new PBMs for Medicaid Health Plans. This change does not apply to fee-for-service (FFS) members or members who have behavioral-health only coverage through their Medicaid health plan.

Also in Louisiana, Walmart pharmacist Inga Collins volunteered to serve on the Louisiana Rural Health Transformation Task Force representing chain pharmacies. 

Finally in Louisiana, Act 711 of the 2024 Regular Session authorizes pharmacists to initiate HIV PrEP and PEP, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals aged seventeen and older. A standing order for HIV Pre and Post-Exposure prophylaxis medications has been created by the Department of Health (LDH). In addition, the legislation mandates that pharmacists complete a training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This training may take place as a stand-alone course or as part of an equivalent curriculum-based training program offered by an ACPE-accredited college/school of pharmacy.

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:50:00-04:00September 26, 2025|Louisiana|

Maine

On September 12, the state's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) issued a standing order authorizing qualified health care professionals -̶ including pharmacists -̶ to administer the 2025- 2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The standing order serves as a prescription for all Maine people, allowing them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies, clinics and health care offices across the state. Under the standing order, Maine people no longer need to obtain a prescription through their health care provider to receive the vaccine. 

Also in Maine, on September 12, the Maine Bureau of Insurance issued a bulletin to state-regulated health insurance carriers reinforcing that they are required under state law to provide full coverage of the cost of the COVID vaccine when administered consistent with recommendations of the medical academies. 

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:49:24-04:00September 26, 2025|Maine|

Massachusetts

The Board of Pharmacy shared a reminder that the Opioid Pain Medication Drug Fact Sheet that must be distributed when dispensing a Schedule II or III prescription has been updated to reflect statutory changes. Please also note the change to state law that requires an opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone) to be offered whenever a Schedule II opioid is dispensed. 

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:48:47-04:00September 26, 2025|Massachusetts|

Minnesota

The vaccine protocol templates for the COVID-19 vaccine have been updated on Vaccine Protocols. Only minor changes have been made to provide clarity. The protocol content has not been changed.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:48:16-04:00September 26, 2025|Minnesota|

Missouri

The Department of Social Services, through the MO HealthNet Division, is seeking input on key initiatives and priorities to consider for potential funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The deadline to submit comments on this form is September 30. More information is available on the Press Release . 

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:47:28-04:00September 26, 2025|Missouri|

Montana

Effective October 1, the drug gabapentin will be a Schedule V controlled substance in the state, pursuant to the new law HB 41. Please see the below Fact Sheets for information to help with implementation: 

Gabapentin Fact Sheet for Pharmacies and Pharmacists

Gabapentin Fact Sheet for Prescribers and Patients

For additional information, contact the Board of Pharmacy at (406) 841-2371 or dlibsdpha@mt.gov, or the Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR) Program at (406) 841-2240 or dlibsdmpdr@mt.gov. 

Also in Montana, the Board of Pharmacy cancelled its Full Board Meeting on October 3. The board will meet again on December 5.

Finally in Montana, effective October 1, Bausch Health US, LLC and its subsidiary Salix Pharmaceuticals have terminated their participation in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. State Medicaid Programs are prohibited from utilizing federal funds to pay for medications manufactured by companies that don't participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

Therefore, several medications, most non-preferred, will no longer be covered by Montana Healthcare Programs. The most notable are Retin-A and Xifaxan. Generic Retin-A will replace the brand as a preferred product. Unfortunately, Xifaxan does not have a generic alternative. The manufacturer has said that they will provide Xifaxan to Medicaid members through a patient assistance program. The application for which can be found here. Please, alert members and their providers so that they can start this process and avoid interruptions in care. 

Below is a complete list of labelers whose rebate agreements and coverage will be terminated October 1. For more information, please contact Shannon Sexauer, PharmD, Medicaid Pharmacist, Allied Health Services Bureau, at shannon.sexauer@mt.gov. 

Labeler Code	Labeler Name
99207	BAUSCH HEALTH US, LLC
68682	OCEANSIDE PHARMACEUTICALS
68012	SANTARUS, INC.
66530	SPEAR DERMATOLOGY PRODUCTS, INC.
66490	BAUSCH HEALTH US LLC
65649	SALIX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
57782	BAUSCH & LOMB INC.
25010	BAUSCH HEALTH US, LLC
16781	BAUSCH HEALTH US, LLC
13548	BAUSCH HEALTH US, LLC
00884	PEDINOL PHARMACAL INC
00187	BAUSCH HEALTH US, LLC.

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:46:43-04:00September 26, 2025|Montana|