Michael Silber – Page 206

South Carolina

NACDS virtually attended the 2021 SCRA Legislative Days Monday, March 29^th, and Tuesday, March 30^th. The legislators and state agency representatives the group heard from over two days included, Governor Henry McMaster, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, and the new Director at the SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Controls (DHEC), Dr. Edward Simmer. Governor McMaster discussed the COVID19 vaccine roll-out and his appreciation for the retail partners’ efforts. He also stated that he anticipated the current State of Emergency to continue for the foreseeable future. Senator Hutto discussed possible legislation mandating the COVID19 vaccine as well as Hate Crime legislation. Dr. Simmer is hoping for continued collaboration in addressing vaccine access.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-09T09:57:37-04:00April 9, 2021|South Carolina|

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority issued the following:

Temporary rule amending regulations under OAR 410-121 to revise the practitioner-managed prescription drug plan to update the preferred drug list. The rule is effective April 1, 2021, and expires June 29, 2021.
Proposed rule amending regulations under OAR 410-121 to revise the practitioner-managed prescription drug plan to update the preferred drug list, beginning April 1, 2021. The rule currently is in effect as a temporary rule, expiring June 29, 2021. Comments are due April 21, 2021.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-09T09:56:15-04:00April 9, 2021|Oregon|

Texas

NACDS is asking members to call Chari Stephanie Klick and members of the House Public Health Committee asking for a hearing as soon as possible for TX HB 678 by Rep. Phil Cortez. Our message is that “there is an urgent need to permanently remove the administrative barriers allowing pharmacists to independently order and administer all immunizations to anyone 3 years of age or older without a prescription. Passing HB 678 will guarantee Texans get much better access to convenient, preventive health care.”

Also in Texas, as the state opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone age 16 and older, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) launched the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler, giving people one place to sign up for a COVID-19 shot through multiple public health departments, including the eight DSHS public health regions, which provide public health services in nearly 200 Texas counties, and more than a dozen local health entities across the state.

Also in Texas, beginning April 1^st, Health and Human Services (HHSC) set the fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement rates for COVID vaccines to align with Medicare. The FFS administration reimbursement rate is now $40 for each dose.

Lastly in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy is requesting comments by May 4^th on several proposed rules:

Proposed rule amending regulations allowing pharmacists to electronically sign the data entry attestation statement. The rule also would update references to the DEA 222 order form requirements for distributing Schedule II controlled substances.
Proposed rule extending the period that Schedule II prescriptions are valid to 30 days to conform to federal standards. The rule also would remove a reference to the effective date of the pharmacy responsibility provisions.
Proposed rule correcting statutory and regulatory cross-references in the requirements on pharmacy operation.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-09T09:55:02-04:00April 9, 2021|Texas|

Washington

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission issued an emergency rule effective until July 3^rd increasing the amount of time to 15 days that a practitioner has to deliver a signed prescription when authorizing an emergency prescription of a Schedule II substance to the pharmacy. The rule also defines “signed prescription” and allows practitioners to fulfill signature requirements through paper, electronic transmission, facsimile, photograph, or scanned copy. The rule extends August 5, 2020, emergency rule is issued in response to the COVID pandemic.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-09T09:54:00-04:00April 9, 2021|Washington|

West Virginia

Gov. Jim Justice (R) signed HB 2262, removing the requirement that a veterinarian monitor the controlled substance monitoring database and adding the requirement that a pharmacist licensed by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy shall access the West Virginia Controlled Substances Monitoring Program Database for information regarding specific patients upon initially dispensing any Schedule II controlled substance, any opioid or any benzodiazepine to a patient who is not suffering from a terminal illness, and at least annually thereafter should the practitioner or dispenser continue to treat the patient with a controlled substance. The effective date is May 31, 2021.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-09T09:52:57-04:00April 9, 2021|West Virginia|

Arkansas

HB 1134/Act 406 by pharmacist Rep. Justin Boyd (R) allows Arkansas pharmacists the ability to prescribe and administer all vaccines and immunizations to anyone 3 years of age and older. If pharmacists administer either the flu or COVID vaccine to a patient that is 3-6 years old, then the pharmacist must participate in the Vaccines for Children program and inform adult caregivers of the importance of a well-child visit.
HB 1135/Act 407 also by pharmacist Rep. Justin Boyd allows Arkansas pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and immunizations to a person 3 years of age or older if delegated by a supervising pharmacist; pharmacy technicians may not administer other medications.
HB 1069/Act 408 allows Arkansas pharmacists with proper training to be defined by the Board of Pharmacy to initiate therapy and administer or dispense contraceptives under a statewide protocol.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-02T09:03:05-04:00April 2, 2021|Arkansas|

California

The Department of Managed Health Care announced All Plan Letter 21-011 to provide an overview of new guidance from the federal Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury that address the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and other health coverage issues related to COVID-19. The letter discusses coverage of diagnostic testing, especially public health surveillance testing.

Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy posted its monthly news roundup. Among the items of interest are the March 2021 issue of “The Script” with articles about new pharmacy laws, new requirements for controlled substance prescription forms and for reporting to CURES, tips on how to avoid processing delays for pharmacy technician license applications, and a reminder that pharmacists-in-charge are required to complete a self-assessment of the pharmacy’s compliance with state and federal laws before July 1 of each odd-numbered year. Current forms and draft versions under review for possible adoption are available online under “Facility License Information/Renewal.” Effective April 1, 2021, the CURES fee will increase from $6 to $11 annually for two years in which most licensees will see a $22 CURES fee due to the biennial renewal cycle.

Also in California. The Board of Pharmacy posted “Guidance on Eligible Personnel for Vaccines Administered in Pharmacies.” Please visit the above link for more information.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-02T09:02:08-04:00April 2, 2021|California|

Colorado

Via an emergency regulation effective February 24, the Division of Insurance amends regulations under 3 CCR 702-4 to specify that carriers must provide coverage for persons undergoing treatment and receiving vaccines for COVID-19.

Also in Colorado, The Division of Insurance amends regulations under 3 CCR 702-4 related to coverage and cost-sharing requirements for the commercial insurance market coverage of COVID-19 claims. “Section 6 Access to Prescription Drugs During the COVID-19 Emergency” includes language to allow 90-day refills before the scheduled refill date and to prohibit carriers from applying a different cost-sharing amount for early refills. This emergency regulation 21-E-04 was effective March 19.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-02T09:00:45-04:00April 2, 2021|Colorado|

District of Columbia

Effective April 2021, HIV post-exposure (PEP) and Pre-exposure (PrEP) treatment for MCO beneficiaries will be carved out of managed care. Claims should be submitted through the Magellan POS system.

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

Michael Silber2021-04-02T08:59:53-04:00April 2, 2021|District of Columbia|

About Michael Silber