The Department of Human Services issued a proposed rule that would amend regulations under 77 IAC 2070 to add dronabinol oral solution and capsules to the list of Schedule II controlled substances. Comments are due August 9.
Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Critical Access Pharmacy (CAP) Dispensing Fee Fiscal Year 2022 Attestation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Health (LDH) issued several new Medicaid bulletins for pharmacies:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed HF 33, the Health and Human Services omnibus budget bill on June 29. Notably, the final bill includes an increase in the Medicaid professional dispensing fee from $10.48 to $10.77, an expansion of the list of drugs permitted to be dispensed in a 90-day supply, an allowance for medication therapy management via telehealth and a requirement that Medicaid conduct a cost of dispensing study to determine a statewide dispensing fee for specialty drugs.
Also in Minnesota, the Board of Pharmacy posted an announcement and FAQs that they rescinded COVID operational variances due to Gov. Walz ending the state of emergency on July 1. The Board expects pharmacies to be compliance with current statute and rules by July 16. The announcement clarifies that the PREP Act and Declarations pre-empt state laws and remain in effect.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
NACDS submitted comments opposing the inclusion of discount cards and programs in the definition of Usual and Customary that could contribute to below-cost pharmacy reimbursement.
Also in Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed into law legislation passed during the special session that extends the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program, which is a provider tax on pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care providers that are critical to drawing down federal match to fund Missouri’s Medicaid program to 2024. The FRA is currently set to expire September 30. (SB 1)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The next meeting of the Medicaid DUR Board Meeting will be held on July 13.
Also in Nebraska, given the expansion of testing availability throughout the state and decreased volume of specimens submitted to Test Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that Test Nebraska will no longer be collecting COVID-19 specimens after July 18.
Finally in Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced the end of the coronavirus state of emergency at 11:59 p.m. on June 30. The Governor issued Executive Order (EO) 21-09 to rescind pandemic-related executive orders. With a few exceptions, the coronavirus executive orders will expire on July 30, which is thirty days after the state of emergency ends. NACDS researched and identified the following as impacting pharmacies, pharmacists, interns and/or technicians and expiring on July 30.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy announces a notice to issue a temporary rule that would adopt regulations under 21 NCAC 46 to establish standards under which a pharmacist can administer long-acting injectable pharmaceuticals formulated to produce sustained release and gradual absorption. The rule also would establish recordkeeping requirements. A hearing is scheduled for August 2 by teleconference. Comments are due August 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
On June 30, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed HB 110, the biennial state budget bill. Included in the bill is a total of $15 million ($5,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2022 and $10,150,000 in Fiscal Year 2023) to continue funding for the Medicaid managed care pharmacy supplemental dispensing fees.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
REMINDER: The Board of Pharmacy cancelled all the COVID waivers effective July 1. If there is a need for a COVID waiver, then a request to reapply must be made to the board.
Also in Oklahoma, beginning July 1, the Board of Pharmacy transitioned to an online system where all new licenses and license renewals must be paid for through the Board’s online store. The Board will only accept credit card payments (Mastercard or Visa) or Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). For additional information, contact the Board.
Lastly in Oklahoma, the Board issued this reminder that the law on E-Scripts and OBNDD (Oklahoma Board of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) prescription pads does not apply to prescribers practicing in a federal facility, including Indian Health Services/Tribal pharmacies. The Board explained this is because prescribers can work there and be licensed in another state and not be licensed in Oklahoma. Furthermore, the Board stated the prescriptions from these federal facilities are legal and appropriate to fill if all other requirements are met.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The PACE program issued a Bulletin announcing it will reinstate the early refill edit that was temporarily lifted due to COVID-19 concerns. Additionally, the edit allowing a temporary override for quantities greater than 100 and a day’s supply greater than 30 will be removed when PACE is the primary payer. Both will be effective August 2. Questions may be directed to Provider Services at 1-800-835-4080.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.