The Division of Medicaid published a final rule to amend regulations under Title 23, Part 224, Chapter 1, to provide for coverage of vaccine administration by pharmacists. The rule is effective April 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The North Carolina Medicaid Department issued a proposed rule to require Medicaid recipients to get a 90-day supply of non-controlled, maintenance medications and remove the requirement that Medicaid (or a managed care company after July 1, 2021) would have to pay NADAC or the State MAC Price for the prescription. More details can be found at the above link on page 8. Comments can be submitted here and are due April 12, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Outpatient pharmacies in Ohio must now store all schedule II controlled substance dangerous drugs in a “securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or safe,” which must remain locked and secured when not in use. Ohio Admin. Code 4729:5-5-23(A)(5). Schedule II substances can no longer be dispersed among a pharmacy’s stock of dangerous drugs. Pharmacies may store schedule III through V controlled substance dangerous drugs with schedule II controlled substance dangerous drugs in a safe or cabinet or continue to disperse them among non-controlled substances. For more detail see page 45 of the updated Inspection Guide. Though it was originally effective December 1, 2020, the Board of Pharmacy delayed implementation of this new requirement until March 31, 2021, because of COVID-19.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
NACDS has learned that the PALS application process for the Authorization to Administer Injectables for Pharmacy Interns has been released. Interns should log into or create a PALS account and select Board of Pharmacy then “Authorization to Administer Injectables for Pharmacy Interns.” The Board is asking that pharmacy interns who previously submitted an intent to immunize also now register through this process.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is updating guidance on how providers should submit requests and inquiries related to Medicaid eligibility. The Eligibility Administrative Support Team (EAST) will no longer process inquiries via its fax or email address. Effective immediately, all provider updates and inquiries should only be submitted via the procedures outlined in this ALERT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy published a proposed rule to revise Chapter 16 of the Wyoming Pharmacy Act Rules to include the COVID-19 vaccines, ease requirements for administering vaccines, and update the incorporated CDC recommended vaccination schedules. The proposal currently is in effect as an emergency rule, expiring April 8, 2021. Comments are due May 8, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy published a proposed rule that would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to clarify provisions on the non-disciplinary administrative penalty for late renewal of a license, permit, registration, certification, or similar document. A hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2021, in Birmingham. Comments are due April 10, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration and consistent with the authority of the Board of Pharmacy to waive Pharmacy Law or the regulations, the Board president Greg Lippe extended the previously approved limited waiver on pharmacists initiating and administering vaccines through May 29, 2021. More information can be found at the following link. Pharmacists Initiating and Administering Vaccines, CCR section 1746.4(d)
Also in California, On March 24, 2021, CalRecycle staff will conduct a webinar to present the statutory and regulatory requirements, submittal process, and timing for covered drugs and home-generated sharps waste stewardship plans and initial program budgets as required by the Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship law and its implementing regulations.
Also in California, The Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services held a hearing this week to review the Governor’s proposal to provide $12 million in funding Medi-Cal coverage of continuous glucose monitors. NACDS is part of a Coalition supporting Medi-Cal coverage of CGMs.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy created a voluntary online registry to help consumers find specific health care services that qualified pharmacists may provide to patients without a prescription.
The health services are:
Also in California, The Medi-Cal web portal Provider Registration and Training FAQs are now available and can be accessed here.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy will hold a Teleconference Public Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021. The agenda includes discussion and consideration of Title 16 CCR Section 1747, related to HIV Prep and PEP, and proposed regulations related to pharmacy technician application, training requirements, and certification programs.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy adopted a final rule that modifies the Pharmacy Technician Application (Form 17A – 5) to add information regarding expedited licensure for applicants who meet certain criteria regarding their immigration status and military service. This change without regulatory effect was filed on February 8.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services’ Education & Outreach team is surveying providers to learn more about how pharmacies currently conduct business for Medi-Cal Pharmacy Claims. The results of the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Provider and Prescriber Readiness Survey will be used to tailor training offerings for Medi-Cal Rx to ensure pharmacies are prepared for the upcoming transition.
Also in California. Beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgment to vaccinate individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at high risk from COVID-19 as the direct result of certain conditions and settings:
Healthcare providers should thoroughly read the California Department of Public Health’s Provider Bulletin, Fact Sheet, and COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guidelines. Additional information is at California’s COVID-19 vaccine website here.
Also in California. Effective April 1, 2021, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) fee will increase from $6 to $11 annually for two years for all the Board’s that prescribe, order, administer, furnish, or dispense Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substances. More information is available here.
Lastly in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a joint letter to the Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee in support of SB 409 with proposed amendments to include pharmacy technician testing authority as well as authority for pharmacists to initiate treatment according to the test result.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
After months of promoting making permanent Prep Act guidance allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, the Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule effective March 17, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.