During the 2020 Regular Session, the Legislature adopted House Concurrent Resolution 71 which directs all professional licensing boards to adopt emergency rules to suspend the collection of license renewal fees for existing businesses located in Louisiana for licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations. To be in compliance, at the June 25^th teleconference meeting, the Board adopted emergency rules effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Also in Louisiana. The Legislature reached a balanced budget agreement last week and adjourned their special session on June 30^th. Lawmakers may return for another special session in October to either spend more federal coronavirus aid or make cuts if the budget situation worsens.

Also in Louisiana. Gov. Edwards issued Proclamation 83 JBE 2020 extending the public health emergency until July 24, 2020, unless terminated sooner which means that all previously issued waivers and guidance from the Board relative to this public health emergency have also been extended.

Also in Louisiana. At the June 25^th Board of Pharmacy meeting, Board members voted to terminate their recognition of NABP Passport effective July 31, 2020.  A copy of that notice is here.  Holders of the NABP Passport who have been practicing within or for the State of Louisiana without a separate credential issued by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy will no longer be authorized to do so after July 31, 2020. The Board also approved an Emergency Rule suspending the collection of license renewal fees from existing businesses located within Louisiana for those credentials scheduled to expire between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

Lastly in Louisiana. Effective June 20^th, final rules on drug disposal and pain medication treatment guidelines were adopted. In addition, the following Final and Emergency rules have also been published.

• Final rule of the Board of Pharmacy amends regulations under LAC 46:LIII, Chapters 15, 25, and 27, to allow pharmacies to accept returns of previously dispensed drugs for disposal and specify requirements for the disposal of controlled substances and hazardous drugs. The rule also removes the requirement that pharmacies accept returns of controlled substances for disposal and instead allows pharmacies to accept such drugs for disposal. In addition, the rule requires pharmacies to advise patients or their designees of drug disposal options.

• Final rule of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration amends regulations under LAC 40:I, Chapter 21, to revise chronic pain disorder medical treatment guidelines. The rule revises guidelines for nonoperative therapeutic procedures.

The Department of Public Health extended until October 22, 2020, an  Emergency rule amending regulations for the continuation of Medicaid programs and services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule relaxes requirements related to fair hearing requests and asset verification, provides for coverage of diagnostic testing for uninsured individuals, waives the requirement for daily visits by hospice providers, and allows for telemedicine visits by hospice providers. The rule also allows for reimbursement of ambulance providers for allowable services on-site without transport, waives copayments for pharmacy services, and allows a 90-day supply of maintenance medications.

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