Michael Silber – Page 213

Pennsylvania

Senator Judy Ward (R) introduced SB 1210, legislation that would allow pharmacists to perform independent COVID-19 point of care tests authorized by the FDA by suspending the laboratory work experience required by state law. NACDS drafted the language and is working jointly with the Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores (PACDS) to push this measure forward.

Also in Pennsylvania. HB 941 sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R) was amended and reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The bill contains PBM transparency provisions, as well as language intended to set reimbursement rates in managed care. The committee indicated there is more work to be done on this measure over the summer. NACDS will be supporting PACDS efforts to make the reimbursement language more definitive during this process.

Also in Pennsylvania. SB 943, a bill that prohibits PBMs from restricting pharmacists’ ability to discuss cost-sharing amounts and other information regarding drug costs to patients, was amended on third consideration then passed unanimously by the Senate. Commonly referred to as a “gag clause” prohibition, the amended bill is now eligible for concurrence in the House.

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

Michael Silber2020-07-09T23:03:15-04:00July 9, 2020|Pennsylvania|

South Carolina

Effective July 15, 2020, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will update the standard basis of payment for the FFS pharmacy benefit to provide payment at the lowest of:

The actual acquisition cost (AAC) plus a professional dispensing fee (PDF) of $10.50;
The state’s maximum allowable cost plus a PDF of $10.50; or,
The usual and customary charges to the general public.

The AAC is defined as the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). In those instances where the NADAC does not exist, the AAC is defined as the wholesale acquisition cost. For more information, click here.

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

Michael Silber2020-07-09T22:57:07-04:00July 9, 2020|South Carolina|

Texas

The Drug Utilization Review Board announced that they will be performing a clinical review anticonvulsant, antihemophilic, antineoplastic, antiretroviral, and medications used to treat multiple sclerosis at the October 23, 2020 meeting. These are protected drug classes not currently reviewed on the Texas Medicaid Preferred Drug List. All medications within these drug classes will be preferred and continue to be available without prior authorization. For more information, contact vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Also in Texas. Health and Human Service Commission’s Vendor Drug Program plans to publish the semi-annual update of the Medicaid preferred drug list on July 27, 2020. The new preferred drug classes are Glucagon Agents, Immunomodulators, Asthma and Sickle Cell Anemia Treatments.

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

Michael Silber2020-07-09T22:55:12-04:00July 9, 2020|Texas|

Wisconsin

ForwardHealth reminds providers that they are to resume collecting co-pays starting July 1^st. Please see the ForwardHealth Update for more information. Please recall the temporary copay suspension was introduced in the December 2019 Update.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Silber2020-07-09T22:54:38-04:00July 9, 2020|Wisconsin|

Colorado

HB 18-1279, mandatory e-prescribing legislation NACDS and a broad coalition support, was heard in the House Health, Insurance and Environment Committee on March 29.

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

Michael Silber2018-03-29T16:45:33-04:00March 29, 2018|Colorado|

West Virginia

HB 4524, legislation allowing pharmacists to substitute interchangeable biologic drugs and establishes guidelines for notification, has been signed by Gov. Jim Justice (R) with an effective date of Friday, June 8.

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

Michael Silber2018-03-29T16:40:21-04:00March 29, 2018|West Virginia|

Wisconsin

NACDS sponsored and attended the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin’s Legislative Day on February 8. A primary focus was support for companion bills, AB 680 and SB 576, which would give pharmacists independent authority to provide vaccines listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP) recommended vaccine schedules for anyone 6 years of age and older; allow pharmacists to provide vaccines not currently recommended by ACIP pursuant to a prescription, standing order or protocol for anyone 6 years of age and older; and allow pharmacists to provide vaccines to children younger than 6 years of age pursuant to a prescription.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Michael Silber2018-03-13T14:31:41-04:00February 15, 2018|Wisconsin|

Maryland

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on SB 13, legislation that would require pharmacies to report dispensing information on all drugs to the state’s Health Information Exchange. The Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Maryland Pharmacists Association testified in opposition to the bill, citing the lack of input by pharmacy previous to the bill being filed. Following that testimony, the Committee adopted a motion directing the Maryland Health Care Commission to further explore the concept through stakeholder’s workgroup meetings.

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

Michael Silber2018-02-14T20:12:42-05:00February 8, 2018|Maryland|

Arizona

Gov. Doug Ducey (R) called a special session on January 22 to address the state’s opioid abuse crisis. On January 26, the Governor signed into law SB 1001 that rapidly moved through the legislature. Among the various pharmacy provisions in the bill are requirements for pharmacists to check the prescription drug monitoring program database for all new opioid prescriptions and to place a red cap and adhere a warning label to a prescription vial containing an opioid product. The warning label will be developed via Board of Pharmacy regulations. Beginning January 1, 2019, there will be requirements for e-prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances prescription phased in based upon population in a county with all counties in compliance by July 1, 2019.

Michael Silber2018-02-14T20:43:01-05:00February 1, 2018|Arizona|

About Michael Silber