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So far Michael Silber has created 2118 blog entries.

Missouri

The Department of Social Services HealthNet Division (DSSHD) issued a rule removing obsolete provisions in addition to referencing new provisions establishing the payment methodology for covered entities under the 340B drug pricing program that choose to carve in Medicaid. DSSHD also adopted regulations establishing the payment methodology for covered entities under the 340B drug pricing program that choose to carve in Medicaid. These rules are effective July 1, 2021, and expire on February 24, 2022.

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

2021-05-14T11:37:33-04:00May 14, 2021|Missouri|

Nevada

SB190 by Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro (D) that NACDS and the Retail Association of Nevada support allowing a pharmacist to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive under the standing order passed the Senate 21-0 and was heard in the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee on May 10.

Also in Nevada, AB177, legislation NACDS opposed filed by Majority Leader Benitez-Thompson (D) that requires pharmacies to post the rights of patients to demand information that at the request of the patient, pharmacies provide written translations on the prescription label in a language other than English. Despite opposition from NACDS and pharmacists, the bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 26-16. It was referred to the Senate where it was amended on May 11th and is awaiting a vote out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Also in Nevada, SB229, legislation expanding pharmacy collaborative practice agreements that NACDS and the Retail Association of Nevada support passed the Senate 17-4, was heard in the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee in late April. A second work session was held on May 12. The next step is for the Committee to approve the bill and send it to the full Assembly.

Lastly in Nevada, AB178 by Assemblywoman Hardy allows under certain conditions a pharmacist to fill or refill a prescription in an amount that is greater than the amount authorized by the prescriber but cannot exceed a 30-day supply when a disaster or state of emergency is in effect.

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

2021-05-14T11:36:39-04:00May 14, 2021|Nevada|

Pennsylvania

NACDS reminds members that on March 29 the new Acting Physician General Denise Johnson signed a new standing order for naloxone. All prescriptions using the standing order from former Secretary of Health Levine or former Acting Physician General Braund, and any remaining refills on those prescriptions are null and void.

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

2021-05-14T11:34:39-04:00May 14, 2021|Pennsylvania|

Texas

On May 6, HB678  by Rep. Phil Cortez (D), overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 139-7.  HB678, supported by NACDS, allows pharmacists to independently order, and both pharmacists and technicians to administer, all immunizations to anyone 3 years of age or older without a prescription. The bill will now be heard by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. NACDS members are urged to call their State Senator to ask them to HB678 expanding access to immunizations by permanently removing existing administrative barriers.

Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy launched a new podcast for Board news and updates. The first episode covers the November 2020 and February 2021 Board meeting rule adoptions, along with recent Board news and an important scam alert. www.pharmacy.texas.gov/podcast

Laslty in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt is encouraging vaccine providers to order additional COVID-19 vaccines as needed as the state is now receiving about 1.5 million a week. Texas has now administered more than 18.3 million doses of the vaccine. More than 11 million people have received at least one dose, and over 7.9 million are now fully vaccinated. covidvaccine.texas.gov.

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

2021-05-14T11:33:49-04:00May 14, 2021|Texas|

Washington

The Department of Health, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission adopted regulations allowing retired pharmacists to apply for a retired active pharmacist license status and practice pharmacy under certain conditions.

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

2021-05-14T11:32:14-04:00May 14, 2021|Washington|

Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed into law SB 505/Act 651 legislation requiring prescribers to co-prescribe an opioid antagonist to patients under certain conditions: (1) dosage is equal to or above 50MME per day; (2) benzodiazepine has been prescribed or will be prescribed at the same time as the opioid; and (3) the patient has a history of drug abuse or a drug overdose.

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

2021-04-30T09:18:55-04:00April 30, 2021|Arkansas|

California

The COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page previously found on the Medi-Cal Provider website has been divided into separate FAQs for providers and beneficiaries. These documents are available on the COVID-19 Medi-Cal Response webpage under the FAQs section.  As a reminder, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Uninsured Group FAQs are also available along with the providers and beneficiaries FAQs.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services launched its series of ongoing releases of enhancements, updates, and changes to improve and enhance its website navigation and user experience. A complete list of the enhancements, updates, and additional website changes can be viewed within the Medi-Cal Provider Website Release Change Log. Providers are also encouraged to subscribe to the free Medi-Cal Subscription Service (MCSS). The MCSS allows each subscriber to choose and tailor both the subject matters and types of communications they wish to receive from the Medi-Cal Program.

Lastly in California, the Board of Pharmacy recently distributed the following to licensees and stakeholders:

  • Updated draft versions of self-assessment forms for pharmacies and wholesalers are now posted in addition to currently adopted versions on the Board of Pharmacy website. The Board is in the process of approving the draft versions through formal rulemaking. Board regulations require pharmacies and wholesalers to complete adopted versions of self-assessment forms. However, completion of either adopted or draft versions is acceptable. The Board believes updated draft versions provide a more helpful assessment of pharmacies and wholesalers. The drafts include references to statutory and regulatory changes that occurred between 2012 and the revision date of each draft form. Self-assessments must be performed before July 1 of every odd-numbered year. Completed self-assessment forms must remain at the facility unless the Board requests submission of the form. To find the forms, go to pharmacy.ca.gov. Under the “Licensees” tab, click on Facility License Information/Renewal and scroll down to the link for Self-Assessment Forms.
  • The California State Board of Pharmacy extends its gratitude to all its licensees working to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including the most recent vaccination efforts underway in many pharmacies. As vaccine supplies continue to increase and vaccine eligibility expands, the Board would like to encourage pharmacies to plan appropriately when electing to provide COVID-19 vaccination services.  Such planning should include:
    • Ensuring sufficient staffing to maintain other pharmacy services while balancing vaccination services.
    • Ensuring sufficient space to provide vaccinations safely, and sufficient space and chairs for patients to remain seated during the recommended period of observation.
    • Ensuring appropriate staff is observing patients following administration of the vaccine.
  • Ensuring vaccination appointments can safely be accommodated with the staffing resources available.
  • In light of Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration of emergency and the national declaration of emergency, and consistent with Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4062, the California State Board of Pharmacy (Board) or the Board president through delegated authority has issued the following waivers.
    • Mass Vaccination Sites
      • Amended and Reissued:  April 21, 2021
      • Expiration: July 18, 2021
    • Supervision of Pharmacy Interns
      • Effective:  April 22, 2021
      • Expiration:  July 20, 2021

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

2021-04-30T09:19:53-04:00April 30, 2021|California|

Colorado

On April 24, the Pharmacy Sunset legislation pharmacies support that expands our scope of practice unanimously passed the Senate and is now pending further action in the House where we will push to have it scheduled in committee as soon as possible.

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

2021-04-30T09:16:36-04:00April 30, 2021|Colorado|

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