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So far Michael Silber has created 1944 blog entries.

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy posted the May 2024 newsletter with updates on the 2024 legislative session and rulemaking.   

Also in Oregon, Emma Sandoe, PhD, MPH, has been appointed as the permanent director of Oregon’s Medicaid program, effective July 24. Since 2019, Dr. Sandoe has served in North Carolina’s Medicaid program most recently as the Deputy Director of Medicaid Policy. 

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking licensed pharmacists, physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to serve as subject matter experts (SMEs) for the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee. The board utilizes SMEs to develop and revise protocols in the Protocol Compendium per OAR 855-115-0345. SMEs will be selected using an application process to ensure representation of diverse practice settings. If you would like to serve as a SME for the PHPFAC, please complete the online form by June 5; scroll down the webpage to access the online volunteer form. Individuals selected will receive confirmation by June 21. Note: Current SMEs, please complete and submit the form so that the board has your current contact information.  

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

2024-05-30T10:21:11-04:00May 30, 2024|Oregon|

South Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will cover, for a limited time, imported benzathine benzylpenicillin (Extencilline) for use in outpatient medical drug claims when billed with HCPCS code J0561 and at an outpatient pharmacy (point-of-sale). This policy change to provide temporary coverage is to address the ongoing shortage of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension). A letter with important prescribing information for Extencilline has been provided to healthcare providers.   

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

2024-05-30T10:20:29-04:00May 30, 2024|South Carolina|

Tennessee

Despite strong opposition from employer groups and insurance brokers speaking out against any PBM enforcement, new proposed rules by the Department of Commerce and Insurance which will enact Public Chapter 998 and allow Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to audit PBMs were approved by the Government Operations joint committee and will take effect on June 25, 2024. Thank you to Tennessee Pharmacy Association (TPA) CEO Anthony Pudlo, who testified before the Joint Government Operations Committee in support of these rules.   

Also in Tennessee, if you would you like to serve on TPA’s new Specialty Pharmacy Committee, please complete this form to express your interest. The Committee Chair will make committee appointments in the coming weeks, so please respond soon. 

Finally in Tennessee, TPA is looking for Champion Advocates across the state to build relationships with their elected officials and help identify physicians who may advocate for the pharmacy profession. Sign up to become a TPA Champion Advocate! 

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

2024-05-30T10:19:57-04:00May 30, 2024|Tennessee|

Texas

On May 28, Texans returned to the polls for runoff elections to decide which Democratic and Republican nominees will be on the November ballot as several races failed to receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary election in March. There were eight US Congressional races, one of which is too close to call with only an 8-vote difference between the two Republican candidates vying for CD 35. In the State Senate, there were two open seats due to one retirement and one running for another office. The State House of Representatives will look much different in 2025, with nine incumbents losing in the March primaries, and seven more incumbents losing their runoffs on May 28. Of the eight Republican incumbents forced into a runoff, only Speaker Dade Phelan (R) and Dr. Gary VanDeaver (R) won their races. The chair of the House Public Health Committee and good friend of pharmacy, Stephanie Klick (R), lost her race.

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

2024-05-30T10:19:23-04:00May 30, 2024|Texas|

Alabama

The 2024 Legislative Session has adjourned. A Legislative Study Group is being developed over the summer to address the PBM issues in Alabama. 

Also in Alabama, as a reminder, federal regulations require states to conduct a fingerprint-based criminal background check on providers or any person with five percent or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider who meets any of the criteria listed in the ALERT pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 455.450. 

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

2024-05-16T16:07:20-04:00May 16, 2024|Alabama|

Alaska

HB 226D, comprehensive legislation pharmacies supported to ensure patient choice of pharmacy, improve transparency and accountability in pharmacy benefit management and enhance the standards for pharmaceutical care across the state, passed the legislature and was sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) to sign into law.

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

2024-05-16T16:06:53-04:00May 16, 2024|Alaska|

Arkansas

On May 10, the Legislature adjourned its fiscal session sine die after adopting a $6.3 billion state budget.

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

2024-05-16T16:05:57-04:00May 16, 2024|Arkansas|

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