Illinois
he Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an updated Class Review Schedule. You may view the new schedule here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
A final rule was published in the March 20, 2022, Louisiana Register codifying the authority for pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns to administer medications effective immediately. It also simplifies existing administrative requirements for vaccines provided by pharmacy providers.
Also in Louisiana, the House Committee on Health and Welfare meeting was cancelled this week because of the special session Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) convened on redistricting. We now expect HB 424 by Rep. Chris Turner (R) to be heard next Wednesday, April 6th. The bill allows pharmacy interns or certified pharmacy technicians, supervised by a pharmacist, to administer influenza immunizations; it lowers the minimum age from seven years of age to three without a patient-specific prescription or medical order. NACDS urges members to continue to contact all House members encouraging them to support the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Missouri
The MO HealthNet Division recently issued a new COVID vaccine provider bulletin.
Also in Missouri, the Department of Commerce's Department of Health, and Senior Services (DHSS) and Insurance issued a new Standing Order for COVID tests provided by pharmacies. DHSS's previously issued Standing Orders are available here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Team has recently updated its Guidance for the NYS COVID-19 Vaccination Program for individuals 12 years of age and older. The updates reflect the recent CDC changes in COVID-19 vaccine clinical guidance. The updates include:
- Options for extended intervals between doses of the mRNA primary series (pages 1 and 2)
- Additional details on myocarditis (page 2)
- J&J extended shelf life (page 11)
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Nebraska
Executive Order No. 21-18 Continued Waivers to Facilitate Hospital Planning and Ensure Additional HealthCare Workforce Capacity expired on March 31. Executive Order No. 21-18 extended Executive Order 21-15 Further Health Care Workforce Capacity that permitted pharmacists to have any number of pharmacist interns and pharmacy technicians under their supervision when administering vaccinations. Beginning April 1, the ratio reverts to pre-pandemic levels.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
Statewide standing orders issued by Dr. Betsey Tilson, State Health Director, for the administration of nicotine replacement, contraceptives, post-exposure prophylaxis medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, naloxone and COVID related treatments have been updated, organized, and can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy's temporary new address 3812 N. Santa Fe, Suite 300 in Oklahoma City. All upcoming Board meetings will be held at the new location.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following:
- Division 007 – related to Emergency Registration Designation effective March 30 through September 25.
- Division 007 – related to 91-day Extension after a Declared Health Emergency Ends effective March 29 through September 24.
- Division 110 – related to Supervising Physician Dispensing Outlet fees effective March 31 (permanent).
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for its next meeting scheduled for April 13-15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
Notice from TennCare, prior authorization (PA) requirements can be bypassed for certain medications when specific medical conditions exist. Those specific medications and diagnoses can be found here. Prescribers are encouraged to include the applicable diagnosis code on written prescriptions for inclusion on the electronic pharmacy claim. The submitted claim should include a Diagnosis Code Qualifier (Field # 492- WE) of “02,” indicating ICD-10, as well as the appropriate Diagnosis Code (Field # 424-DO). Note: A list of the preferred agents and the clinical criteria can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.