Michael Silber – Page 26

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the “Pharmacy Provider Dispensing Fee Self-Attestation.” This will be the final opportunity to attest for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. All attestations must be received by May 31 to be accepted. Attestations will not be accepted after closing on May 31; no exceptions.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

Also in California, NACDS and the California Community Pharmacy Coalition, a project of the California Retailers Association, testified before the California Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee in support of SB 1365, legislation expanding the pharmacist to pharmacy technician ratio to 1:6. The bill was amended changing the ratio from 1:6 to 1:4 and passed out of committee.

Also in California, NACDS submitted a support letter for SB 966, PBM reform legislation to the Senate Appropriations Committee in advance of the hearing scheduled for May 13. SB 966 includes provisions that would prohibit the use of “spread pricing”. The bill would also provide other vital reforms, including requiring 100% pass-through of manufacturer rebates to plan sponsors to keep patient premiums low, prohibiting the steering of patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies, and requires PBMs to obtain a license to operate in the state.

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed modifications to the following:

Title 16 CCR § 1760, and the Disciplinary Guidelines, incorporated by reference. Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments beginning April 29, 2024, and ending on May 14, 2024.

Title 16 CCR § 1709.1, related to the Designation of Pharmacist-in-Charge. Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments beginning April 29, 2024, and ending on May 14, 2024.

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has released a Notice of Proposed Action to amend Article 4.5, add Articles 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8, and repeal Article 7 of Title 16, Division 17, of the California Code of Regulations related to Compounded Drug Preparations. The Board will accept comments on the proposed text through June 3.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:49:37-04:00May 9, 2024|California|

Colorado

Rerevised SB24-209, legislation filed by the Colorado Retail Council that chain pharmacies support, would expand pharmacy technician duties. The bill was amended and passed by the Senate Health Committee by a vote of 7-2. The bill advanced to the Senate floor for a vote on April 30 and passed the Senate on May 1. It was amended in the House Committee on May 2 and passed a third reading in the House on May 5.

Also in Colorado, SB24-168, legislation providing reimbursement for the use of telehealth remote monitoring for outpatient services for certain Medicaid members, passed the Senate on April 24 and was assigned to the House Health and Human Services Committee.

Finally in Colorado, HB24-1438, legislation concerning the implementation of certain affordable prescription drug programs, passed the House on April 24 and was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:48:48-04:00May 9, 2024|Colorado|

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed HB 159 into law. The measure allows a pharmacist to screen an adult for HIV exposure and advise the adult to seek medical consultation from a physician and allows a certified pharmacist to order and dispense PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) drugs under a written collaborative practice agreement between the pharmacist and a licensed physician.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:47:57-04:00May 9, 2024|Florida|

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed two pieces of legislation impacting NACDS’ priorities, legislation increasing technician ratios at closed door pharmacies (HB 1072) and expansion of the standing order from the Commissioner to include post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus to be distributed by pharmacists (HB 1028). Both became effective upon signature.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:47:24-04:00May 9, 2024|Georgia|

Hawaii

HB 2553, legislation expanding pharmacists’ immunization authority for minors was transmitted to Gov. Josh Green (D) on May 2.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:46:55-04:00May 9, 2024|Hawaii|

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed the following bills:

HF 555, legislation modernizing the Pharmacy Practice Act by implementing a standard of care model reflecting the education and training of pharmacists licensed to practice in the state.  Accordingly, various definitions have been amended to reflect a pharmacist’s authority to “issue prescription drugs” and to be defined as a “practitioner” in the state.  The board of pharmacy, in consultation with the department of health and human services, may develop statewide protocols.  There are also some efficiencies gained, e.g., refill authority for non-controlled drugs and therapeutic substitution.

HF 2099, legislation proposed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services that oversees PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) practices in the state. The bill deems that PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) owe pharmacies a duty of fair dealing and good faith, prohibits PBMs from retaliating against a pharmacy filing a complaint to or cooperating with the commissioner, requires PBMs to update the maximum allowable cost list within seven days of a 10% increase in NADAC, and prohibits a PBM from assessing or collecting charges/fees.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:46:29-04:00May 9, 2024|Iowa|

Kansas

Now that Kansas pharmacists are recognized in state statute as providers, starting on June 1, all KanCare (Medicaid) vaccine billing, including flu shots, will be under the new provider designation “Non-Physician/Pharmacist.” The benefit of medical billing is that vaccine administration is billed at Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) rate of $14.20 instead of $10.50.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:45:57-04:00May 9, 2024|Kansas|

Louisiana

HB 579, the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)/pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) bill supported by pharmacies, passed unanimously out of the House. It was amended in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee last week. Next step is to be voted on by the full Senate, and then returned to the House for concurrence.

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued a Bulletin acknowledging that they are working to resolve several issues associated with the implementation of the Single Managed Care Organization (MCO) pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), Magellan (MMA). Pharmacists are encouraged to email Medicaid pharmacy staff directly for assistance.

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued a revised Medicaid Bulletin on April 15, clarifying 340B reimbursement.

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting was held at the Board’s office on May 7 and 8.

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) posted a plethora of resources for healthcare providers addressing substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition through stigma-free care and ensuring access to treatment options.

Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a Public Hearing on May 28 for four regulatory projects – Product Integrity, CDS (Clinical Decision Support) Licensing, Open Meetings via Electronic Means and Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Council Open Meetings via Electronic Means.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:45:11-04:00May 9, 2024|Louisiana|

Maryland

Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed HB 76 and SB 18, legislation that allows pharmacists to provide routine childhood vaccines to children ages 7 years and older. Both measures became effective upon signature.

Also in Maryland, effective May 1, 2024, Depakote Sprinkle Capsule (divalproex sprinkle capsule) is no longer preferred over its respective generic equivalent. Claims for the brand will now adjudicate only if there is a prior authorization based on an approved Maryland Department of Health (MDH) MedWatch form.

Finally in Maryland, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will consider placing price caps on eight drugs soon, including the weight-loss and diabetes drug Ozempic, the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Vyvance and an asthma medication called Dupixent. The drugs on the list cost more than $30,000 a year, meeting the board’s criteria as cost prohibitive. (WYPR)

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

Michael Silber2024-05-09T11:44:33-04:00May 9, 2024|Maryland|

About Michael Silber