The House Health & Mental Health Committee held a hearing Monday on PBM reform legislation, HB 1627 by Rep. Dale Wright. More than 40 pharmacists showed up at the Capitol to voice their support. The theme of the day was “Enough is enough” with PBM abuses. Go to the Missouri Pharmacy Association’s (MPA) website for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On March 4, the Board of Pharmacy issued this temporary rule notice:
This revised protocol permits pharmacists to provide an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose to adults ages 65 years and older in alignment with the recent recommendation of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP).
Also on Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following temporary rule notice:
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently repealed the following rules at the Special February 23, 2024, Board Meeting: OAR 855-019-0270, OAR 855-019-0280, OAR 855-019-0290 and OAR 855-025-0024 related to Pharmacist/COPT/PT Administration of Vaccines (Effective February 29, 2024)
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rule at the February 2024 Board Meeting: OAR 855-115-0150 Pharmacist- Prohibited Practices (Effective March 1, 2024). Please note this rulemaking removes “Diagnosis” from the list of prohibited practices.
Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the draft agenda for its next meeting on March 20. Please register in advance of the meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy’s proposed pharmacy technician registration regs were published on March 2 and are now before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the designated standing committees of the PA House and Senate for consideration. Comments are due to IRRC by April 1; after reviewing IRRC will provide any comments back to the BOP (Board of Pharmacy) by May 1. Members may submit comments to Jill McCormack by March 20.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Please see the March 2024 Provider Update RI Medicaid. All previous provider updates may also be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Tennessee House Government Operations Committee met and voted on proposed Board of Pharmacy rules packets as the last step in the approval process. Several presented rules were approved, including those for the provision of ivermectin and accommodations for visually impaired patients, but the Committee disapproved the proposed rule 1140-07 Sterile Compounding. Rules pertaining to complying with USP recommendations will not be enforceable by TN inspectors on March 14 as originally anticipated; however, federal agencies still require compliance. TPA is working closely with the Department of Health on this issue and will share more details as they become available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas was one of 15 states who held their primary election contest on Super Tuesday. The ballot included President, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House seats, Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals Justices, district attorney’s and sheriffs, all 150 Members of the Texas House of Representatives and 15 State Senate seats. The House races were dominated the headlines with border, school choice/vouchers, and the Articles of Impeachment that were brought by the Republican-controlled House against the sitting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Nine incumbents lost their seats, and nine incumbents are facing a primary runoff on May 28th.nIn fact, for the first time in more than 50 years, the Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan (R) has been forced into a runoff election.
Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) selected Gainwell Technologies as the pharmacy benefit administrator for the Texas Vendor Drug (VDP) Program. For pharmacies:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Effective February 25, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services adopted a rule implementing immunization requirements of Title 53G, Chapter 9. Part 3 Immunization Requirements. It establishes minimum immunization requirements for attendance at a public, private, elementary, or secondary school through grade 12, nursery school or kindergarten, licensed day care center, childcare facility, family home care or Head Start program in this state. Of note, pharmacists are among the licensed health care providers who may verify the administration of vaccines on any immunization record. (Utah State Bulletin 2024-03-01, p.92)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Prior to the March 7th adjournment date, pharmacies priority legislation, the PBM reform bill E2SSB 5213, passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee (D) to be signed into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
This week, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed HB 25, legislation requiring health insurers to respond to state inquiries within 60 days and prohibiting health insurers, including PBMs, from denying Medicaid payments, including a failure to obtain required prior authorization.
Also in Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed an Executive Order creating the Wyoming Healthcare Workforce Task Force, a continuation of efforts to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in Wyoming and to look to the future needs of the state. Among its duties, the Task Force will develop recommendations to streamline the healthcare licensing process and develop strategies to better support Wyoming students pursuing healthcare certification and degree programs. The Wyoming Healthcare Task Force will include representatives from Wyoming healthcare licensing boards, including the Board of Pharmacy; the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges; Wyoming health insurance payors; state agency leadership; the Governor’s office and other non-governmental and industry organizations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.