Michael Silber – Page 5

Tennessee

During the most recent Board of Pharmacy meeting, the Board confirmed that rules for technician immunizations will not be finalized before the PREP Act expires. However, technicians should still be able to vaccinate after receiving a waiver from the Board’s Executive Director Lucy Shell. NACDS and Tennessee Pharmacy Association are working to confirm details of this process and will share more information as it becomes available.

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

Michael Silber2024-09-05T09:49:56-04:00September 5, 2024|Tennessee|

Texas

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented a new STAR+PLUS contract in seven managed care organizations (MCOs) on September 1, 2024. Pharmacy claims billing codes and contact information for these MCOs are available.

Also in Texas, HHSC’s Vendor Drug Program (VDP) revised the Pharmacy Payer Specification Manual, separating them by program. The three separate manuals are the Traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women Program, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program and the Kidney Health Care Program. The three new manuals are available on the VDP Provider Portal.

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

Michael Silber2024-09-05T09:48:45-04:00September 5, 2024|Texas|

Virginia

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) held an initial virtual meeting with pharmacy associations to discuss the upcoming pharmacy cost-of-dispensing survey (slide deck). The survey instrument has not been finalized; however, Myers & Stauffer intends to send it to pharmacies on September 12. Additional informational webinars for all pharmacy stakeholders are tentatively scheduled for September 24 and September 26.

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

Michael Silber2024-09-05T09:47:06-04:00September 5, 2024|Virginia|

Washington

The State Department of Health Office of Immunizations is hosting a 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season: Vaccine Recommendations, Ordering and Distribution webinar on September 17. Presenters will discuss influenza, COVID-19, and RSV epidemiology, vaccine recommendations and vaccine ordering and distribution.

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

Michael Silber2024-09-05T09:46:34-04:00September 5, 2024|Washington|

Alaska

Effective September 2024, Medicaid will now permit pharmacists to enroll as providers and bill for pharmacy services. This significant development results from collaborative efforts by various pharmacy organizations, including the Alaska Pharmacy Association. The change aligns with HB 145 of 2022. It allows pharmacists to enroll as rendering providers and get paid for their services through medical benefits while affiliated with a pharmacy professional group, Tribal Health Organization, Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic.

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

Michael Silber2024-08-29T14:40:02-04:00August 29, 2024|Alaska|

Arkansas

NACDS sent a letter to the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain (R) in support of proposed Emergency Rule 128, Pharmacy Benefits Manager Compensation Requirements for Network Adequacy, Fair and Reasonable Pharmacy Reimbursements. This rule is needed to protect pharmacy providers from the abusive PBM business practices that can jeopardize the future of pharmacy and the sustainability of providing pharmacy services and patient access to care.

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

Michael Silber2024-08-29T14:39:37-04:00August 29, 2024|Arkansas|

California

This week the Assembly passed SB 966, PBM Reform legislation. The bill returns to the Senate for concurrence with the Assembly amendments. The legislature will adjourn no later than midnight on August 31.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:

Also in California, effective for dates of service on or after September 1, 2024, the Department of Health Care Services has updated the List of Contracted Incontinence Creams and Washes.

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed the following rules:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Program Documents
- Notice of Proposed Action
- Initial Statement of Reasons
- Proposed Text
- 45-Day Comment Period: August 23, 2024, to October 7, 2024
Quality Assurance Programs
- Notice of Proposed Action
- Initial Statement of Reasons
- Proposed Text
- 45-Day Comment Period: August 9, 2024, to September 23, 2024
- Please send your company’s comments on the proposed rule to Sandra Guckian by September 10.
Pharmacy Technician Fee Schedule
- Notice of Proposed Action
- Initial Statement of Reasons
- Proposed Text
- 45-Day Comment Period: July 26, 2024, to September 9, 2024

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy’s Licensing Committee added an additional meeting on September 4, 2024, to continue its work on the Standard of Care Model. The agenda, meeting materials and written comments received were posted to the Board’s website.

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

Michael Silber2024-08-29T14:39:02-04:00August 29, 2024|California|

Colorado

NACDS is continuing to work with a coalition urging Gov. Jared Polis (D) to expedite implementation of SB24-168, a new law that expands diabetes care access for Medicaid enrollees.

Also in Colorado, Gov. Jarod Polis (D) convened a special session on August 26 to address property tax reform.

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

Michael Silber2024-08-29T14:38:32-04:00August 29, 2024|Colorado|

Indiana

The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued a bulletin reminding providers requesting an administrative review, also known as a reconsideration, of a denied or partially approved fee-for-service (FFS) nonpharmacy prior authorization (PA), that they must submit a written request to the FFS prior authorization and utilization management (PA-UM) contractor within seven business days of receipt of the PA decision notification.

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

Michael Silber2024-08-29T14:38:08-04:00August 29, 2024|Indiana|

About Michael Silber