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.
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.
Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed the following bills:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
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.
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.
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.
MassHealth posted a bulletin that MassHealth will not pay for certain high-cost drugs if purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This change applies to claims for MassHealth members in Fee-for Service, the Primary Care Clinician (PCC) Plan and Primary Care Accountable Care Organizations. Providers serving MassHealth members enrolled in Accountable Care Partnership Plans (ACPPs), Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), One Care plans, Senior Care Organizations or the MassHealth behavioral health vendor should refer to Managed Care Entity Bulletin 7 for additional information regarding payment policies applicable to those plans.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) MoHealthNet (Medicaid) issued a Provider Bulletin announcing that effective April 1, 2024, due to the decrease in the Missouri Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (Pharmacy Tax), the adjustment to account for the Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions will be decreased.
Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy emailed Pharmacy Technician Renewals on March 1, 2024, but is concerned that many pharmacy technicians have not renewed. Email address and address changes can be submitted online, faxed to 573/526-3464 or e-mailed. If a name change is required, a copy of the driver’s license, marriage certificate or divorce decree is required. Be sure to include your name and license number on all correspondence to the Board.
Finally in Missouri, with less than two weeks remaining in the regular session, SB 751, 340B legislation pharmacies support because it allows patients greater access to pharmacies and enhances enforcement provisions, passed the Senate by a vote of 28-3 and is pending further action in the House.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy is holding a public hearing in Las Vegas on May 30.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
