Rhode Island
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.
Tennessee
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
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.
Utah
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.
Washington
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.
Wyoming
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.
Alabama
HB 238 (The FAIR Meds Act) was introduced in the House this week. The goal of this legislation is fairness and access. Please register with the VoterVoice Action Center to join the effort and keep up with the latest calls to action.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
In advance of hearings in both the House Health and Social Services Committee on February 27 and the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on February 28, NACDS submitted a letter in support of HB 226/SB 121, broad PBM reform legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The 60 Plus Association, a nonpartisan organization, submitted a letter of support to both members of the House and Senate in support of SB 1085 (Senate Engrossed), legislation that would authorize pharmacists to offer testing and treatment services for flu, strep throat and a respiratory illness, condition, or disease.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.