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So far Michael Silber has created 1944 blog entries.

Maryland

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the presentation from their October meeting. They are in the process of developing a plan to implement Upper Payment Limits on certain drugs in the commercial market. NACDS intends to submit comments to the PDAB prior to their November meeting urging them to consider the impact on pharmacy as they move forward. The next meeting is scheduled for November 27. To register, click here. 

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

2023-11-03T11:49:16-04:00November 3, 2023|Maryland|

Massachusetts

On October 30th, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Health Care Financing reported a bill favorably to the Senate. The bill, S 2492 “An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency,” combined several previously pending bills that NACDS had been monitoring and advocating. The new bill includes PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) regulation, PBM transparency, and drug cost containment. The bill is now pending action before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The Massachusetts legislative session will continue until July 31, 2024.  

The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy announced three new updated policies on November 2nd:  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2023-11-03T11:48:44-04:00November 3, 2023|Massachusetts|

Minnesota

The Department of Health (MDH (Minnesota Department of Health)) shared the implementation timeline for expanded prescription drug price transparency reporting on drugs of significant public interest and ways to stay connected. Beginning in January 2024, pharmacies will be required to report pricing information.

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

2023-11-03T11:48:04-04:00November 3, 2023|Minnesota|

Mississippi

Telligen to replace Alliant Health Solutions and Kepro as Medicaid UM/QIO Vendors: 

Early in 2024, the Division of Medicaid (DOM) will transition to a new Utilization Management/Quality Improvement Organization (UM/QIO) vendor, Telligen. 

Telligen will replace the following vendors:  

  • Alliant Health Solutions, who was responsible for medical authorization requests for fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid members, and  
  • Kepro (formerly eQHealth Solutions), who was responsible for advanced imaging authorization requests for FFS Medicaid members. 

To ensure a smooth transition, Telligen web portal registration instructions and educational materials will be shared in the upcoming weeks through a variety of communication avenues to ensure no provider lacks access to necessary resources and assistance. Updates will also be publicized on the DOM website and Late Breaking News. 

Please note: Prior authorizations for members enrolled in MississippiCAN and CHIP will continue to be handled by the respective coordinated care organization. 

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

2023-11-03T11:47:32-04:00November 3, 2023|Mississippi|

Montana

On November 28 at 1:00 pm, a public hearing will be held via remote conferencing to consider proposed adoption of New Rule I pertaining to pharmacist prescribing [MAR Notice No. 24-174-80]. The 2023 legislature passed SB 112, allowing for independent prescribing authority for pharmacists in limited situations; it is necessary to set standards for patient care, evaluation, recordkeeping, and provider notification required of pharmacists prescribing under SB 112’s authority. In addition to oral testimony at the hearing, written comments may be submitted at dli.mt.gov/rules or P.O. Box 1728; Helena, MT 59624-1728; comments must be received no later than 5:00 pm on December 1.

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

2023-11-03T11:46:57-04:00November 3, 2023|Montana|

New York

On November 1st, the New York Department of Financial Services pulled back on regulations regarding PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Manager). This was in response to an “overwhelming” number of comments submitted in opposition to the regulation from unions, employers, and health plans. The legislative objectives driving the regulations were ‘licensing standards for PBMs, including minimum standards related to market conduct practices, conflicts of interest, deceptive, anti-competitive, and unfair claims practices in connection with the performance of pharmacy benefit management services, predatory audit practices, and actions or procedures in the PBM industry that go against the best interests of the public.’  While the full regulations were pulled back, the Department did move part of the rule-making process and fully adopted the registration requirement for PBMs.  

On November 8th, the New York State Board of Pharmacy will be holding their regular scheduled meeting in person in Albany. The agenda is as follows:  

Executive Session 9:30 a.m. 

  • Proprietary matters relating to licensing exam development, administration, and assessment. 
  • Disciplinary and Professional Assistance Program discussions that address confidential processes, investigations, and prosecutions. 

Public Session 1:00 p.m. 

  • Welcome and Introduction 
  • Review and approval of June meeting minutes 
  • Report of the Chair 
  • Report of the Executive Secretary
  • NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) Presentation: Drug Supply Chain Security Act 
  • Report: Jurisprudence Committee
  • New business 

o Discussion: Online Discontinuance Form 

o Discussion: Drug Price List 

o Upcoming 2024 Meeting Dates 

  • Closing remarks and adjournment 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2023-11-03T11:46:24-04:00November 3, 2023|New York|

North Carolina

The Board of Pharmacy has completed its rulemaking on the authorization for, and regulation of, the use of direct-to-patient (DTP) dispensing systems. Board Rule .1821 provides that authorization and the standards that apply to the use of DTP systems. Board Rule .1616 authorizes limited service permits to be issued for operation of a DTP system when the system is not located on-site at the home pharmacy. 

The board staff has completed programming to implement a limited-service permit application for an off-site DTP system and to allow an existing pharmacy to notify the Board that it will deploy an on-site DTP system.  

Detailed guidance on the rules and standards governing DTP systems, as well as step-by-step instructions to add an on-site DTP system to an existing pharmacy’s services or to apply for an off-site DTP system limited-service permit are found here. 

The general limited-service permit guidance document has also been updated to include information on DTP system permits. 

Also in North Carolina, effective November 1, Medicaid waived the copay for antiretrovirals used to decrease viral load in members living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). 

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

2023-11-03T11:45:28-04:00November 3, 2023|North Carolina|

Ohio

The Board of Pharmacy announced that the November board meeting will be held on Monday, November 6th starting at 10:00 am; and Tuesday, November 7th and Wednesday, November 8th starting at 9:00 am. See the monthly agenda, which will be posted on Friday, November 3rd, for more specific information. The link to join the meeting will be available here Monday. The Board also posted the following items and updates on their webpage:  

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

2023-11-03T11:44:53-04:00November 3, 2023|Ohio|

Oregon

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its November 15 meeting draft agenda. The PDAB will also review an updated working drug list during the November 15 meeting; the updated list has been posted on the PDAB data page.  Below are links to information for the next meeting including current rules referenced in the draft agenda. The board calendar and minutes from past meetings are also available online. 

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority proposed minor housekeeping edits to align with Federal requirements, clarify language, remove outdated references, and correct typos. Comments are due November 21 at 5:00 pm Pacific.  

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

2023-11-03T11:43:09-04:00November 3, 2023|Oregon|

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