Michael Silber, Author at In The States

Minnesota

The Senate Health Committee held a hearing on SF 1176 this week. The bill would update the state’s Pharmacy Practice Act to match the PREP Act’s immunization authority for pharmacists and technicians and clarify pharmacists’ ability to order CLIA-waived tests. Although the medical community testified in opposition, the committee appeared supportive of the bill and held it over for potential inclusion in the health omnibus bill package. A recording of the hearing is available online.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:31:01-05:00February 23, 2024|Minnesota|

Nebraska

The following bills are scheduled for hearing in the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee on February 27:

LB 990: legislation banning PBMs from restricting an enrollee’s ability to choose how a retail community pharmacy may dispense or deliver prescription drugs and clarifies that “reasonable terms” between PBMs and specialty pharmacies cannot exceed reporting requirements and performance requirements that are required for a nationally recognized independent accrediting organization among its various provisions.
LB 1232: legislation banning PBMs from reimbursing pharmacists or pharmacies for a drug at a lower rate than the cost required to dispense the drug.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:30:27-05:00February 23, 2024|Nebraska|

New Mexico

On behalf of our members operating pharmacies throughout the state, NACDS sent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) a letter regarding our concerns with HB 165 that was sent to her to be signed into law.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:29:49-05:00February 23, 2024|New Mexico|

New York

On February 21, NYRx, the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, held its monthly pharmacy sector meeting. On the agenda were the following:

AIDS Institute – HCV (hepatitis C virus) drugs & test to treat model.
1. DOH (Department of Health) asked the following of pharmacies:
  1. Does your pharmacy stock hepatitis C medications? How long does it take to get in stock?
  2. How can we get medications in the client’s hands more quickly?
  3. How can providers build collaborations with their local pharmacies to ensure timely access to hepatitis C medications?
  4. How have you worked with hepatitis C providers in your community?
  5. Feedback can be shared with Colleen Flanigan (colleen.flanigan@health.ny.gov)

OMIG (Office of the Medicaid Inspector General) Pharmacy Audit Protocols.
1. OMIG utilizes a stakeholder process for updated regulations that includes feedback from DOH and professional associations. OMIG reviews and considers all comments that are submitted before issuing a revised protocol set.
2. Bill Schwarz with OMIG added that updated protocols are in development. Feedback may be shared at information@omig.ny.gov.

Bureau of Medical Review – Incontinence Supplies.
1. Incontinence products claims have doubled since 2019 and require a valid diagnosis code that directly relates to incontinence for reimbursement.
2. Incontinence products info can be found in the DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies) Procedure Manual.
3. Starting in April, the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Procedure Manual will be updated with a separate pharmacy manual. DMPOS Procedure Manual will contain everything that Managed Care Plans are still responsible for.
4. Questions: OHIPMedPA@health.ny.gov (1-800-342-3005)

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:29:18-05:00February 23, 2024|New York|

Ohio

The Board of Pharmacy issued updated the Pharmacy Technician Continuing Education guidance this week.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:26:32-05:00February 23, 2024|Ohio|

Oklahoma

NACDS is closely monitoring several bills of interest to pharmacies, including SB 1541 that includes test and test for minor ailments and prescribing hormonal contraceptives, SB 1390 that would enhance the Attorney General’s enforcement powers over PBMs and SB 1670, legislation related to PBM audits and MAC pricing.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:26:00-05:00February 23, 2024|Oklahoma|

Oregon

HB 4149 (A-Engrossed), legislation related to PBM Reforms, was amended and passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care this week. Given the amendments, Chair Rob Nosse (R) stated he will be convening a workgroup after this year’s regular session and outlined issues to be addressed to advance additional PBM reforms in the state.

Also in Oregon, SB 1506 (A-Engrossed) passed the Senate and was assigned to the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee. It is scheduled for a Work Session on February 28. This bill would allow a pharmacist to test and prescribe, dispense and administer treatment for SAVS-CoV-2 consistent with protocols adopted by the State Board of Pharmacy by rule. It would also permit a pharmacist to delegate to a pharmacy technician or an intern under the pharmacist’s supervision the administrative and technical tasks of performing a SARS-CoV-2 CLIA-waived test. Finally, the bill would require payment for these services effective October 1, 2024, with a sunset date of June 30, 2026.

Also in Oregon, HB 4113 (A-Engrossed), legislation requiring all amounts paid by an enrollee or paid by another person on behalf of the enrollee toward the cost of a covered prescription drug be included when calculating the enrollee’s contribution to an out-of-pocket maximum, deductible, copayment, coinsurance or other cost-sharing requirements, passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee.

Also in Oregon, HB 4010 (A-Engrossed), legislation that includes language specifying that the flavoring of a prescription drug is not compounding, passed the House Behavioral Health & Health Care Committee.

Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority’s Immunization Policy Advisory Team will meet on March 7 via Zoom. The final agenda will be available at the meeting or via email request three days before the meeting date by contacting imm.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Participation via Zoom requires advance registration using this link. Those who register will receive a confirmation email with additional information. Note: this information is necessary to join the meeting.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:25:12-05:00February 23, 2024|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

HB 2037, a bill to match the PREP Act’s immunization authority for pharmacists and technicians, has been introduced. It is cosponsored by a diverse group of bipartisan legislators that represent both rural and urban medically underserved areas of the state. Rep. Donna Bullock (D, Philadelphia), Majority Chair of the Children and Youth Committee, is the prime sponsor. Upon introduction, the bill was referred to her committee.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:24:27-05:00February 23, 2024|Pennsylvania|

South Dakota

HB 1147, legislation addressing discriminatory acts against entities participating in a 340B drug pricing program, unanimously passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and was deemed “certified uncontested” and placed on consent.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:23:38-05:00February 23, 2024|South Dakota|

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