Oklahoma
The 2nd Regular Session of the 59th Legislature convened at 12:00 noon on February 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the agenda for its next meeting on February 21. Ozempic, Trulicity and Shingrix are listed on the agenda for affordability review. Please register in advance of the meeting.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its special board meeting on February 23.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
SB 1000, legislation to strengthen and further regulate Medicaid Managed Care PBMs was introduced by Senators Judy Ward (R) and Tina Tartaglione (D). The legislation got further momentum this week when Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) delivered his budget address and expressed the need to further regulate PBMs: “Drug companies keep raising prices, but we often don’t know why, because the middlemen negotiating those drug prices between your health insurance company and drug manufacturers don’t have to report enough information to the Insurance Department. Those middlemen are called Pharmacy Benefit Managers – or PBMs – and they have made record profits on the backs of Pennsylvanians. It’s time to reform the operation of PBMs. We’re doing our part – we need legislation to go further.” NACDS assisted in-state partners in drafting the bill and is working with them to advance it.
Also in Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services (DHS) issued MA Bulletin 01-24-03, updating the prior authorization process for opioid use disorder treatments.
Finally in Pennsylvania, the state released an urgent bulletin stating that the Pharmacy Naloxone Copay Assistance program has been suspended due to funding issues but also indicated that it is seeking a solution.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a May 4 special election to serve the remainder of former Sen. John Whitmire’s (D) term.
Also in Texas, the Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board held a meeting on February 9.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
The Department of Health (DOH) contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey to evaluate the cost of dispensing prescription medications in the state. The DOH scheduled a webinar on February 9 at 10:30 am AKST to discuss dispensing cost survey objectives and solicit feedback on the survey tool. If you are interested in participating, contact Matt Hill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
This week, NACDS submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services for SB 1085, authorizing pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza, COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses and to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist. It also prohibits a health insurer from denying reimbursement for any test, screening or treatment that is within the scope of the pharmacist’s license and would be covered, if otherwise performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
AB 82, legislation establishing an age limit on select dietary supplements for weight loss or over-the-counter diet pills with penalties for violation, passed the Assembly. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health to develop a notice that retail establishments must post.
Also in California, NACDS submitted a letter of support to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) urging enactment of California SB 339, which broadens existing pharmacist authority to provide HIV prevention services and secures payment for the provision of pharmacy-provided HIV prevention services.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for the full board meeting on February 8. The board will discuss and potentially act on proposed rules related to the pharmacist-in-charge designation, the opioid antagonist protocol and continuing education.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- Upcoming Transitions for Medi-Cal Rx Applications (February 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for February (February 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List (February 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Reimbursable Physician Administered Drugs (February 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (February 1)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Connecticut
The Commission of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting on January 31. Several licenses and disciplinary actions were considered; no policy decisions were on the agenda.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Delaware
On January 31, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The Board continued the following unfinished business from last year:
- Pharmacists Dispensing and Administering Contraceptives Regulation Draft Update
- Pharmacists Well-Being Index
- Board of Pharmacy Act Revisions
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.