Kansas
HB 2747, legislation that would allow pharmacists to provide HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), was referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
A bill that would apply many of the PBM reforms adopted in Medicaid to commercial and state employees’ plans has been introduced. SB 188 is sponsored by Sen. Max Wise (R), a longtime advocate of PBM reform. A few of the provisions included in this comprehensive bill include: a NADAC and Medicaid Dispensing Fee rate floor, anti-steering and anti-mandatory mail order language, a broad definition of specialty pharmacy and a formula to determine network adequacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
The Department of Health’s (LDH) Informational Bulletin 24-3 providing Medicaid immunization fee schedule updates has been posted.
Also in Louisiana, providers who bill for medically necessary services for specialized mental health and substance use services for dual eligibles for Medicaid enrollees should follow the process detailed in LDH’s Informational Bulletin 15-17.
Also in Louisiana, LDH’s Informational Bulletin 24-2 provides the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria updates for adult substance use services.
Finally in Louisiana, the agenda for the February 21 Board of Pharmacy meeting should be available on the website soon.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
On February 12, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its standing order regarding COVID-19 at home tests. The Standing Order authorizes licensed pharmacists to create a prescription for the over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 at home tests for eligible MaineCare members.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Nebraska
The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board posted the DUR Board Meeting Minutes from November 14, 2023. The next DUR Board Meeting will be held virtually on May 7.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Mexico
The Legislature adjourned its 30-day session on February 15.
Also in New Mexico, HB 165, legislation increasing the Medicaid Managed Care professional dispensing fee for independent pharmacies only, unanimously passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D) for signature. Members are urged to contact the Governor to urge her to veto the bill.
Also in New Mexico, HB 33, the Prescription Drug Transparency Act, was also sent to the Governor to sign into law.
Finally in New Mexico, the Governor has until March 6 to sign bills into law. Any legislation not acted upon by the governor is pocket vetoed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
NYRx, the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, announced an update to its Brand Less Than Generic program (BLTG). Advair HFA® and Advair Diskus® are subject to the NYRx BLTG. In December 2023, due to market availability issues, NYRx temporarily allowed for generic Advair HFA® and Diskus® to adjudicate without prior authorization (PA) if the brand product was not available from the pharmacy’s wholesaler. The manufacturer has confirmed that Advair HFA and Diskus supply issues have resolved, and pharmacies will be able to obtain the supply needed for their NYRx members. Effective February 28, fluticasone/salmeterol HFA and Diskus (generic Advair) will once again require PA.
Also in New York, in conformance with State Education Law, a pharmacist shall dispense a less expensive, therapeutically equivalent drug containing the same active ingredients, dosage form and strength as the drug prescribed/ordered. This includes substituting the brand name drug when NYRx has determined it to be the less expensive alternative for the patient. Brand name drugs included in this program:
- Do not require “Dispense as Written” (DAW) or “Brand Medically Necessary” on the prescription.
- Have a generic copayment.
- Are paid at the Brand Name Drug reimbursement rate or usual and customary price, whichever is lower (SMAC/FUL are not applied).
- Do not require a new prescription if the drug is removed from this program.
Also in New York, Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) introduced a bill, S8545, that authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist. NACDS, in conjunction with the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State, will continue to support the bill and encourage passage this session.
Finally in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed S8096, a bill that relates to the effective date of the self-administered hormonal contraceptive prescribing authority for pharmacists. The new law changes the effective date of the 2023 law from eighteen months from enactment to January 1, 2024.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
North Carolina
North Carolina Drug Control Unit issued an FAQ for dispensing professionals on reporting Gabapentin to the Controlled Substance Reporting System (CSRS) effective March 1. Pharmacists with additional questions should contact the Drug Control Unit. Note that based on a North Carolina Retail Merchants Association amendment, pharmacies are not required to report gabapentin to the CSRS when gabapentin is a component of a compounded prescription that is dispensed in dosages of 100 milligrams or less.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted a revised February 21 Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC) meeting agenda.
Also in Oregon, in advance of its February 21 meeting to review a pre-selected list of prescription drugs deemed eligible for affordability review, NACDS submitted comments to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to express concern with the inclusion of vaccines. Additionally, NACDS expressed concern that there may be a significant impact on the availability and accessibility of certain prescription drugs at a patient’s neighborhood pharmacy through the unintended consequences of inadequate and unfair pharmacy reimbursement by some payers resulting from the establishment of Upper Payment Limit (UPL) policies.
Also in 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.
Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board is seeking applicants with a background in clinical medicine or healthcare economics to fill vacancies. The board consists of eight members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Members participate in monthly board meetings held virtually via Zoom. The purpose of the board is to protect Oregonians from the high cost of prescription drugs. Submit applications in Workday. Learn more in this information letter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.