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So far Michael Silber has created 1944 blog entries.

Oklahoma

The Board of Pharmacy adopted Chapter 15 approved rule allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, effective September 1, 2023.  

Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) appointed Ellen Buettner as the new CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) which oversees Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. She had served as Chief of Staff since 2019. 

Finally in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association’s (OPhA) annual convention was held in Oklahoma City last weekend where the President of Osborne Drugs, Bill Osborn, was sworn in to serve as the President of OPhA. 

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

2023-09-01T09:07:32-04:00September 1, 2023|Oklahoma|

Oregon

Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed HB 2725 (Chapter 509), legislation prohibiting PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to clerical error. It also prohibits PBMs from imposing fees on pharmacies after point of sale. It also requires a PBM, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to pharmacy of specific claim that is denied or reduced and detailed explanation for denial or reduction. This measure was effective upon passage. 

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority has posted new protocols for the following vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Influenza (IIV 2023-24 – Interim), and Influenza (LAIV 2023-24 – Interim). An interim protocol will be replaced with a final protocol once the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations are published in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report). Also, the following protocols have been updated: HPV vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B. 

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

2023-09-01T09:06:58-04:00September 1, 2023|Oregon|

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee (R), Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorte, and The Kroger Company officials announced that Kroger will be constructing its fifth U.S. Central Fill facility in Cleveland, TN. Rep. Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) stated, “…This endeavor will create 140 jobs and provide state-of-the-art care through the utilization of automated technology to fulfill prescriptions. We are honored to be the site for this project, and highly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our economy and community.” 

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

2023-09-01T09:05:36-04:00September 1, 2023|Tennessee|

Texas

On September 1, 2023, more than 770 new laws passed by the legislature go into effect, including Senate Bill 29 that bans the state from enacting mask mandates, vaccine mandates or business and school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The law makes exceptions for certain entities, such as prisons, hospitals and assisted living centers or nursing homes. 

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where HEB pharmacist Jay Bueche was sworn in as president of at the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Convention and Expo in Houston. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor drug program provided several updates of interest to pharmacies: 

  Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convenes on September 5th. 

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

2023-09-01T09:04:22-04:00September 1, 2023|Texas|

Alabama

The Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Medical Examiners held a Joint Committee meeting to discuss the issue of test and treat in community pharmacies. Both Boards have made the decision to begin the rulemaking process to amend our rule to allow for test and treat under certain conditions. To learn more about what conditions must be met before beginning test and treat, you can view the drafted language on the Board of Pharmacy’s website (under “Resources;” select “Statutes & Rules”) once stamped by LSA (Legislative Services Agency). You can see all of the rules the Board is working on by clicking here. If you do not see a draft available, it has not been stamped by LSA yet.  
 
Also in Alabama, emergency rule 680-X-2-.49.01ER Remote Work by Pharmacists is currently in place until October 29, 2023. The permanent rule is currently in the rulemaking process. 

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

2023-08-18T12:13:38-04:00August 18, 2023|Alabama|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy posted a notice announcing “[t]he online renewal cycle will begin on September 5, 2023, at 00:01 MST and end on November 1, 2023, at 23:59 MST. Renewals submitted after November 1, 2023, are subject to a late renewal penalty. You may renew it by logging into your online profile. Please note: A person shall not apply for a license renewal more than sixty days before the expiration date of the license.”

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

2023-08-18T12:13:06-04:00August 18, 2023|Arizona|

California

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following bulletins, notices, and alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the update on Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments in August 2023. 

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following. Please note the update on Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments in August 2023.  

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

2023-08-18T12:12:37-04:00August 18, 2023|California|

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