The Board of Pharmacy’s agenda for the September 6-7 meeting should be posted here soon. On September 7, there will be a public hearing on a proposed rule requiring a facility for treatment with narcotics to obtain a license and pay a fee to administer opioid agonist treatment medication. It also requires a dispensing practitioner at such a facility to obtain informed consent before reporting certain information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The State Ethics Commission reached a settlement agreement between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and the New Mexico Human Services Department over a terminated request in January of 2023 for proposals (RFP) for the Turquoise Care Medicaid program. Five managed care organization contractors responded to the RFP and all but one, Western Sky Community Care, was awarded the RFP.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy issued updated guidance on immunization authority for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. This updated guidance relates to legislation initiated in the 2023 Legislative Session (SB 206 and HB 190).
Also in North Carolina, please see the August Medicaid Newsletter which contains essential information on expiration of current standing orders (contraceptives, naloxone, tobacco cessation, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)) as well as information on donation programs, 72-hour emergency supplies and PDL (Preferred Drug List) updates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Greg Stitt (R) appointed pharmacist Greg Huenergardt to the Board of Pharmacy, effective July 1, 2023, replacing Dr. Justin Wilson.
Also in Oklahoma, CMS sent the Health Care Authority (OHCA) Board a SPA (State Plan Amendment) approval letter confirming that Medicaid recognizes pharmacists as healthcare providers and will reimburse for services they provide within their scope of practice pursuant to state law, including but not limited to administration of any vaccinations or immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Also in Oklahoma, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner issued Bulletin 4-2023 detailing the new legislative requirements of Step Therapy Protocol and Biomarker testing (HB 1736, HB 2748, and SB 513).
Finally in Oklahoma, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready (R) provided an update on the resolution of the Caremark 90-day prescriptions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy announced a rulemaking hearing on September 27 where it is proposing to adopt the following rules. Written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov by 4:30 p.m. on September 27.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy adopted the following rules, effective March 1, 2024, at its August 2023 Board Meeting:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The state issued a Provider update. Please find here the link to the August Provider Update.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Due to recently enacted legislation, South Carolina retailers who sell tobacco products must notify the Department of Revenue (SCDOR) by August 14, 2023. The legislation, signed into law May 16, updates the definition of “tobacco products” to include cigarettes, products made of tobacco, electronic smoking devices, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, e-hookah, e-liquid and tobacco items that may or may not contain nicotine. For more information on the definitions of tobacco products, see SC Code Section 16-17-501.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual (PPPM) was updated on August 1, 2023. The revised manual is a comprehensive resource for Medicaid pharmacy providers enrolled with the Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) on benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates.
Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Conference and Expo in Houston, where Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), the author of legislation would have made permanent in Texas law the expanded vaccination authority afforded to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act, gave the keynote address. NACDS also sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where pharmacist Jay Bueche with HEB was sworn in as president of TPA.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy’s monthly newsletter is available here.
Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting was held on August 1. The next meeting is scheduled for November 7, election day.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy will meet on August 22. The details for participation and the agenda have been posted online. Below are the discussion items.
Also in Utah, the Board of Pharmacy distributed its August 2023 newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.