North Carolina
Please see the May 2023 North Carolina Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Human Services announced lifting of COVID-19 response measures as federal health emergency ended. Some changes were effective May 11 while others will take effect in the coming weeks.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the May 16 meeting of the Compounding Workgroup and the agenda for the May 17 meeting of the Public Health & Formulary Advisory Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
PBM Enforcement Update with TDCI (Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance). TPA welcomes Jud Jones, PharmD, Manager of PBM Compliance at TDCI on May 17 from 12:00 noon-12:30 p.m. CT and 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. CT to hear the latest on PBM enforcement in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
for HB 1105, by Rep. Four Price (R), legislation that lowers the age to three years old and up for pharmacies to administer all vaccines and immunizations, was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for a hearing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy issued a document outlining pharmacy’s authority to vaccine and perform COVID testing post the May 11 expiration of the PHE (public health emergency). Notably, the document includes a link to an updated statewide protocol to allow pharmacists and technicians to vaccinate children aged three years and older due to the passage of HB 1323 in 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
West Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy’s April newsletter contains valuable information regarding legislation passed in the 2023 session and its impact on pharmacies, including HB 2754, which will make pharmacies PREP Act immunization authority permanent once rules have been promulgated. The Board’s goal is to do so by July 1, 2023. Of note, the newsletter provides information on an updated, online process to file Collaborative Practice Agreements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
This ALERT, related to COVID-19 unwinding as it pertains to Pharmacy and DME [Durable Medical Equipment], has been released.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA’)s printing provider is currently experiencing technical difficulties. As a result, the printing of the Board of Pharmacy’s renewals, certificates, licenses and letters is delayed. Printing interruption began on April 13. At this time, DCA does not have an estimated time of restoration. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
To verify your license status online: Go to the Board’s website and click on License Search in the “Quick Hits” column to view and print your license record. California law allows the printout of a license record from the Board’s website to serve as license verification.
Renewing your license: The Board reminds licensees of their responsibility to renew licenses before they expire. Renewal application forms and fees may be submitted up to 60 days before expiration.
- To renew online: Pharmacists, advance practice pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, designated representatives, pharmacies, hospitals and drug rooms may renew licenses online. Go to the Board’s website and click on License Renewal Online in the “Quick Hits” column.
- To renew by mail: Go to the Board’s website and click on License Renewal by Mail in the “Quick Hits” column.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the following reflecting actions taken at the recent April Board Meeting:
- Pharmacist Remote Processing Waiver on Behalf of a Health Care Facility Licensed Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1250
- April 2023 Board Meeting Action Items
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts, weekly notices and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Reminder: Prior Authorization Signature Requirements (May 4)
- Refill of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Supplies (May 2)
- Discontinuation of the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program (May 1)
- Reinstatement of the Medi-Cal Rx Controlled Substance Policy on Buprenorphine Products (May 1)
- Updates to the List of Covered Emergency Use of Authorization (EUA) COVID-19 Antigen Tests, Effective June 1, 2023 (May 1)
- Updated Appendix H – List of Physician Administered Drugs (PADs) with Reject Code 816 (May 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for May (May 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) (May 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Over-the-Counter Drugs (May 1)
- Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (May 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (May 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for April 21-27 (April 28)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (April 28)
Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
On May 3, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law Senate Bill 1550. Effective July 1, 2023, The Prescription Drug Reform Act codifies the Governor’s actions from last year to require accountability among pharmaceutical middlemen, empower consumers through increased choice among pharmacies and create transparency in prescription drug price increases. More information from the Governor’s office can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.