The Department of Human Services released the 2023 Cost of Dispensing Survey Report that recommends a $0.78 increase in the Fee-for-Service professional dispensing fee for all retail pharmacies. I understand the General Assembly will have to pass legislation to implement it. NACDS intends to work with members and in-state partners on this in the next legislative session.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy released emergency rules regarding pharmacist vaccine administration, effective August 28, 2023. The rules establish guidelines for independent vaccination by pharmacists, for vaccines approved as of January 1, 2023, as well as provide guidance for vaccines administered under protocols. They also clarify that pharmacists may continue to administer vaccines that are periodically/annually reformulated or updated, such as seasonal influenza vaccines, if the FDA approved the original vaccine before January 1, 2023.
The Board issued a Supplemental Pharmacy Practice Guide summarizing the 2023 legislative changes.
Also in Missouri, the Department of Commerce and Insurance issued emergency rules on pharmacists’ immunization procedures:
| 20 CSR 2150-5.025 Administration of Vaccines |
| 20 CSR 2220-6.050 Administration of Vaccines |
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced new income guidelines have increased the number of families who could qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program. Some families who were not eligible for the program in the past may now qualify. Current Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) recipients are income-eligible for the WIC program. All foster children under five years of age and pregnant teen moms in foster care are income-eligible for WIC.
Also in Nebraska, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the September 18 meeting and the draft minutes from the July 10 Board of Pharmacy meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy met in Las Vegas on September 6 and 7. Use this link to access the agenda, minutes, and meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On August 29, the New York Department of Health issued an updated policy regarding the Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of RSV vaccines.
Also in New York, NACDS joined a coalition letter against the proposed central fill pharmacy regulations that included a broad coalition including the Business Council of New York, Food Industry Alliance of New York and two FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Centers). NACDS and members have been actively advocating for a change and delay in the proposed regulations, that amongst its provisions would:
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Governor Roy Cooper (D) declared a State of Emergency ahead of the impact of Hurricane Idalia. Pharmacists are reminded that a state of emergency declaration triggers obligations for health benefit plans to cover emergency refills of prescriptions. More information from the NC Department of Insurance is here. Pharmacists and pharmacies are reminded that the Board of Pharmacy has exercised its authority under G.S. 90-85.25(a) to waive certain requirements of the North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act to facilitate the provision of patient care during a declared emergency. With Hurricane Idalia’s approach, now is the time to review that policy and start implementing plans to ensure continuity of patient care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy published a bulletin complying with the new regulations effective September 1 that authorize technicians to administer immunizations.
Also in Ohio, Medicaid (ODM) announced new Professional Dispensing Fee Rates in both the SPBM (Single PBM) and Fee-for-Service programs. The increases in the SPBM Managed Care program will be effective September 1, 2023. Since SPA approval is needed for the Fee-For-Service program, ODM projects that implementation would be effective on January 1, 2024.
Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed the following rules for stakeholder feedback:
Comments on the proposed rules will be accepted until close of business on September 8 and should be submitted here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
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 (Chief Executive Officer) 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 Osborn Drugs, Bill Osborn, was sworn in to serve as the President of OPhA.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
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.
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 (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS) vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted opportunities for interested persons to serve on the Board. The Board has the following member opportunities available:
Board members are appointed by Governor Tina Kotek and each Board member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. If you are interested in applying to serve on the Board, please visit the Board Member Opportunities webpage, review ORS 689.115, and apply through the governor’s Boards and Commissions website.
Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy announced the next meeting of the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee and posted the meeting agenda. Of interest is “Concept #1 – Immunizations” under “Committee Protocol Development”. A link to the meeting agenda is provided below.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
