The Drug Utilization Board discussed these agenda items on October 25.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published the 2024-25 monthly prophylaxis for RSV on October 1. Review the schedule for each region’s start and end dates.
Finally in Texas, the Medicaid Vendor Drug Program (VDP) posted the October specialty drug list.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
During the Board of Pharmacy’s September monthly meeting, the Board discussed the strategic plan to address the findings of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts (Public Examiners). The plan will be available on the Board’s website.
Also in Alabama, Medicaid issued an ALERT regarding RSV Prevention Criteria for the 2024-2025 season, including the following information.
Finally in Alabama, Medicaid issued an ALERT on October 1 as a follow-up to the ALERT dated August 1, regarding the new Disclosure Form that is posted on the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) website. Effective October 1 and after Medicaid will enforce the new Disclosure Form.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy met on October 10.
Also in Alaska, the Pharmacy Board revised statutes and regulations are now available on the website. Effective September 28, there are significant changes affecting collaborative practice authorities, nationally certified pharmacy technician practices, sterile pharmaceutical guidelines, manufacturer license requirements, prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) registration, alternative to probation program and “owner” / “change of ownership” definitions.
Finally in Alaska, the Board issued new rules on expanded pharmacy technician duties (2 AAC 52.235. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN WITH NATIONAL CERTIFICATION).
(a) A pharmacy technician who holds a national certification may, at the direction of the pharmacist on duty and under the direct supervision of that pharmacist,
(1) perform a final check of and distribute a non-controlled substance prescription if
(C) the pharmacy uses software that displays the image or graphical description of the correct drug being verified; however, if there is any deviation between the image or graphical description and the actual product being distributed, a pharmacist must review and dispense the order; and (Previous Version)
(C) the pharmacy uses software that displays the image or graphical description of the correct drug being verified, or the institutional facility uses software that performs and verifies a barcode scan before administration [; HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ANY DEVIATION BETWEEN THE IMAGE OR GRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION AND THE ACTUAL PRODUCT BEING DISTRIBUTED, A PHARMACIST MUST REVIEW AND DISPENSE THE ORDER]; and (New Version, Bold and Underlined is added and Bracketed is removed)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On September 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed SB 966, PBM reform legislation that would have required licensure by the Department of Insurance among other provisions supported by NACDS. In his veto message, the Governor said the public and the Legislature need a clearer understanding of how PBM practices are driving up prescription drug costs and explained the need for more granular information to fully understand the cost drivers in the prescription drug market and the role that PMBs play in pricing. Gov. Newsom directed the Health and Human Services Agency to propose a legislative approach to gather much needed data on PBMs next year, which can be considered in conjunction with data from the state’s Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) reflective of the state’s entire health care delivery system.
Also in California, effective for dates of service on or after October 1, 2024, the Department of Health Care Services announced Medi-Cal pharmacy providers are eligible to supervise and bill for Community Health Worker (CHW) services when billed with CPT® codes 98960, 98961 and 98962. Modifier U2 is required when Pharmacy providers bill for claims for services rendered by CHWs.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agendas for the following meetings:
Open Discussion on Payor Practices that Negatively Impact Patient Care
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) continues to promote value based payments for prescription drugs and other care to reward improved access to high-quality, equitable and affordable care. In 2022, 36% of Medicaid payments were value-based payments.
Also in Colorado, the fourth annual substance use disorder (SUD) virtual stakeholder forum will be held on October 16. HCPF will review the Annual Report for Demonstration Year 3 and update the community about the 1115 Waiver “Expanding the Substance Use Disorder Continuum of Care.” Participants need to register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Consumer Protection updated its website to allow for electronic registration of “pharmacy clerks” as established by legislation passed earlier this year that became effective October 1. This registration is required for any individual who will physically work in an area of a pharmacy or institutional pharmacy where controlled substances or other legend drugs are dispensed by, or under the supervision of, a pharmacist.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to hold its regular meeting on October 16 at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a discussion of legislation: HB 383, an Act to prohibit discrimination against 340B drug distribution.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
In anticipation of the impact of Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued Executive Order (EO) 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties. The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-003, which among other items, permits pharmacies and prescription department managers to operate in multiple or mobile locations.
Also in Florida, effective September 30, Florida’s minimum wage increased from $12.00 per hour to $13.00 per hour. This increase is a result of Constitutional Amendment No. 2 passed by voters in the 2020 election. In accordance with the amendment, the minimum wage is set for annual increases on the path to a $15 minimum wage by September 30, 2026. The requirement applies to both public and private employers, regardless of size. Florida Statutes requires employers who must pay their employees the Florida minimum wage to post a minimum wage notice in a conspicuous and accessible place in each establishment where these employees work. Please download the updated 2024-2025 minimum wage poster and display accordingly to ensure you are following posting requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
After six years of service, the Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff Kim Opsahl departed the Family and Social Services Administration (IFSSA) on October 11.
Also in Indiana, the Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) has a new Claims Submission and Processing Manual.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.