The Department of Health Care Services issued an All Plan providing guidance to Medi-Cal managed care health plans related to the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program.  Effective September 1, participating Medi-Cal managed care health plans may be eligible to participate in the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program. 

In California, the Board of Pharmacy published an updated list of prescribers (effective August 27) whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California. This information is intended to prevent dispensing of controlled substances prescribed by restricted prescribers. 

Also in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued several waiver extensions including the following. A list of current waivers is available on the DCA website. 

Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association sent a joint letter to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Board of Pharmacy and Governor’s Office requesting a pharmacy law waiver to allow pharmacy technicians to administer flu vaccines to adults.  We await a response from DCA.   

Lastly in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published its Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (September 1).  This month’s issue includes changes to the Contract Drugs List, effective September 1, and Medi-Cal Rx Provider Training Information. As a reminder, full Medi-Cal Rx implementation is scheduled to go-live January 1, 2022 moving the prescription drug benefit from Medi-Cal managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service. Please review opportunities for training. 

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