NACDS participated in the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) – Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) Pharmacy Groups Quarterly Meeting to share information about COVID-19 vaccinations and explore pharmacist payment for other vaccinations under the medical benefit where all providers are paid the same rates and future IME policy changes related to automatic refills and pharmacist scope of practice that will be announced in upcoming Informational Letters. NACDS and the Iowa Pharmacists Association have scheduled a follow-up call to discuss opportunities to expand pharmacist payment for services.
Also in Iowa, the DHS IME’s adopted and filed rule establishing pharmacy policies and procedures for Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of prescription drug refills through an automatic refill program, rather than prohibiting such a program, which became effective March 1. Requirements allowing this may also be found here. This information will be updated in the next Informational Letter released and in the next Provider Manual update.
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy announced guidance on pharmacy operations under an April 2, 2021, renewed governor’s proclamation of a disaster emergency due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The guidance addresses the practice of pharmacy on an inactive or expired license or technician trainee registration, continuing education requirements, license and registration renewal, practicing with a license from another state, and criminal background check requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.