The Department of Health (LDH) issued an Informational Bulletin 25-27 on revisions being made to align with CMS 2434-F 2024 Final Rule on 340B.
Also in Louisiana, effective October 1, the Medicaid program will phase out its single Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and return to managed care organizations (MCOs) to manage its own pharmacy services—including prior authorizations, claims processing and prescription coverage—through its designated PBM. The Department of Health provided a list of the new PBMs for Medicaid Health Plans. This change does not apply to fee-for-service (FFS) members or members who have behavioral-health only coverage through their Medicaid health plan.
Also in Louisiana, Walmart pharmacist Inga Collins volunteered to serve on the Louisiana Rural Health Transformation Task Force representing chain pharmacies.
Finally in Louisiana, Act 711 of the 2024 Regular Session authorizes pharmacists to initiate HIV PrEP and PEP, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals aged seventeen and older. A standing order for HIV Pre and Post-Exposure prophylaxis medications has been created by the Department of Health (LDH). In addition, the legislation mandates that pharmacists complete a training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This training may take place as a stand-alone course or as part of an equivalent curriculum-based training program offered by an ACPE-accredited college/school of pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.