Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed SB 63 into law, which makes it the 50th state to create a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. The bill establishes the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring, responsible for collecting and maintaining the prescription and dispensation of prescribed controlled substances to patients within the state. It also extends the expiration date of the RX Cares for Missouri Program to August 28, 2026.

Also in Missouri, the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division, issued two new proposed rules requesting comments by July 1, 2021. Both are currently in effect as emergency rules expiring February 24, 2022.

  • Proposed rule removes obsolete provisions and references new provisions establishing the payment methodology for covered entities under the 340B drug pricing program that choose to carve in Medicaid.
  • Proposed rule establishes the payment methodology for covered entities under the 340B drug pricing program that chooses to carve in Medicaid.

Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule effective June 30, 2021, removing the limit on the number of intern pharmacist practice hours that may be earned per week.

Also in Missouri, the Department of Commerce and Insurance issued a proposed rule to establish the license application process and a $1,000 application fee for pharmacy benefit managers. The rule replaces a September 15, 2020, proposed rule. Comments are due on June 16th, and a public hearing will be held on June 17, 2021.

Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy is soliciting comments on two proposed rules:

  • Proposed rule rescinds regulations regarding pharmacy operating procedures during declared disasters. A concurrent proposed rule would readopt the provisions to address both disasters and state/federal emergencies. Comments are due June 16, 2021.
  • Proposed rule adopts regulations establishing guidelines for temporary pharmacy operations during an emergency or declared disaster. The rule would replace pharmacy disaster operation procedures that are proposed for repeal concurrently.

Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy recently approved two final rules 20 CSR 2150-5.025 and 20 CSR 2220-6.050 which allows pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the supervision of a state-licensed pharmacist according to a written protocol with a licensed physician who is actively engaged in the practice of medicine. The rule is issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic effective July 30, 2021.

Lastly in Missouri, the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division issued three final rules effective July 30, 2021.

  • Final rule adds an exception to the 31-day supply maximum restriction on medications reimbursed by the division on behalf of participants eligible for the fee-for-service programs, and an exception to allow for a 90-day supply requirement for select medications established in a concurrent rule. The rule also replaces references to “recipient” and “patient” with “participant.”
  • Final rule adopts a 90-day supply requirement per dispensing on select medications reimbursed by the division on behalf of participants eligible for Medicaid fee-for-service programs.
  • Final rule revises the amount of the professional dispensing fee reimbursable for MO HealthNet covered prescriptions by pharmacy providers.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.