Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed into law two bills of importance to pharmacies:
- SB 806, the Food is Medicine bill, will improve access to essential nutrition services for Medicaid beneficiaries utilizing an 1115 waiver.
- SB 906, legislation enhancing pharmacies' capacity to deliver essential pharmacy care services by increasing the current restrictive pharmacy technician to pharmacist ratio in retail pharmacies from 2:1 up to 4:1.
Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Stitt (R) vetoed SB 773, legislation pharmacies supported that would give the Attorney General (AG) greater enforcement authority. In his veto message, the Governor accused the Attorney General of trying to grow his office and expand his authority, and that "he has shown again and again that he will abuse it".
Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Stitt (R) selected, and the Senate officially confirmed the appointment of Walmart pharmacist, Shannon Griggs, to serve a five-year term on the Board of Pharmacy, succeeding Mark St. Cyr.
Finally in Oklahoma, SB 789 that was amended in the House removing the rate floor language that triggered the $28M fiscal note, passed the Senate on May 21. The bill provides network transparency and reimbursement appeal protections. It was sent to the Governor's office.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.