In The States – Page 10 – Weekly news about states

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis (D) released his budget of $17.4 billion total funds, including $5.4 billion General Fund to cover 1.4 million Coloradans under Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which represents about 38% of the total state budget and about 31% of the state’s General Fund operating budget.

Also in Colorado, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) scheduled a stakeholder meeting on proposed new Rule 17.00.00, Appendix G – Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Prescription Protocol. The purpose is to create a new MAT Prescribing Statewide Protocol that is required as part of the implementation of Colorado HB 24-1045.

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

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:16:09-05:00December 6, 2024|Colorado|

Connecticut

On December 4, the legislature started a bipartisan, bicameral Prescription Drug Task Force, dedicated to tackling the rising costs of medications and addressing challenges in prescription drug access and pharmacy care across Connecticut.

Over the coming months, the task force will convene subcommittees to focus on key areas, including:

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
Drug shortages and importation
Patient protection, pharmacy practice, rare diseases and innovation
Drug pricing and 340B programs

NACDS will continue to participate in and monitor this task force and advocate for PBM reform and our policy principles.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:15:34-05:00December 6, 2024|Connecticut|

Florida

The Florida Administrative Register has published a proposed rule RE: “Definition of Compounding”; see the lower left and upper right sections of page 4574.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:14:50-05:00December 6, 2024|Florida|

Indiana

The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) posted a notice of intent to submit an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under section 1115 of the Social Security Act seeking a five-year extension of the current waiver authorities for the substance use disorder and serious mental illness demonstrations. The current demonstration is authorized through December 31, 2025.

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

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:14:10-05:00December 6, 2024|Indiana|

Iowa

The Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Board of Trustees received notice from Kate Gainer that she intends to step down as CEO, effective June 2025. Plans are underway to hire a search firm and appoint a search committee.

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

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:13:35-05:00December 6, 2024|Iowa|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH) Medicaid updated the immunization fee schedules reflecting coverage of the influenza vaccines for recipients of all ages and changes related to Vaccines for Children (VFC).

Also in Louisiana, the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP) reported on the November special session on tax reforms that adjourned sine die on November 22. Unfortunately, the attempt to exempt prescription drugs from local sales tax was not successful. The local sales tax collectors claimed their revenue losses from not taxing prescriptions would be much higher than what the state forecasted. Legislators were hesitant to approve the sales tax exemption with such varying estimates of the revenue losses.

Also in Louisiana, LARP attended the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting and shared this update on regulations:

(1) Legislative Proposal 2025-A ~ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Record Retention (Draft #1)- Approved

(2) Regulatory Proposal 2024-G ~ Pharmacist-in-Charge Requirements (Draft #2)- Approved

(3) Regulatory Proposal 2024-H ~ Emergency Drug Kit (EDK) Permit (Draft #1)- Approved

(4) Regulatory Proposal 2024-I ~ Marijuana Pharmacy (Draft #1)- Approved

(5) Regulatory Proposal 2025-J ~ Pharmacy Technician Certificate Qualifications (Draft #1)- Approved

Finally in Louisiana, effective January 1, 2025, Louisiana Medicaid is implementing changes to the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL). Most of the brand drugs that were previously preferred over the generic versions will be moved to a non-preferred status. Revlimid® brand will remain co-preferred with the generic version.

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

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:12:56-05:00December 6, 2024|Louisiana|

Maine

The Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting on December 5. The agenda included regular business and limited delegation orders that expire at the end of the year.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:12:00-05:00December 6, 2024|Maine|

Maryland

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the agenda for the next Stakeholder Council meeting on December 16 at 2:00 pm. You must register for the meeting to receive the log-in information. More information about the Stakeholder Council and the PDAB are available through their webpage.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:11:21-05:00December 6, 2024|Maryland|

Michigan

The Board of Pharmacy issued the following notices:

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Erica Joyner2024-12-06T09:08:19-05:00December 6, 2024|Michigan|