New Hampshire
The Board of Pharmacy has proposed to adopt regulations to establish requirements for automated pharmacy systems in community long-term care facilities, hospices, state and county correctional institutions, and hospitals. A hearing is scheduled for March 18,2022 in Concord.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New Mexico
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced February 17th that effective immediately, masks will no longer be required indoors, except for in hospitals, assisted living centers, certain health care settings, as well as in state correctional and juvenile justice facilities.
Also in New Mexico, the Legislature adjourned the 30-day fiscal session on February 17th.
Finally in New Mexico, to better combat the opioid crisis, legislators passed HB 52 which will decriminalize the possession of fentanyl test strips. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has until March 9, 2022, to sign the bill into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The NYS Department of Health has updated COVID guidance documents including:
- Guidance for the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Individuals 12 Years of Age and Older
- Information for Health Care Professionals about the Screening Checklist for the COVID-19 Vaccine: Individuals 12 Years of Age and Older
- Guidance for the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Vaccination of Children Ages 5-11
- Information for Health Care Professionals about the Screening Checklist for Administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11
- Information for Health Care Professionals about the Screening Checklist for the COVID-19 Vaccine: Additional Dose for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People
- COVID-19 Immunization Screening and Consent Form: Additional Dose for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
The Board's revised centralized pharmacy services rule has cleared final review. The chief change achieved by the amendments is to broaden the availability of remote medication order processing from the health-system practice setting to all pharmacy practice settings.
Even though the amended rule is effective March 1, 2022, several implementation tasks need to be completed. Chief among them: Board staff need to program a registration system for out-of-state pharmacists who are not licensed in North Carolina, but who intend to provide RMOE services to North Carolina pharmacies by obtaining an NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) Verify credential. NABP staff are implementing the NABP Verify credential application process. Board staff expect both steps to be completed by April 1, 2022.
In the meantime, North Carolina pharmacies who have implemented RMOE systems under the Board's emergency services waiver may continue to use them. The Board will ensure that pharmacies that have deployed waiver-based RMOE operations have reasonable time and opportunity to transfer to rule-based operations. The full Board will discuss implementation at its March 8, 2022, meeting.
In the coming weeks, Board staff will also publish a detailed FAQ document on the revised centralized pharmacy services rule.
Pharmacists are reminded that the Board is proceeding with additional rulemaking to permanently authorize North Carolina pharmacy personnel to perform remote work (other than physical acts in the dispensing process) for their employing pharmacy. North Carolina pharmacies who have implemented waiver-based remote work systems in North Carolina may continue to use them while this rulemaking proceeds. More information on this proposed rule is found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
HB 37, a bill that NACDS and the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants jointly supported, has passed both Chambers and is on its way to the Governor for signature. Sponsored by Rep. Gayle Manning (R), it authorizes pharmacists to dispense emergency refills three times a year and requires health insurers to cover these prescriptions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The Pharmacy Board will be moving to a temporary location while the office building is being renovated. The office will be down during the move, from February 28 the to March 4th. The new address is 3812 N. Santa Fe Suite 300, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy proposed to adopt the following rules. Written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov before 4:30 p.m. on March 29 rulemaking hearing.
- Divisions 006/041/139 – related to Definitions
- Division 020 – related to COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test Protocol
- Divisions 020/041/065/139 – related to Alarm, Audiovisual Communication, Entry & Surveillance Systems
- Divisions 021/025/110 – related to Pharmacy Technician & Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician Licensure
- Division 041 – related to Disclosure of Patient Information
- Divisions 041/139 – related to Accurate Pharmacy Hours & Temporary Pharmacy Closures
- Divisions 041/139 – related to Drug Storage
- Division 080 – related to Schedule I Exceptions
- Division 143 – related to Pharmacy Prescription Lockers (PPLs)
Also in Oregon, the Department of Human Services announced plans to lift mask requirements for indoor public spaces and schools on March 19.
Finally in Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that she will lift the state's COVID-19 Emergency Declaration effective April 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The Department of Human Services released a new bulletin announcing SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibody Product Updates that includes pharmacy reimbursement rates and billing procedures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Department of Health has provided an update on COVID-19 oral antiviral therapeutics in the state, specifically, Paxlovid® by Pfizer and Molnupiravir by Merck, with guidance for pharmacies requesting them.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) is accepting comments until March 10th on the March 2022 draft Specialty Drug List. Stakeholders should send submissions on the Specialty Drug Submission Spreadsheet.
Also in Texas, the HHSC adopted a final rule establishing a process for Medicaid Managed Care organizations (MCOs) to recoup certain overpayments made to health care providers in connection with missing electronic visit verification information. The rule also requires MCOs to give providers at least 60 days to correct a deficiency.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy published its February 2022 newsletter. Highlights include the impact of HB 178 on pharmacy practice, pharmacy staff supervision, insulin refills, Controlled Substance Database (CDS) updates when returning controlled substances to stock, CDS and the DSP12 Transmission Form of Rx Origin Code and SafeUT Frontline app.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Virginia
The Legislature's crossover deadline for bills to pass one chamber to be eligible for further consideration was met on February 15. The following bills of interest to pharmacy met the deadline:
- HB 1323 and SB 672 – both bills expand pharmacy personnel immunization and testing authority to mirror the PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act; SB 672 also expands the state's current allowances on conditions pharmacists may test and/or treat. NACDS has been actively supporting both bills, which are headed for consideration in conference committee
- HB 1324 – this bill requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt regulations for work environment requirements for pharmacy personnel by September 1, 2022. The regulations must include addressing pharmacy staffing and breaks; state standards that ensure adequate time to complete professional duties; and limit productivity or production quotas to the extent that such factors interfere with the ability to provide appropriate professional services to the public. The bill was amended to remove language that would have allowed it to be promulgated as an emergency measure, thus ensuring stakeholders' ability to participate in the regulatory process
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued a proclamation removing the statewide indoor mask mandate effective February 18, 2022.
Also in Washington, legislation twice amended that NACDS opposed that mandates prescription label translations, unanimously passed the House earlier this month. This week it was approved by the Senate Health and Long-Term Care and Rules Committees, and now goes to the full Senate for review. (ESHB 1852)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Alabama Medicaid Agency will host a virtual online seminar to provide an update to the cost-effectiveness methodology to Alabama Coordinated Health Network (ACHN) provider groups. The purpose of the online seminar is to provide an overview and answer questions on the modified cost effectiveness methodology that will take effect on April 15, 2022, check write.
Also in Alabama, the Board of Pharmacy has issued a proposed rule regarding non-disciplinary penalties for late renewal of license, permit, registration, certification, or any similar document issued.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
The Legislature convened its biennial fiscal session on February 14th.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The following alerts have been recently posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Updates to the List of Covered Diabetic Test Strips and Lancets (February 8)
- Medi-Cal Rx Provider Payments (February 8)
- Reject Code 606 – Temporary Suspension (February 9)
- Medi-Cal Rx Policy Updates (February 11)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for February 6-11 (February 14)
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted this article to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Professional Organizations Push for Recall of Buprenorphine Dental Warning.
Also, in California, COVID-19 related news highlighted below:
- Governor Newsom Signs $1.9 Billion COVID Package to Bolster State's Ongoing Emergency Response
- Governor Newsom Signs Paid Sick Leave Extension, Expanded Relief for Small Businesses, and Historic Package to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship in California
- California Department of Public Health Issued Guidance for the Use of Face Masks effective February 16, 2022
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy released Notices of Modified Text for the following and will accept written comments on the proposed modifications until March 2, 2022.
- Self-Assessment of a Wholesaler/Third-Party Logistics Provider by the Designated Representative-In-Charge or Responsible Manager
- Self-Assessment of a Pharmacy by the Pharmacist-in-Charge
- Notice of Modified Text
- Modified Text
- Modified Self-Assessment Form (17M-13) – Community Pharmacy/Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy
- Modified Self-Assessment Form (17M-14) – Hospital Pharmacy
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Revised PML Tip Sheet, beginning March 1, 2022, an enhancement will be applied to the NPI Mapping Logic which will affect providers and health plans who submit claims and/or encounters to Florida Medicaid. An updated Provider Master List tip sheet is now available on the Managed Care Support section of the Florida Medicaid public Web Portal that details the changes. Health plans are encouraged to review the tip sheet to understand how the enhancement will affect their encounter submissions. Health plans can stay connected by visiting the Florida Medicaid public Web Portal often for the most up-to-date information on these changes. For additional assistance, please contact the Health Plan Support team by emailing healthplan.support@gainwelltechnologies.com.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Georgia
Georgia Pharmacy Association presents “APhA’s Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services: A Certificate Training Program for Pharmacists.” Sunday, March 27, 2022, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This live training is being held virtually via Zoom Meetings. Click here to register!
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted updated PDL (Preferred Drug List) files.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy announced the following rulemaking actions:
- Adopted: ARC 6174C related to Collaborative Practice Agreements – effective March 16, 2022
- Notice of Intended Action:
- ARC 6178C related to Compounding Practices RE: Veterinary Practice – comments due by 4:30 p.m. on March 1.
- ARC 6179C related to Controlled Substances – comments due by 4:30 p.m. on March 1, and a public hearing will be held via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on March 3. Note: the board previously noticed this proposed rule and made significant changes; this is the Amended Notice of Intended Action
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Massachusetts
MassHealth, Medicaid, has updated its COVID-19 Pharmacy Practice regarding perpetual inventories.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
This week both houses of the state legislature overwhelmingly approved HB 4348 which would help enhance patient access to pharmacy services and enhance transparency into the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The legislation will now go to Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). The Governor has indicated that she does intend to sign the proposal into law.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Montana
The Department of Public Health and Human Services issued a Notice of Amendment to ARM 37.85.105, updating effective dates of Medicaid fee schedules retroactively to January 1, 2022. Reimbursement for outpatient drugs did not change.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Hampshire
This week the New Hampshire State Senate unanimously passed SB (Senate Bill) 229, which will allow a certified pharmacy technician to administer both flu and covid vaccines. The New Hampshire Chain Pharmacy Association testified in support of passage of SB 229. The bill will now move to the House, and it is anticipated that the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee will hold a hearing during the latter half of March or in April.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
The New York State Department of Health has updated NYS Medicaid Coverage Criteria for COVID-19 Vaccine Counseling. This guidance can be found on the COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers webpage, which is updated regularly.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.