Georgia
The Department of Public Health, Division of Health Protection, Section of Emergency Preparedness and Response Department has received the following updates on the Moderna Expiry Lot Checker regarding the following lots: 046A21A, 008B21-2A, 017B21A, 020B21A, 022B21A, 039B21A, 046B21A, 044B21A. These have successfully been updated to the expiry look up tool. We have been informed that the Moderna team is continuing to work on the expiry extension and the next batch (weekly) will include five priority lots in distribution and all lots expiring in October.
If any providers have expiring doses that have not been updated in the Moderna Expiry Lot Checker yet, the advice is to safely quarantine the expired doses until the dose extension can be verified and to administer new shipments of Moderna vaccine in the meantime. If providers cannot safely quarantine doses of vaccine with unknown extension status and there is concern that expired does may be administered, please properly dispose of vaccine and report as waste.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) posted a NEW Vaccine Information Brief (10.27.21) with important COVID-19 booster dose information, pediatric COVID-19 vaccine planning information and other updates. Note: Given the frequent updates over the last week, please review the current brief in its entirety. For the latest information and updates impacting Iowa’s enrolled vaccine providers, please visit the IDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Providers webpage, and click on the most recent version of the “ Vaccine Information Brief”. If you have questions, contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
Also in Iowa, the Department of Human Services, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise, issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2282-MC-FFS announcing an increase in the pharmacy dispensing fee from $10.07 to $10.38 effective November 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise’s State Plan Amendment (SPA) for the increased dispensing fee.
Finally in Iowa, the Department of Human Services, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise, issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2279-MC-FFS-D seeking feedback from providers with a goal of improving the effectiveness of services provided to Medicaid members. Iowa Medicaid developed a survey to gather provider feedback with a deadline of November 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) lifted the public health emergency indoor mask mandate, but the Governor is keeping in place face covering requirements for certain K-12 schools, effective October 27.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the next weekly COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on November 3 at noon (Central).
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services added the September 2021 DUR Board draft meeting minutes for approval to the website. Other materials for the DUR Board November 9, 2021, meeting include the agenda and DUR Policy Statements (as of July 2021).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
The next Board of Pharmacy election is scheduled to begin November 1, and North Carolina pharmacists will vote to fill two positions. Voting coincides with the license renewal period and will run from November 1 through March 1, 2022. All pharmacists actively licensed and living in North Carolina at the start of the election will be eligible to vote for both districts. The winners of this election will begin their terms on May 1, 2022. Below is the link to the bios of the candidates in the two districts.
http://www.ncbop.org/election2021WesternDistrictCandidates.html
http://www.ncbop.org/election2021NorthernDistrictCandidates.html
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Medicaid Department will hold a public hearing on November 1 at 9:00 a.m. to consider Rule 5160-8-53. This new rule establishes provider payment for diabetes prevention and self-management training (DSMT) services when provided by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, registered dietitians and pharmacists. The rule also provides for reimbursement for National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) services but only for physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. The proposed effective date of this rule is January 1, 2022. NACDS intends to submit comments supporting the DMST provisions and asking that pharmacists also be included under the NDPP program. Instructions to access the virtual meeting are included in the rule notice.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted Temporary Rule OAR 855-007-0088 related to Compliance with Oregon Health Authority’s COVID Rules, effective October 18.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed to permanently adopt numerous rules outlined below. Note: written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov before 4:30 p.m. on November 23.
- Division 007 – related to Compliance with OHA COVID Rules
- Division 007/041/045/065 – related to USP, Storage, Labeling, Repackaging
- Division 010 – related to Board Administration & Policies
- Division 019/139 – related to Remote Dispensing Site Pharmacy
- Division 041/080 – related to Pseudoephedrine/Ephedrine
- Division 019/021 – related to Pain Management CE
- Division 020 – related to Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority – COVID mAb, PEP & PrEP
- Division 043 – related to SPDO/DPDO/CHC
- Division 060/110 – related to PDMP Fee Increase
- Division 006/041 – related to Telework, Remote Processing & TCVP
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
NACDS reminds members that a new program is available that will reimburse pharmacies for naloxone copays when the pharmacist believes the patient will be hesitant to pick up the prescription due to cost. The Naloxone Copay Assistance Program is funded through federal grants and began October 1, 2021. The program runs on the existing PACE adjudication platform and will reimburse a pharmacy up to $75 per claim for any patient regardless of their insurance plan. In the interest of making the program as seamless as possible for pharmacies to increase access to naloxone, there is no ID patient card or patient criteria to meet. For more details, see the program bulletin and detailed adjudication specifications. It is our understanding that only a handful of claims were submitted in October; if you are experiencing any barriers to utilizing the program or have suggestions to increase uptake, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-525-8962 or jmccormack@nacds.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
TN Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program’s (VPDIP’s) 2nd Annual Virtual Immunization Summit, scheduled for November 17, is a free educational event for healthcare professionals playing significant roles in immunization activities.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy posted the November 2 meeting agendaand meeting materials. Of interest to chain pharmacies are the possibility of final adoption of proposed rules that would create two new classes of pharmacy, Class A-N for community pharmacies compounding certain non-sterile preparations and the Class A-SN designation for community pharmacies compounding both sterile and non-sterile preparations. Interest parties were asked to submit comments in advance of the meeting.
Also in Texas, despite the collaborative efforts of NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS), the Texas Pharmacy Business Council (TPBC) and other stakeholders during both the regular session earlier this year and most recently during the third special session, the legislative budget conference committees failed to extend the $2.5M funding for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy’s Prescription Monitoring Program’s (PMP) NarxCare integration and clinical alerts. While this means the free access through the Appriss Health PMP Gateway has been discontinued, pharmacists and other prescribers that are required to check the patient’s PMP history before dispensing or prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or carisoprodol can still access the system through their free PMP AWARxE account.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy’s Regulation Committee will meet on November 4 at 9:00 a.m. to consider amendments to Chapter 20, Section 25 (Unprofessional Conduct). These amendments address workforce issues, e.g., breaks and staffing. For more details, please see the proposed language in the agenda.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Health Care Authority has a new email address for inquiries on new or updated policies and procedures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of November 30, 2021, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERTs and notices related to the health emergency is available by selecting the Agency’s COVID-19 page.
Also in Alabama, as a reminder, effective January 1, 2020, all newly registered technicians are required to complete a Board approved training program within six (6) months of registration. Failure of a technician to complete the required training within the specified time period may result in disciplinary action for the technician, as well as the supervising pharmacist and the permit holder. Any technician required to complete training that has not done so will not be able to renew their technician registration online.
Finally in Alabama, renewal notices have been mailed to all facilities and technicians. Online renewals are now open. Please note that ALBOP will be processing renewals as timely as possible, but to ensure registrations and permits do not lapse, please submit renewals as early as possible.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
The Division of Medical Services (Medicaid) is seeking comments by November 8, 2021, on proposed rules that would allow six refills per month, add certain medications that do not count toward the monthly prescription cap, and allow up to nine medically necessary prescriptions per month for Living Choices Assisted Living Program clients. The rule specifies that clients must pay for their own medications beyond the maximum benefit, removes the extension of benefits provisions, and revises refill requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy posted the following:
- October 27 Communication and Public Education Committee meeting agenda and meeting materials and
- October 27-28 Full Board Meeting agenda and meeting materials.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy maintains an index of precedential decisions and makes it available annually to the public by email subscription. Go to www.pharmacy.ca.gov to join the Board’s email list.
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association worked with Magellan and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to conduct an informational webinar on October 13 for chain pharmacies to learn about the important elements related to implementation of Medi-Cal Rx (start date of January 1, 2022). Both the presentation and the audio recording are available. To access the recording, use this link and click on “↓ Download (3 files)” in the upper right corner of the webpage. If your company would like to schedule its own training, please contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801 or sguckian@nacds.org, and we will connect you directly to Magellan and DHCS to schedule the training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
To better facilitate e-prescribing and e-prior authorizations, the Department of health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) created a Medicaid prescriber tool to help improve patient health outcomes, reduce administrative burdens, and save money.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Florida Board of Pharmacy proposed to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-30 to clarify the disciplinary guidelines, the range of penalties, and the list of aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Comment Due Date: 10-25-2021.
Also in Florida, the Florida Board of Pharmacy proposed to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-26 to update incorporated forms for licensure and immunization administration. Comment Due Date: 10-25-2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Georgia
Fall Virtual Medicaid Fair, Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 8am EST. The opening session will highlight news from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) including an overview of current initiatives and program and policy updates. The day will feature WebEx based break-out sessions focused on relevant topics for our provider community along with time for questions and answers. To register online and for details, visit here. Attendees must register to reserve a seat for each individual session selected.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine Additional Dose and Booster Dose. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has also posted a REVISED version of the 09/03/2021 Provider Notice entitled Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker (R) announced this week that Acting Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services Amanda Cassel Kraft will take over the permanent responsibility of running the state’s $19 billion MassHealth -Medicaid program.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Minnesota
On November 3 NACDS and the Minnesota Retailers Association will co-host a virtual discussion concerning legislation that would give pharmacists the authority to prescribe HIV preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis. If you would like to join the discussion, please email Jill McCormack for meeting sign in information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Dept. of Health and Human Services has posted the DUR Board November 9, 2021, meeting agenda and DUR Policy Statements (as of July 2021); see links below.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy proposed to adopt regulations under NJAC 13:39-1 to require pharmacy permit holders and registered pharmacists-in-charge to implement a continuous quality improvement program to prevent prescription errors.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) has initiated its Statewide Formulary for Opioid Dependence Agents and Opioid Antagonists. In a meeting this week with the New York State pharmacy community, the department recognized that there still are some issues with supply and Medicaid Managed Care plans, including pharmacy reimbursement concerns. NYSDOH mentioned a concern about a general lack of awareness by bench pharmacists of this change and strongly urged all pharmacies to send the DOH update to all pharmacy staff.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper (D) has issued Executive Order 236, which was introduced to amend Executive Orders 130, 139, and 193 and extend Executive Order 152 as well as waive regulations to expedite the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The new order removes licensing requirements for medical personnel for assisting with vaccine administration and directs the State Health Director to continue all programs that have been previously implemented for the purpose of disease prevention, protection, reporting, and detection. This order extends the order to require the State Health Director to issue statewide standing orders needed to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination and testing, as well as administer monoclonal antibody treatment. This order is effective immediately and will expire on January 5, 2022.
Also in North Carolina, the next Board of Pharmacy election is scheduled to begin November 1, 2021 and North Carolina pharmacists will vote to fill two positions. Voting coincides with the license renewal period and will run from November 1, 2021 through March 1, 2022. All pharmacists actively licensed and living in North Carolina at the start of the election will be eligible to vote for both districts. The winners of this election will begin their terms on May 1, 2022. Below is the link to the bios of the candidates in the two districts.
http://www.ncbop.org/election2021WesternDistrictCandidates.html
http://www.ncbop.org/election2021NorthernDistrictCandidates.html
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.