Michigan
At the June quarterly Michigan Medicaid pharmacy provider liaison meeting, companies asked that Medicaid provide each of their corporate staff a list of claims for their respective stores tied to Medicaid errors that may have caused processing errors regarding cost share responsibility. They wanted their corporate staff to reprocess the claims for the stores and determine if there are any issues with the claims. Michigan Medicaid staff is looking for the most appropriate contact for each company. Medicaid is looking for each company to email a list of their pharmacy NPIs to MDHHSPharmacyServices@michigan.gov.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Missouri
The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division is implementing new edits effective October 21st requiring Medicaid participants to receive a 90-day supply select medications.
Also in Missouri, prescribers of controlled substances for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) participants are required to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) prior to prescribing a controlled substance starting on October 1, 2021. The FAQ is available under Frequently Updated Documents and is titled Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) FAQ.
Finally in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy is holding a virtual meeting on October 19 and 20 MO BOP Virtual Meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
On October 13, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed Executive Order No. 21-15 — Further Health Care Workforce Capacity, including language waiving “Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2866.01 and its implementing regulations… to permit pharmacists to have any number of pharmacist interns and pharmacy technicians under their supervision insofar as they determine it necessary within their professional discretion when administering vaccinations…”. It took immediate effect and will remain in effect until December 31, 2021.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the next weekly COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on October 20 at noon (Central).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
The New York State Department of Health has updated its policy and billing guidance document regarding Medicaid’s reimbursement policy for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use and instructions for providers to bill the cost of administration of authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
Also in New York, the NYS Education Department has proposed changes to the Pharmacist Licensure Examination, Licensure by Endorsement and a new Requirement for Three Continuing Education Hours in Compounding per Licensure Period for Pharmacists. The Board of Regents is looking to adopt these changes in December to take effect January 1, 2022.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy issued this alert: “Please be aware that there have been several Pharmacy Burglaries (Nighttime Break-Ins) recently. Please be alert to any suspicious activities. The DEA 106 Forms for theft/loss of CDS must be reported to the DEA, OBNDD and OSBP. OBNDD is requesting that the pharmacies fax the DEA 106 Forms for Burglaries to: Attention: Cynthia Perez, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs – Fax 405-530-7619. Make sure that you include the Police Report and provide Surveillance Video if available. Please make sure that your alarm systems are working properly and consider enhancing your security systems as well.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy has posted the agenda for the October 27, 2021 CE Rules Advisory Committee meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
Register for the SCPhA Virtual Fall Pharmacy Night happening on October 28th @ 7pm! There will be an overview of the pharmacy landscape after COVID-19. Registration link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
TennCare has made several changes to the Preferred Drug List (PDL) effective October 1, as they continue the process of reviewing all covered drug classes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an Executive Order this week banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees or customers. Any entity that fails to comply could receive up to a $1,000 fine. This state order conflicts with President Biden’s (D) order mandating that companies with federal contracts must have all employees vaccinated.
Also in Texas, to assist with planning for the distribution of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine pending the authorization by the Food and Drug Administration and the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 years of age, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is asking chain pharmacies to complete one survey with an estimate for all stores by 5 PM on Wednesday, October 20th. DSHS Survey
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy will hold its quarterly meeting in-person in Austin on Tuesday, November 2. TX BOP Meeting On the agenda for possible final adoption are onerous proposed rules impacting pharmacies that compound non-sterile preparations. Written comments must be submitted to the board on or before October 25th.
Also in Texas, NACDS submitted several recommendations to the Board of Pharmacy to assist with the development of their 5-year strategic plan, including updating laws and regulations to permanently codify the scope of practice expansion under the PREP Act for all pharmacy personnel, and to further modernize the practice of pharmacy to allow for practices now permitted in other states.
Finally in Texas, on October 1st, NACDS and other Texas pharmacy organizations met with Health and Human Services Commission’s representatives from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Vendor Drug Program (VDP-Medicaid) to discuss considerations for a pilot program to address barriers that have inhibited broad pharmacy participation in the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy held a workgroup on September 23 to consider making recommendations to the Legislature on passing legislation that would expand pharmacy technician duties in the 2022 session. The workgroup was mandated by HB 1304 of 2020. This law will require pharmacy technicians to be certified by July 2022. According the draft minutes the workgroup took the following actions:
- Motion to recommend the elimination tech ratio failed; subsequent motion to not recommend the elimination of tech ratio passed 6-2
- Motion to recommend permanently authorize nationally certified techs to administer vaccines in accordance with PREP Act passed 7-1
- BOP Executive Director clarifies that pharmacists and technicians under supervision are currently authorized to perform CLIA-waived testing
- Motion that the BOP further study, rather than recommend, Technician Product Verification passed unanimously
- Motion passed unanimously to recommend that pharmacy technicians be authorized to clarify number of refills and drug quantity for new prescriptions or refills (Sch. VI)
- Motion to allow techs to accept new prescriptions failed 6-2
- Motion passed unanimously to recommend allowing a nationally certified technician to electronically transfer a Schedule VI refill that is not an “on hold” prescription when authorized by Pharmacist in Charge.
- Board voted unanimously that the BOP clarify regulations, if needed, to allow pharmacy technicians to take medication histories independently to include drug name, dosage and frequency. It was the opinion of Board staff that this is currently authorized.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 409, the Board of Pharmacy’s legislation that would permit pharmacists to perform a list of CLIA-waived tests, including SARS-CoV-2or other respiratory illness, condition or disease and strep throat, plus any additional tests approved by the Board of Pharmacy, in conjunction with the Medical Board of California and Laboratory Field Services.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has created a flyer to assist pharmacy providers to prepare for the Medi-Cal Rx implementation date of January 1, 2022. Note the inclusion of readiness survey; the results will be used to tailor training sessions to prepare providers for the transition to Medi-Cal Rx.
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association worked with Magellan and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to schedule a webinar for chain pharmacies to hear first-hand from these entities about the important elements related to implementation of Medi-Cal Rx (start date of January 1, 2022). The webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, 4:00 p.m. CDT, 3:00 p.m. MDT and 2:00 p.m. PDT; T; for information to access the webinar, click here. During the webinar, Magellan and DHCS will share information about portal registration, interacting with the new system and other key items. Please be prepared to ask questions. If your company would like to schedule its own training after October 13, 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.
Finally in California, Ashkan Soltani will lead the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) as its Executive Director. He helped to shape the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
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
Governor JB Pritzker (D) has signed two pieces of opioid legislation. HB1842, sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D), which amends statute to modify prescription drug monitoring program requirements and HB3596, sponsored by Representative Dagmara Avelar (D), which amends statute to require Schedule II-V substances prescriptions to be sent electronically.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Continuing Prior Approval Requests for Early Synagis Dosing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2271-MC-FFS-CVD with guidance for pharmacies billing for specimen collection and testing for COVID-19. The changes are effective October 1 and will be in effect for the duration of the public health emergency.
Also in Iowa, for the latest information and updates impacting Iowa’s enrolled vaccine providers, please visit the Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) COVID-19 Vaccine Providers web page, and click on the most recent version of the “ Vaccine Information Brief”. IDPH posted a NEW Vaccine Information Brief (10.1.21). 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, a COVID 3rd dose vs. booster vaccine recommendations infographic has been developed for providers’ use for educational purposes. If you have questions, contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
The Office of Pharmacy Services has published an Advisory on the Concurrent use of Opioids and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for the Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program. Anyone interested in directly receiving upcoming Advisories may forward his/her name, company affiliation and email address directly to Deborah.washington@maryland.gov
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Mississippi
As a reminder, the Division of Medicaid (DOM) will require providers to include accurate CPT® Category II codes on physician, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner claims, effective October 1, 2021. To learn more read see the linked memo.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Nebraska
The 471-000-540 Nebraska Medicaid Practitioner Fee Schedule for Injectables was updated effective October 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
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, Governor Roy Cooper (D) signed SB257, legislation that will impose tighter regulations on pharmacy benefit managers to address spread pricing and requires licensure under the Department of Insurance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy will hold a meeting on October 13-15. The agenda has been posted including information for public participation by phone.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The S.C. Department of Commerce, Clemson University, and the S.C. Department of Agriculture has invited members of the business community to join an educational webinar on October 12th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST detailing the potential impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF) on the food supply chain and food security in South Carolina between the pork industry, animal health officials and private industry partners integral to the food supply chain.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Please see the Provider Notice that updates to TennCare Preferred Drug List, Clinical Criteria, and Interim Criteria below for October 2021. These changes go into effect on October 1st.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Virginia
NACDS reminds members that beginning January 1, 2022, all health care providers must report all vaccinations to the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS), pursuant to Chapter 211 of the 2021 Special Session. If you are not already actively submitting immunization administration data to VIIS please contact VIISInfo@vdh.virginia.gov and a VIIS Trainer will contact, you.
Also in Virginia, the Department of Health (VDH) recently partnered with a platform to allow residents to show proof of vaccination via a QR code, rather than a paper vaccination card. VDH encourages pharmacies to become familiar with this platform as patients may show vaccination records this way. More information about this new platform can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Arkansas
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for Immunizations and Outbreak Response at the Arkansas Department of Health, shared statistics showing that pharmacies had administered at least 72% of the COVID vaccines in Arkansas, not counting those shots administered at hospital sites.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Action Plan outlining the following priorities given the potential of both the approval of boosters and the eligibility of children under the age of 12 years.
- Vaccinate those that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated while closing the equity gaps;
- Ensure enough capacity to administer booster shots; and
- Vaccinate children under age 12 [years] as they become eligible.
Also in California, due to the Fawn Fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on September 27 in Shasta County. The Board of Pharmacy issued an alert reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062(b) and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents. The Board’s formal policy for filling prescriptions during an emergency is available in its Board Policy Statement: Disaster Response.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Executive Order N-16-21 extending the telehealth services expansion. This Executive Order also extends the previous order’s provisions related to relaxing certain state and security laws for medical providers.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom(D) signed several bills related to workers and working conditions, including SB 362, legislation sponsored by the United Food and Commercial Workers and the California Pharmacists Association, that prohibits chain community pharmacies (75 or more stores under one ownership in California) from establishing pharmacy quotas as defined in the bill with certain exceptions.
Also in California, the Department of Public Health recently released the COVID-19 vaccine State Public Health Officer Order with an effective date of November 30. Please note the August 5, 2021, State Public Health Officer Order still applies, and facilities must be in full compliance with this order by September 30.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is currently accepting written comments on the following proposed regulations.
- Title 16, CCR Section 1704 related to providing addresses, specifically electronic mail address.
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed text
- Comment deadline: October 18
- Title 16, CCR Section 1784 related to self-assessment of a wholesaler/third-party logistics provider by the designated representative-in-charge or responsible manager
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed Text
- Self-assessment form
- Comment deadline: November 1
- Title 16, CCR 1715. 65 related to Inventory Activities and Inventory Reconciliation Reports of Controlled Substances
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed Text
- Comment deadline: November 1
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy distributed the September 2021 issue of its newsletter, “The Script”. Highlights include the FAQs related to the e-prescribing requirement effective January 1, 2022, and the new regulations for automated drug delivery systems.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) that oversees multiple Boards including the Board of Pharmacy announced a joint stakeholder meeting on October 15th at 11:30 AM Mountain time to collect feedback so that they can create a list of non-controlled prescription drugs and substances that have a substantial potential for abuse and must be reported to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) when dispensed to a patient. Webinar Registration
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.