HB 379, extending the prohibition on PBMs to require federally certified health entities to identify 340B drug from June 1, 2023 to June 1, 2025, was amended and passed the House Business and Labor Committee on February 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued Bulletin 23-04: Nebraska Medicaid Managed Care Contracts 2024. Contracts between DHHS and Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care and United Healthcare have been signed and these organizations will prepare to provide services under the new contract beginning January 1, 2024.
Also in Nebraska, DHHS posted the draft minutes from the November 15, 2022, Drug Utilization Review Board meeting.
Finally in Nebraska, LB 778, amending the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act, has been scheduled for a hearing on March 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
On February 15, the Department of Financial Services published a proposed rule regarding General Duties, Accountability and Transparency Provisions for Pharmacy Benefit Managers. The proposed rule sets forth to clarify, define and limit the duties, obligations, requirements and other provisions relating to pharmacy benefit managers under Public Health Law section 280-a(2) and provides a safe harbor provision for compliance with the regulation. It also defines, limits and clarifies the requirements for pharmacy benefit managers to provide an accounting to health plans and sets forth the terms and conditions of contract relating to pharmacy benefit management services provided to health plans by the pharmacy benefit managers, including provisions related to an appeal to the bureau for a determination on disclosure.
On February 13, NACDS participated in the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State lobby day. NACDS joined with members to advocate for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) budget proposal, including the Medicaid Fee-for-Service transition effective on April 1.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
SB 2031, designing and implementing a prescription drug reference rate pilot program to study the possibility of controlling excessive prices for prescription drugs, failed in the Senate (14-33).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid) Director Maureen Corcoran announced a proposed 5.7% increase in the Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) for the SPBM (Single PBM) pharmacy program as part of the biennial state budget. The percentage as proposed would be applied to all three PDF tiers. NACDS has been advocating for an increase since the September announcement of the PDFs for the SPBM The budget also includes an opportunity for pharmacies to enhance PDFs through a outcomes-based incentive payment. No further details are available upon this writing, but NACDS expects to have them soon.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy adopted the following Temporary Rule, effective February 10.
The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for each product has been updated. The updated EUA for Paxlovid now differs from the approved statewide drug therapy management protocol which necessitates the protocol’s suspension. REGEN-COV is not authorized for use in any US region which also necessitates this protocol’s suspension.
Temporarily suspends the statewide drug therapy management protocols for COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody and COVID-19 Antiviral due to:
The FDA has stated that EUAs preempt any differing requirements under states’ laws. As a result, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy will not take disciplinary action against persons who act in accordance an EUA, as a result of the FDA’s position that state law is preempted. If a complaint is received relating to activities covered under an EUA, the Board will expect the licensee to provide documentation of full compliance with the EUA. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the February 2023 Board Meeting:
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking subject matter experts (SMEs), including pharmacists, to serve on the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC). The board utilizes SMEs to develop and revised protocols in the Protocol Compendium. If you would like to serve as a SME for the PHPFAC please complete the online form by March 1. Individuals selected will receive confirmation by March 15. Email SME related inquiries to pharmacy.formulary@bop.oregon.gov.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the Compounding Workgroup meeting on February 21.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the Interns Workgroup meeting on February 22.
Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will resume health coverage renewals on April 1 for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members. OHA is required to review eligibility for all 1.47 million OHP members by June 2024. Anyone who no longer qualifies for OHP coverage still have affordable health coverage options. The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) will send information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits and advise of potential coverage options and financial help through the Marketplace. The Marketplace Transition Help Center will help people understand their options, how to transition to the Marketplace, and to find help from local health coverage experts.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
HB 1135, legislation related to PBMs and transparency in the pricing of prescription drugs, passed the House (62-5) on February 13. It was referred to the Senate and Health and Human Services Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
TPA [Tennessee Pharmacists Association] will offer Mental Health First Aid training to 25 attendees at the TPA Winter Meeting, held in Nashville on February 26–27. Space is limited. Register Today!
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Register TODAY to participate at the 2023 Texas Pharmacy Day at the Capitol on February 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.