Kentucky
The Board of Pharmacy will hold a Public Hearing on February 23, 2021, on a proposed rule that would expand the board-authorized conditions allowing prescriber-approved protocols for dispensing of medications or other services to include alcohol use disorder; colorectal cancer prevention and screening; HCV infection screening; HIV infection prophylaxis, pre-and post-exposure; and HIV infection screening. Please send your comments by February 16, 2021, to jmccormack@nacds.org for inclusion in NACDS’ letter of support.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
As one of the eight members of the Louisiana Pharmacy Congress, NACDS participated in a virtual meeting hosted by the Board of Pharmacy to discuss interim study reports and proposed pharmacy legislation for 2021. Issues discussed were payment parity, expanded scope, collaborative practice agreements, and expanding access to immunizations. The Louisiana Department of Health gave a presentation on their new initiative called “Well-Ahead Louisiana,” a program aimed at partnering with pharmacies to manage chronic diseases. More information on the Well-Ahead initiative can be found here.
Also in Louisiana. The Board of Pharmacy’s Regulation Review Committee is convening a virtual Zoom meeting on January 26, 2021. The meeting access information is provided in the header of the agenda. Links to the legislative and regulatory proposals scheduled for consideration during that meeting are available at the Board’s website, in the Rulemaking Activity section of the Public Library.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services issued an updated Bulletin about pharmacy billing for COVID vaccinations in the fee for service program. Please visit the above link for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy adopted a final rule revising standards for electronic transmission of prescriptions, adding provisions on exemption certificates, and defining “technologic or electronic failure. The rule became effective on December 29.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New Mexico
The state moved past COVID Phase 1A, which featured vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and residents and employees at long term care facilities, to Phase 1B. Consequently, persons 76 years of age or older, those 15 or older with underlying medical conditions that place them at greater risk from COVID-19, frontline essential workers who cannot work remotely, educators and other school employees, and vulnerable populations such as those at congregate care facilities are now eligible to join phase 1A in getting vaccinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Ohio
This week, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (OCM) awarded the contract for its Single Pharmacy Benefits Manager to Gainwell Technologies. Please see ODM’s news release for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
On January 23, 2020, Centene Corporation acquired WellCare Health Plans, Inc., which included WellCare of South Carolina, a managed care organization (MCO) contracted with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). As a result of this acquisition, WellCare will no longer participate in SCDHHS’s Healthy Connections Medicaid managed care program. Effective April 1, 2021, existing WellCare Medicaid members will be served by Absolute Total Care. Absolute Total Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation. WellCare will remain responsible for claims, appeals and hearings, and other administrative processes that occur before April 1, 2021. To satisfy its contractual requirements with SCDHHS, WellCare will keep administrative processes in place for at least 12 months after exiting the Healthy Connections Medicaid managed care program. Providers rendering services to WellCare members will continue to work directly with WellCare for all dates of service before April 1, 2021. Additional administrative information may be found on WellCare’s website.
All Healthy Connections members transferred to Absolute Total Care on April 1, 2021, will maintain a continuity of care period for up to 90 days during which time members will continue to receive all authorized services from their current providers. If providers have questions about how this acquisition may affect them, they should call WellCare Provider Services at (888) 588-9842 or Absolute Total Care Provider Services at (866) 433-6041.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Legislature convened on Tuesday, January 12, and immediately elected a new Speaker of the House, Republican Dade Phelan from Beaumont.
Also in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CMS) to ship first doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 28 hub providers for large community vaccinations of health care workers, people 65 and older, and anyone 16 and older with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Also in Texas. The Medical Board adopted a final rule establishing the process and circumstances under which physicians may obtain a waiver to be exempt from requirements for electronic prescribing of controlled substances.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Emergency Regulation allowing pharmacists to initiate treatment for Naloxone, Epinephrine, Hormonal Contraceptives, Prenatal vitamins, and certain OTC meds under protocols are currently in effect as of January 3. The protocols and other documentation forms needed can be found here. As you will recall, these regs are the result of the passage of HB 1506 last session, a legislative priority for members that NACDS was instrumental in passing.
Also in Virginia. The Pharmacy Technician Registration Emergency Regulation became effective January 3. The Board of Pharmacy expects to have an online registration portal operational next week and will email licensees when it is available for technician trainee registration. However, certification is not required to register as a technician until July 1, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
Please find attached the Alabama Medicaid ALERT for pharmacy billing of the COVID-19 vaccine administration (you can also find the ALERT here).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Florida
The Division of Disease Control published an emergency rule to adopt regulations under FAC 64DER20-44 to authorize redistribution of the COVID-19 vaccine between vaccine providers within the state. The rule specifies that providers must receive approval from the Florida Vaccines for Children and Adults Program and requires tracking of vaccine redistribution between enrolled providers. The rule is effective December 17, 2020 and expires March 17, 2021.
Also in Florida. The Board of Pharmacy published a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-33 to establish a rule regarding the international export pharmacy permit and to develop and incorporate an application. Comment due date is not specified.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a provider notice with billing and reimbursement for pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccination. Please visit the above link for additional information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Iowa
The Department of Public Health has added new documents to its COVID-19 website pertaining to pharmacy, including billing and reimbursement information for administering the COVID-19 vaccination and updates to the statewide standing order as of December 30.
Also in Iowa. the Department of Human Services issued a final rule amending regulations to allow automatic prescription drug refills, with participation in such a program being voluntary and opt-in only, on a drug-by-drug basis, and to establish standards. The rule is effective on March 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
The Board of Pharmacy published an emergency rule to allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacist interns to order and to administer vaccinations to children between the ages of three and 17 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to comply with federal standards under the PREP Act. A hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2021, via teleconference and written comments are due February 28, 2021. The rule became effective November 23 and expires August 20, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maryland
Gov. Hogan (R) issued an Executive Order (EO) on January 5 requiring providers to report the administration of COVID-19 vaccines within 24 hours. The EO states that employers of providers share joint and several responsibilities for compliance with the order and includes penalties for non-compliance. Please visit the above link for more details on the Executive Order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
Earlier this year, Governor Charlie Baker (R) signed into law SB 2984 which among other things, recognizes pharmacists as health care providers. Please visit the above link for bill language.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (R) signed into law SB 920, which provides regulatory relief through the remaining course of the state emergency declaration. Provisions include emergency refills, therapeutic interchange, and remote supervision of technicians and other staff. Most of these provisions were lost previously when Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Orders either lapsed or were invalidated by the State Supreme Court.
Also in Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a bulletin with coverage and reimbursement information for pharmacies administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit the above link for more details on the bulletin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an Executive Order allowing out-of-state pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccinations during the peacetime emergency. Please visit the above link for more details on the Executive Order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Mississippi
Effective December 11 the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) will reimburse Medicaid-enrolled pharmacy providers for COVID-19 vaccine claims billed on NCPDP D.0 pharmacy claims. Currently, the vaccine itself is being provided at no cost to providers and patients by the federal government, but DOM will still require submission of the vaccine NDC numbers on claims to ensure the appropriate administration fees are being billed for the vaccines given. Also, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid has added new procedure codes that can be used by providers to bill for COVID-19 vaccines. To learn more, read the attached notice and consider sharing it in your publications. You can also find the information online at https://medicaid.ms.gov/covid-19-vaccine-billing-guidance-for-medical-claims/.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Missouri
The Department of Commerce and Insurance issued an emergency rule authorizing technician immunization authority effective January 19, 2021, and expiring July 17, 2021. Please visit the above link for more information.
Also in Missouri. Per Governor Parson’s (R) emergency waiver, pharmacists are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines: (1) under a statewide standing order issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services or (2) according to a protocol with a Missouri-licensed physician. All HHS requirements apply to COVID-19 vaccines administered under the emergency waiver, including, all training and reporting requirements. More information can be found in this Board of Pharmacy’s Frequently Asked Questions Document which can be found here.
Also in Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services issued an emergency rule establishing a process for practitioners to obtain a waiver from electronic prescribing requirements for Schedules II, III, and IV substances beginning March 30, 2021. Please visit the link above for more information.
Lastly in Missouri. The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs has released a new online reporting system for reports of losses, thefts, and diversions. Reports may now be submitted electronically online so a paper form does not have to be used and mailed. More information can be found at the above link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
New Jersey
This week four Administration Orders were released that authorize pharmacists, pharmacy interns and externs, as well as technicians, to administer all vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA for COVID-19, to eligible patients who are three years of age or older. The orders also cover the authorization of the administration of diphenhydramine and epinephrine, to patients who are three years of age through and including seventeen years of age and requires all licensed health care providers who are authorized to administer vaccines to register and report to the NJIIS when administering a vaccine for COVID-19. More details on the Administrative Orders can be found below.
- DCA-AO-2021-01 – Permits licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and registered pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs to administer, FDA approved COVID vaccines to patients three years of age or older. Licensed pharmacists, registered pharmacy interns, and pharmacy externs must comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.21 to order or administer COVID vaccines.
- DCA-AO-2021-02 – Permits pharmacy technicians to administer childhood vaccines and related emergency medications, limited to diphenhydramine and epinephrine, to children three through seventeen years of age, and FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages three and older. Pharmacy technicians must be under the direct supervision of a supervising pharmacist authorized to administer vaccines according to N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.21.
- DCA-AO-2021-03 – Permits licensed pharmacists, registered pharmacy interns, and pharmacy externs to administer vaccines and related emergency medications, limited to diphenhydramine and epinephrine, to children three through seventeen years of age according to requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.21.
- DCA-AO-2021-04 – Requires licensed health care providers who are authorized to administer vaccines to register and report to the NJIIS when administering a vaccine for COVID-19.
All of the above orders expire with the end of the state of emergency or the public health emergency declared in Executive Order #103, whichever is later unless earlier terminated by the Director of Consumer Affairs.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
The Department of Medicaid issued an emergency rule to provide payment for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Medicare rate. The rule was effective December 23 and expires April 23, 2021.
Also in Ohio. The Office of Vaccine Preparedness released its weekly report which also includes links to provider enrollment and other information related to the vaccine plan in Ohio. For more information, please visit the above link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
The PACE Prescription Drug Program has issued a bulletin reminding providers of the process to participate in their Medication Synchronization Program. Additionally, the Program Director has requested feedback from pharmacies on how the current process could be improved to increase participation, as they are considering modifications. Please provide comments to jmccormack@nacds.org by close of business on January 18, 2021. If you would like to provide your recommendations directly, please email them to ProviderEnrollmentCorr@magellanhealth.com
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) has announced that it will cover the cost of COVID19 vaccine administration for Healthy Connections Medicaid members, including those enrolled in the family planning and COVID-19 testing limited benefit programs. Those without healthcare coverage can apply for the COVID-19 limited benefit program via the link below. Billing guidance for providers is also available here.
Also in South Carolina. The Board of Pharmacy issued a notice announcing revisions to the protocol for the administration of vaccines by pharmacists. The protocol addresses authorization, qualifications, limitations, consent, and recordkeeping and reporting. The document is dated December 10, 2020.
Lastly in South Carolina. Prisma Health is offering the COVID-19 Vaccine to all pharmacists in the state as pharmacists are considered to be in Phase 1A per South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DEHC) vaccine guidelines. If a pharmacist is not able to access the vaccine through his or her employer, he or she can reach out to COVIDVaccine@prismahealth.org to receive an invitation to register for an appointment to receive the vaccine at any of their locations. Additionally, SC DHEC has announced an update to the recipients included in Phase 1A which now includes all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They previously differentiated between those pharmacists and technicians who administered the COVID-19 vaccine or tests versus those who conducted normal duties. Now, all are eligible to receive the vaccine in Phase 1A.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
South Dakota
The Department of Health is holding weekly calls for immunizers each Tuesday at 1 pm. For more information, please join the listserve.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.