Wisconsin
ForwardHealth published an update with information about pharmacy billing and reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccination.
Also in Wisconsin. Forward Health issued an update with information about its mandatory prescription volume attestation program, part of its implementation of the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs rule.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Alabama
Alabama Medicaid will allow reimbursement of a vaccine administration fee to Medicaid providers who utilize federally allocated COVID-19 vaccines.
- Payment rates for COVID-19 vaccine administration will be $28.39 to administer single-dose vaccines.
- For a COVID-19 vaccine requiring a series of two or more doses, the initial dose(s) administration payment rate will be $16.94, and $28.39 for the administration of the final dose in the series.
- These rates recognize the costs involved in administering the vaccine, including the additional resources involved with required public health reporting, conducting important outreach and patient education, and spending additional time with patients to answer any questions they may have about the vaccine.
To receive, administer, and report COVID-19 vaccines, healthcare providers must enroll in the Alabama Department of Public Health’s (ADPH) ImmPRINT COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Follow the steps in the ImmPRINT Registration Roadmap to enroll.
Also in Alabama. The Department of Public Health published a notice announcing the withdrawal of a September 30 final rule that amended regulations under AAC 420-7-2 to add tianeptine to the Schedule II list of controlled substances. The rule also removed Epidiolex® from the list of Schedule V controlled substances.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
Effective January 1, 2021, only California controlled substance prescription forms that will remain valid and acceptable by pharmacies will be those possessing a 12-character serial number and a corresponding barcode, compliant with the requirements introduced in new state law, AB 149 (Cooper, Statutes of 2019). The requirements do not affect prescriptions that are electronically transmitted from the prescriber to the pharmacy, or prescriptions for non-controlled substances. More information on the new laws can be found here.
Also in California. In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) emergency declaration, the Board of Pharmacy extended several COVID waivers that were set to expire this month.
- Remote Processing – For this waiver, “remote processing” means the entering of an order or prescription into a computer from outside of the pharmacy. Effective through May 31, 2021, or until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is sooner.
- Ratio for Pharmacists not Solely Engaged in Immunization-Related Activities – The ratio of pharmacists to intern pharmacists may increase to allow for one additional intern pharmacist for each supervising pharmacist under certain conditions. Effective through September 2, 2021, or until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is sooner.
- Ratio for Pharmacists Solely Engaged in Immunization-Related Activities – The ratio of pharmacists to intern pharmacists may increase to allow for two additional intern pharmacists for each supervising pharmacist under certain conditions. Effective through September 2, 2021, or until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is sooner.
- Inventory Reconciliation Report of Controlled Substances – A pharmacy must complete the required inventory reconciliation report at least once every six months rather than every three months if determined to be necessary by the pharmacist-in-charge or professional director to ensure continuity of direct patient care activities that would otherwise be impacted. Effective through March 13, 2021, or until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is sooner.
Also in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) established new COVID-19 testing codes. More information can be found on the New COVID-19 Testing Codes Established website.
Lastly in California. The Board of Pharmacy’s waiver request to allow pharmacists to independently initiate and administer FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccinations was approved on December 11 by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) (approved waiver) bridging the gap until the new law pharmacies supported is implemented on January 1, 2021. The new law, AB 1710, will allow a licensed pharmacist to independently initiate and administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the same circumstances that vaccines listed on the routine immunization schedule may initiate and administered.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is hosting a virtual stakeholder meeting on December 22, 2020, to gather feedback on a legislative proposal that grants regulatory boards and programs within DPO or the Division greater flexibility to respond to similar, widespread disaster emergencies in the future. Click here to register.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Agency for Health Care Administration published an emergency rule to adopt regulations under 59AER20-14 to require assisted living facilities to allow representatives of the Department of Health or cooperating pharmacies to enter the facility to administer to staff and resident’s voluntary coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines. Also, an emergency rule of the Agency for Health Care Administration adopts regulations under 59AER20-15 to require nursing home facilities to allow representatives of the Department of Health or cooperating pharmacies to enter the facility to administer to staff and resident’s voluntary coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines. The rule was effective December 1 and expires March 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kentucky
The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) is transitioning to a Single Preferred Drug List (PDL) for Kentucky Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care and have published a provider notice detailing the changes. Beginning on January 1, 2021, all Managed Care Organizations (MCO) will follow the FFS (aka Single) PDL maintained by Magellan Rx Management. The Single PDL will be available for viewing on the Kentucky Medicaid Magellan Rx Portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
On January 20, 2021, Louisiana Register, the Board of Pharmacy will publish new rules effective immediately that will add two new drugs to the Prescription Monitoring Program list of Drugs of Concern.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Missouri
MOHealthNet has published a new Bulletin with information on COVID-19 vaccination billing. Please visit the above web link for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
The Division of Medicaid & Long-Term Care will host a call for all providers on Tuesday, December 22 at 1 p.m. Central to discuss a variety of topics related to Medicaid’s ongoing COVID-19 response. Please visit the above web link for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has published a weekly update on the COVID vaccine. The document includes links to updated guidance published by ODH, the CDC, and FDA. It also includes FAQs on billing procedures for the COVID vaccine. Please visit the above weblinks for additional information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy adopted the Interpretive Labeling rules implementing Senate Bill 698, noting the Board’s ability to use its discretion in enforcement and asking Board staff to prepare clarification to the rules with regard to the use of informational inserts for lengthy prescription instructions. NACDS is requesting specific clarification from the Board and will provide updates as they become available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recently updated the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. Please click here to view the updated plan. The Department also released its guidance for Phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Click here to view the guidance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
At their November meeting, the Board of Pharmacy increased the pharmacy-to-pharmacy technician ratio for Class A retail pharmacies from 1:4 to 1:6, effective December 10, 2020. More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
According to the Alabama Public Health Department, to receive, administer, and report the COVID-19 vaccine, healthcare providers must enroll in the ImmPRINT COVID-19 Vaccination Program. For more information on enrollment and other vaccine resources for providers, visit the Vaccination Provider Support website at go.usa.gov/x7M53
Also in Alabama. The Department of Public Health published a proposed rule that would amend regulations under AAC 420-7-2 to add tianeptine to the Schedule II list of controlled substances. The rule would replace a September 30, 2020, final rule that is being withdrawn concurrently. Comments are due January 4, 2021.
Also in Alabama. The Board of Pharmacy published a proposed rule that would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to further specify the standards and requirements for approval of hospital and nonhospital pharmacy remote or off-site order entry, where prescriptions are filled by remotely accessing another pharmacy’s electronic database from outside the pharmacy. A hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2021, in Birmingham. Comments are due February 6, 2021.
Also in Alabama. The Medicaid Agency announced a notice of a proposed amendment to the state plan for medical assistance to allow for an update to the pharmacy Value/Outcomes-Based Agreement template to further facilitate the collection of supplemental rebates in addition to the federal drug rebate provided for in Title XIX. Comments are requested, but a due date is not specified.
Lastly in 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 January 31, 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 in the bottom section which can be accessed at https://medicaid.alabama.gov/news_detail.aspx?ID=13729.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) issued an Executive Order this week authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID and flu vaccinations to all ages effective immediately. More information on this Executive Order can be found here.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy announced a notice of changes to a July 27, 2020, proposed rule that would amend regulations under FAC 64B16-30 to clarify disciplinary guidelines, the range of penalties, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances for pharmacy professionals. The changes reduce the penalty for out-of-state telehealth providers for several infractions, removes redundant language, and make editorial revisions.
Also in Florida. The Agency for Health Care Administration published two emergency rules to adopt regulations under 59AER20-14 and 59AER20-15 to require assisted living facilities to allow representatives of the Department of Health or cooperating pharmacies to enter the facility to administer to staff and residents voluntary COVID vaccines. Both rules were effective December 1 and expire March 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a provider notice with an update about rate determination and claims processing of new COVID-19 laboratory test codes. Please visit the above link for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy has just released a new FAQ dealing with COVID-19. The FAQ provides numerous helpful links for pharmacies and pharmacists. More information can be found here.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
In the first week of its lame-duck session, the Senate passed SB 920, legislation with pharmacy regulatory relief provisions that were rescinded when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Executive Orders either lapsed or were invalidated by the State Supreme Court. Key provisions pertain to emergency refills, therapeutic interchange, remote supervision, and out of state licensing. It is unclear if or how the House can act on the legislation, however, given the cancelation of session days due to the COVID-19 outbreak among House members and staff coinciding with last week’s visit from Rudy Guliani.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services updated its billing information for pharmacies enrolled in programs for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Please visit the above link for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy has asked NACDS to remind pharmacies about their guidance on dealing with expired licenses and NPLEX. Additionally, they are interested in knowing if pharmacies are experiencing any issues with the modification process necessary to input expired licenses. If you have any feedback that you would like NACDS to share with the Board, please forward it to Jill McCormack at jmccormack@nacds.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget and health staff met with NACDS and the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State to discuss issuing an Executive Order to immediately authorize pharmacists to immunize for the COVID-19 vaccine. Additional discussion focused on their commitment to meet the April 1, 2021 deadline for the transition of Medicaid pharmacy benefits from Managed Care back to Fee for Service.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services will provide a webinar update on the Phase 1a plan for COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday, December 11, at noon. Please register in advance of the webinar. DHS indicates that, if you registered for a previous meeting, you are already registered for future meetings. You can access last week’s webinar on the DHS website. DHS will also continue its weekly webinar on Tuesdays from 9:00-9:30 am.
Also in Wisconsin, the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee’s Vaccine Subcommittee will meet on Friday, December 11, at 7:00 am Central, while its Therapeutics Subcommittee will meet on Friday, December 11, at 10 am Central.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
California
The Board of Pharmacy is holding a teleconference full Board meeting on December 10, 2020, to discuss the continuation of COVID waivers. More information on the agenda and how to access the meeting can be found here.
Also in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published additional COVID-19 emergency guidance for providers, beneficiaries, and the general public. COVID-19 Virus and Antibody Testing additional updates will be posted to the DHCS COVID-19 resource page.
Lastly in California. DHCS announced a new timeline and process changes for the 2021 Medi-Cal Provider Attestation for the enhanced professional dispensing fee. More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
The General Assembly approved a COVID-19 relief package of 10 bills on Wednesday, ending a three-day extraordinary session called by Gov. Jared Polis (D) focused on addressing disaster relief funding for small business, child care, housing aid, broadband, food insecurity, utility assistance, and public health response.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.