North Carolina

The COVID-19 Statewide Standing Orders (SWSOs) authorized under North Carolina Session Law 2022-74, Sec. 9G.7.(a)-(e) and extended under Session Law 2023-65, Sec. 9G.7, will expire on December 31, 2024. No additional extensions have been provided.

If your facility currently uses the SWSOs issued by Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, State Health Director, to facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations, action is required to prevent disruptions in vaccine administration. Coordinate with your lead physician or medical director to develop standing orders or protocols that will take effect by January 1, 2025. Action Required:

  • Review and prepare to transition to facility-specific standing orders by coordinating with your medical leadership.
  • Finalize and implement new standing orders or protocols by January 1, 2025.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2024-11-21T15:16:18-05:00November 21, 2024|North Carolina|

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority announced the Immunization Policy Advisory Team will meet on December 5, 2024, from 12:00 noon-2:00 pm via Zoom. The final agenda will be available at the meeting or via email request three days before the meeting date by contacting imm.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Participation in the meeting requires registering in advance using this link. Those who register will receive a confirmation email with additional information.

Also in Oregon, the Drug Price Transparency Program (DPT) will host its annual hearing on December 4, 2024, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be held in person at 350 Winter St. NE, Salem and online. The agenda features panel discussions about drug advertising and drug rebates, along with an overview of the 2024 Drug Price Transparency report to the Oregon Legislature. Learn more on the DPT website and find the link to join the hearing online.

Finally in Oregon, the state is expected to beat its record of 910 pertussis (whooping cough) cases by the end of 2024. As of November 13, Oregon reported a total of 827 cases in 23 counties during 2024. At least one person, an older adult, has died. The Oregon Health Authority urges anyone over age 10 years who has not received the single-dose Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine to get it now.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2024-11-21T15:15:27-05:00November 21, 2024|Oregon|

Tennessee

The Division of TennCare issued Provider_Notice_Contraceptives_11.05.24.pdf. Effective January 1, 2025, in response to the amended Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 23 (Public Chapter No. 732), TennCare and CoverKids members are eligible to receive up to a 12-month supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives (e.g., oral, topical and vaginal) in a single dispensing. A smaller quantity may be provided if requested by the member or if specified by the healthcare provider.

This legislation does not apply to contraceptives administered by a healthcare provider, such as intrauterine devices, implants and injectable contraceptives.

For TennCare members, please refer to the TennCare-PDL (Preferred Drug List) (optumrx.com) for a list of preferred contraceptives. Non-preferred contraceptives still require prior authorization (PA) approval before a single 12-month supply can be dispensed.

For CoverKids members, please refer to CoverKids Select Standard Formulary (optumrx.com) for a list of covered contraceptives.

All standard point-of-sale edits (e.g., quantity limits, refill too soon, duplicate therapy, etc.) associated with contraceptives will remain in place.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2024-11-21T15:14:40-05:00November 21, 2024|Tennessee|

Alabama

Pharmacist registrations with Board of Pharmacy expire December 31, 2024. The Board of Pharmacy is accepting pharmacist license renewals online only. As a reminder, the Board transitioned to a new database last month. The new system and renewal process look different, and the changes will require individuals to create a new account to renew licenses. Pharmacies and facilities will not need to create a new account. Instead, each pharmacy will be linked to the supervising pharmacist, and each facility will be linked to the designated representative. For information, watch the tutorial videos on the ALBOP YouTube channel.

Also in Alabama, effective January 1, 2025, the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Program will cover E2298, PWR SEAT ELEVATION SYS (Power Seat Elevation System), for adults 21 years of age and older. Prior authorization (PA) will be required. E2298 will continue to be covered for children under 21 years of age with a PA. The limit will be one (1) per two (2) calendar years for both adults and children. Policy questions concerning this provider notice should be directed to the DME Program at (334) 242-5050.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2024-11-14T10:50:57-05:00November 14, 2024|Alabama|

Arizona

This week, state legislators met to elect new caucus leadership as follows:

  • House Republicans:
    • House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear)
    • House Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye)
    • House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby (R-Chandler)
  • House Democrats:
    • Minority Leader Oscar De los Santos (D-Laveen)
    • Minority Assistant Leader Nancy Gutierrez (D-Tucson)
    • Minority Co-Whip Quantá Crews (D-Phoenix)
    • Minority Co-Whip Stacey Travers (D-Phoenix)
  • Senate Republicans:
    • President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert)
    • Majority Leader Janae Shamp (R-Surprise)
    • Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-Sun City West)
    • Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-Sun City West)
  • Senate Democrats:
    • Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson)
    • Assistant Minority Leader Flavio Bravo (D-Phoenix)
    • Minority Whip Rosanna Gabaldón (D-Green Valley)

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2024-11-14T10:49:25-05:00November 14, 2024|Arizona|

Arkansas

NACDS sent a support letter to Arkansas Commissioner of Insurance Alan McClain on Rule 128, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Compensation Requirements for Network Adequacy, Fair and Reasonable Pharmacy Reimbursements. Without meaningful actions, like Emergency Rule 128 which protects patients by prohibiting health plans and PBMs administering benefits on behalf of a health plan from recouping or recovering any increased costs to dispense from a patient at the point of sale through increased co-insurance, co-payment, or deductibles, more dollars will continue to flow to PBMs instead of reducing Arkansans’ prescription drug costs and safeguarding access to their trusted and convenient pharmacies. The enforcement of Rule 128 by Commissioner McClain will protect vital access to lifesaving prescription drugs and pharmacy services for Arkansans across the state.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2024-11-14T10:49:30-05:00November 14, 2024|Arkansas|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts, weekly notice, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:

Also in California, Proposition 36, The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, passed resulting in various changes to criminal and drug laws, including increasing penalties for some offenses, and providing treatment programs for people with drug addictions. Proposition 36 increases punishment for some theft and drug crimes in three ways: 1) turns some misdemeanors into felonies; 2) lengthens some felony sentences; and 3) requires some felonies be served in prison.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2024-11-14T10:46:04-05:00November 14, 2024|California|

Colorado

State House Democrats elected their slate of leaders for the 2025 session, including re-electing House Speaker Julie McCluskie (D), who is entering her fourth and final term. The full House must ratify Rep. McCluskie’s nomination when it convenes on January 8, 2025.

Also in Colorado, Senate Republicans elected new leaders this week. State Sen. Paul Lundeen (R) remains as Minority Leader.

Finally in Colorado, Phase III of the Medicaid program Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) is scheduled to begin July 1, 2025. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) developed the program with stakeholder input to improve quality of care, close health disparities, improve care access, improve the member as well as provider experience and manage costs, which is critical to protecting member coverage, benefits and provider reimbursements, especially in tight state budget years.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2024-11-14T10:45:11-05:00November 14, 2024|Colorado|
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