In The States – Page 133 – Weekly news about states

Maryland

Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D) has introduced SB 372, to make state law permanently consistent with the PREP Act’s pharmacist vaccine and testing allowances. The bill is a continuation of HB 1040 of 2021, that temporarily adopted the same provisions in state law with a sunset date in June 2023. A separate bill allowing pharmacy technicians to vaccinate and perform remote data entry will be introduced soon. NACDS is actively working on the ground with in–key legislators, in-state partners and members to advance this bill in the 2023 session.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:53:08-05:00February 10, 2023|Maryland|

Massachusetts

On February 3, the Department of Public Health published its final regulations (105 CMR 700) that authorizes pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and other immunizations. The regulations also reduce the age of persons from 9 to 5 years who may receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. Pharmacists may also administer the first dose of a controlled substance to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders upon the order of a practitioner. This regulation was effective upon publication.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:52:34-05:00February 10, 2023|Massachusetts|

Michigan

The Board of Pharmacy has posted the minutes from the January 19 Rules Committee Work Group Meeting, where a proposed rule regarding central fill and other shared pharmacy services was discussed.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:51:57-05:00February 10, 2023|Michigan|

Minnesota

HF 1197 and SF 1176, companion bills that would make pharmacy immunization and testing practice consistent with the federal PREP Act, have been introduced. The bills also include Medicaid reimbursement language. NACDS is working with the Minnesota Pharmacists Association and the Minnesota Retailers Association, supporting their on-the-ground efforts to advance the bills.

Also in Minnesota, this week’s Department of Health COVID Provider Newsletter includes a segment encouraging providers’ to begin planning for when COVID vaccine is only available from the commercial market.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:51:25-05:00February 10, 2023|Minnesota|

Montana

SB 112, allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications with limitations, passed the Senate Human Services Committee (6-3) and the Senate (34-15). The bill is now in the House Human Services Committee. 

Also in Montana, SB 239, making pharmacist and technician immunization flexibilities under the PREP Act permanent, will not advance. The Montana Retail Association and the Montana Pharmacy Association are seeking a new sponsor and a new placeholder draft, LC 1310, permitting a pharmacy intern and technician to administer immunizations.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:50:46-05:00February 10, 2023|Montana|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted recordings from the January 4 and February 6 COVID-19 Provider Calls.

Also in Nebraska, the DHHS will host the next monthly COVID-19 provider call on March 1 at 12:00 noon (Central). Details will be posted on the website one week before the call.

Also in Nebraska, the DHHS issued Provider Bulletin 23-02: Resuming Regular Reviews of Medicaid Eligibility and Provider Bulletin 22-22: CGM [Continuous Glucose Monitoring] Coverage by Medicaid.

Finally in Nebraska, DHHS launched its iServe Nebraska Portal Explore Benefits Tool. The new portal offers an easy-to-use system for individuals to apply to get help with food, heat, electricity, healthcare, childcare, and other essential needs. Individuals may apply for a single benefit or more at the same time.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:50:12-05:00February 10, 2023|Nebraska|

New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) included in her budget an affirmation of the transition of Medicaid Fee-for-Service, which is set to become effective April 1. Another webinar will be held for stakeholders on February 21.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:49:39-05:00February 10, 2023|New York|

Ohio

ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid) posted Myers & Stauffer’s 2022 Fee-For-Service Pharmacy Cost of Dispensing Survey report.  NACDS is currently analyzing the report that found that the cost to dispense increased since 2020 but that increase was mostly prevalent among smaller pharmacies. Survey results included a weighted mean of $9.46 and a weighted median of $8.44 as the cost to dispense for non-specialty providers.

Also in Ohio, ODM Director Maureen Corcoran testified about the proposed biennial budget proposal, confirming that the proposal includes funding for a “modest” pharmacy Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) increase. NACDS has been advocating for an increase since the September announcement of the PDFs for the SPBM (Single PBM). No details are yet available, but NACDS expects to update members very soon.

Finally, in Ohio, ODM and Gainwell (SPBM) are continuing to re-implement prior authorizations (PA) requirements in stages by specific drug classes. The reimplementation only applies to new, initial authorizations. Phase 3 begins on February 14 for these specific classes:

Age Restricted Medications (denoted with “AR” on the UPDL (Unified Preferred Drug List))
Benzodiazepines
Central Nervous System (CNS) Agents: Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Non-Benzodiazepine
Endocrine Agents: Diabetes- Insulin
Endocrine Agents: Diabetes- Non-Insulin

Members can reference the Unified Preferred Drug List on the SPBM portal to see products that require a PA. Additional PAs will be reimplemented during the first quarter of 2023.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:49:04-05:00February 10, 2023|Ohio|

Oklahoma

SB 913, legislation allowing pharmacies administer medications to treat for certain conditions on the result of a positive screening test was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on February 9.

Also in Oklahoma, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready appointed Ashley Scott the new Director for the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s (OID) Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Compliance and Enforcement Division, and Molly Clinkscales as the lead attorney for the program.

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

Michael Silber2023-02-10T09:48:13-05:00February 10, 2023|Oklahoma|