In The States – Page 137 – Weekly news about states

Alabama

The Alabama Medicaid Agency has removed the requirement of absence of alcohol and illicit drug use by recipients for the prior approval of antiviral drugs used in the treatment of hepatitis C. A copy of the patient’s drug and alcohol screening lab report is no longer required. All other criteria remain, including the patient consent form with the patient’s and physician’s signature, which must be submitted with requests.

The updated Prior Authorization (PA) request form and criteria booklet should be utilized by the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacy when requesting a PA. Updated forms and criteria can be found here.

Also in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Pharmacy Division is asking that you complete the following ReadyOp survey if you are unable to obtain oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for your patients due to drug shortages or supply issues. The information provided through this survey will enable ADPH to assess potential oseltamivir shortages quickly and respond appropriately.

The link will remain open until June 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to pharmacy@adph.state.al.us.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:13:17-05:00January 13, 2023|Alabama|

Arizona

NACDS, along with the Arizona Independent Pharmacy Coalition and American Pharmacies, sponsored “Putting Patients Before Profits in Healthcare.” The breakfast briefing for state legislators and staff provided information about how PBMs currently operate in the marketplace and the adverse impacts these practices are having on patients, prescribers, and pharmacies.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:12:39-05:00January 13, 2023|Arizona|

Arkansas

The legislature convened on January 9, 2023. HB (House Bill) 1007 was a prefile. The bill would expand a pharmacist’s authority to prescribe HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) under a statewide protocol.

Also in Arkansas, the Department of Human Services posted pharmacy billing Medicaid copay changes and exemptions effective January 1, 2023.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:12:09-05:00January 13, 2023|Arkansas|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the reinstatement resources and information below.

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:  

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:11:35-05:00January 13, 2023|California|

Colorado

The legislature convened on January 9, 2023.

Also in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is hosting an informational session on preparing for the end of the Public Health Emergency. This online seminar is geared toward community partners such as advocacy organizations, providers and community organizations that may provide other assistance to Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or CHP+ members. Register in advance for the January 25 online seminar scheduled from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm MST.

Finally in Colorado, Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under SB21-175 is currently evaluating draft rules for the Upper Payment Limits.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:10:52-05:00January 13, 2023|Colorado|

Florida

This week, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at the Villages to outline proposed legislation that would target pharmacy benefit managers to try to lower prescription-drug costs in the state. NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson released the following statement after the press conference.

Finally in Florida, all Medicaid Fee-For-Service claims submitted January 1, 2023, or after from a non-exempt provider type that does not have a ROPA [Referring, Ordering, Prescribing, and Attending] provider listed on the claim will be denied. The exempted provider types that will not require a ROPA on the claim are listed here, all other provider type claims must have a ROPA provider identified by NPI (National Provider Identifier) on the claim for reimbursement by Medicaid.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:10:14-05:00January 13, 2023|Florida|

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Labor (“IDOL”) recently issued the new 2023 “Your Rights Under Illinois Employment Laws” poster that ALL ILLINOIS EMPLOYERS are required to post in a conspicuous place in the workplace, where notices are customarily posted. See the links here. The poster includes information related to the Wage Payment and Collection Act, Child Labor Law, Minimum Wage Law, Equal Pay Act, Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act and the One Day Rest in Seven Act (“ODRISA”).

Importantly, the ODRISA amendments that went into effect on January 1, 2023, require not only posting in the workplace, but also, for employees who do not regularly report to a physical workplace, and instead work remotely or travel for work, the poster must be provided to them via email or uploaded onto the employer’s website. The ODRISA amendments also now include civil penalties for failure to comply with the ODRISA, including the posting requirements. Employers who fail to comply with the posting requirements will be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $250, payable to the IDOL.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:09:37-05:00January 13, 2023|Illinois|

Indiana

The legislature convened on January 10, 2023. Several bills of interest to pharmacies have been filed, including several different bills that will allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives – SB (Senate Bill) 153 & SB 206, and HB 1224. Test and Treat, HB 1182, requires the state health commissioner to issue a standing order for pharmacists to treat or screen, test, administer or dispense for respiratory illness including influenza, severe SARS-CoV-2, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus); group A strep; lice; minor skin conditions; and emerging or existing public health threats identified by the state health commissioner. Also filed was SB 214, legislation that would establish a standing order for pharmacists to prescribe naloxone.

Also in Indiana, all are welcome to participate at the Indiana Pharmacists Association’s (IPA) annual Legislative Day at the Indiana State House starting at 9:30 am on January 24. This event will allow all pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacy technicians from all practice settings to connect with legislators and colleagues across the state. Register here before January 19.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:09:04-05:00January 13, 2023|Indiana|

Iowa

The Iowa Insurance Division adopted and filed emergency rules (ARC 6739C), effective January 1, 2023, to implement changes made in 2022 Iowa Acts, House File 2384, regarding pharmacy benefits managers.

Also in Iowa, NACDS submitted a letter to the Iowa Insurance Division expressing appreciation for proposed rule changes (ARC 6740C) to Chapter 59, “Pharmacy Benefit Managers” (“PBMs”) in accordance with 2022 Iowa Acts, House File 2384, and urging the necessary enforcement of included provisions to further the state’s efforts on PBM reform and transparency. In particular, NACDS stated its support for language preventing PBMs from retroactively adjusting reimbursement of a clean claim paid to a pharmacy. Lastly, NACDS urged legislators and regulators to take additional action to help ensure pharmacies are fairly and adequately reimbursed with the ability to appeal below-cost reimbursement through the establishment of a maximum allowable cost appeals process.

Finally in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy published its December 2022 newsletter including the following articles/updates: discontinuation of printed license and registration certificates, reminder for licensees to maintain current contact information, compounding records rule update, pharmacy’s social media presence, electronic perpetual inventory logs, care facility documentation of immunizations, licensure of outsourcing facilities update, Narcan® and disposal programs, hard copy prescriptions during prescriber technical difficulties, Schedule II prescription annotations and 2023 board meeting schedule.

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

Michael Silber2023-01-13T12:08:23-05:00January 13, 2023|Iowa|