Colorado
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is hosting training sessions focusing on the upcoming residential and inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) service benefit on October 22 and 29, 2020. The program will cover topics including an overview of the SUD benefit expansion, enrollment with Health First Colorado as a residential/inpatient SUD treatment provider, billing procedures for the new services, ASAM Criteria documentation of medical necessity, utilization management, provider licensure requirements, and content provided by the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) and Managed Service Organizations (MSOs) for treatment providers. Members may register for the training and can visit the Ensuring a Full Continuum of SUD Benefits website (for additional information).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy has issued a notice announcing a change to a July 27 proposed rule that would amend regulations under FAC 64B16-27 to clarify standards for the supervision of pharmacy technicians, including supervising pharmacist responsibilities and requirements for delegation. The change clarifies language regarding the prohibition on interfering with the supervising pharmacist’s independent professional judgment.
Also in Florida. The Board of Pharmacy has issued a proposed rule that would adopt regulations under FAC 64B16-31 to clarify standards for collaborative practice and test and treat certifications. The rule would specify that licensees are not required to complete the three-hour continuing education related to minor, nonchronic health conditions if the initial certificate was issued fewer than 12 months before the expiration date of the license. Comments and hearing requests are due on October 14, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
On October 7, The DEA in coordination with HHS, held a virtual webinar titled, “Supporting Healthcare Professionals during the Pandemic.” Topics discussed included drugs of abuse and trends, COVID 19 guidance, telemedicine, updates on fraud and robberies, and an overview of DEA requirements regarding the handling of controlled substances according to Federal regulations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
Health Commissioner Dr. Kristine Box has issued a Standing Order allowing pharmacists and interns to administer vaccines as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to patients age 11 and older. The Standing Order recognizes HHS’ recent declaration permitting pharmacists to order and administer (and interns to administer) vaccines for children ages 3-18 and notes that for these immunizations ordered or administered under HHS’ declaration, the declaration requirements should be followed. Commissioner Box also signed immunization protocols for the administration or dispensing of vaccines to individuals 11 and older, which is the current age range under the state statute.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Iowa
The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued an informational letter announcing changes to the Preferred Drug List effective October 1. Among other policy changes included in the Informational Letter, prior authorization is now needed for 90 morphine equivalent units (MME), reduced from 120 MME.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
Representative Bentley, Pharm.D. (R) has pre-filed BR 328, which would require commercial insurance plans to reimburse pharmacists for claims submitted for services within their scope of practice, as well as require the insurer to credential pharmacists for these services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
The Legislature convened a 30-day special session on Monday, September 28, focused primarily on budget and COVID issues. Seizing on the opportunity to pursue an NACDS initiative to make waivers permanent, NACDS and the Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacy (LARP) persuaded Senator Regina Ashford Barrow (D) to file an immunization bill lowering the age for pharmacists to vaccinate without a prescription order to three and older to align with the federal PREP Act declaration. The current arbitrary age limits set in the statute are 7 years or older for influenza and all other vaccines, 17 years or older.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy Rules Committee Work Group met on October 7 to discuss the Controlled Substance Rule. The meeting agenda can be found here. The full Board will meet on October 14, 2020. The meeting agenda and Zoom meeting access information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
Governor Mike Parson (R) issued a waiver authorizing pharmacists to order and administer COVID vaccinations per the HHS guidance issued under current the PREP Act declaration. For more information, please visit the above link.
Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a reminder that all amendments to existing immunization protocols that add additional childhood vaccines, revise age limits, or add the COVID-19 vaccination must be signed and dated by all pharmacists participating in the protocol in addition to the physician.
Also in Missouri. The Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA) has shared information that Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) grant funding is available to help pharmacies become accredited sites for diabetes classes and education and bill for these services. For more information, please contact MPA’s Annie Eisenbeis.
Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy filed an emergency rule to implement Class R Remote Dispensing sites per 2019 HB 1682 effective August 28 and published a guidance statement. Questions about Class R licensure can be emailed to the Board. For more information, please visit the above links.
Lastly in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy will meet on October 8, 2020. Among the many agenda items, the Board has proposed rule language on prescription and medication order transfers. For more information please visit the above link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
Medicaid expansion took effective October 1. To date, 10,288 eligible residents have signed up, but state officials expect enrollment to reach 90,000 within a few years. For more information please visit the above link.
Also in Nebraska. The Department of Health and Human Services held a public hearing on October 8, 2020, to address amendments to regulations on wholesale drug distributors and delegated dispensing permits. For more information please visit the above links
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
North Carolina
The Commission for Public Health announced a notice of intention to issue a temporary rule that would adopt regulations under 10A NCAC 41A to require all health care providers and clinical laboratories to report allCOVID-19 diagnostic test results, both positive and negative. The rule would include requirements for how the reporting should occur and the timeframe for reporting positive and negative results. The rule currently is in effect as an emergency rule. A hearing is scheduled for October 9 by teleconference. Comments are due October 16, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
North Dakota
Medicaid issued an update with a reminder that pharmacies bill vaccinations through the medical benefit with traditional Medicaid billed to the State and expanded Medicaid billed to Sanford Health. For more information please visit the above link.
Also in North Dakota. With changes to the State Health Officer position, the North Dakota Pharmacists Association has shared the new immunization protocol, which can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Ohio
On Sept. 30 the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) released a Request for Applications (RFA) inviting managed care organizations to submit proposals for Ohio’s managed care program. The RFA is a major part of ODM’s plans to streamline and modernize the Medicaid Managed Care program. For more information click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
On October 7, The DEA in coordination with HHS, held a virtual webinar titled, “Supporting Healthcare Professionals during the Pandemic.” Topics discussed included drugs of abuse and trends, COVID 19 guidance, telemedicine, updates on fraud and robberies, and an overview of DEA requirements regarding the handling of controlled substances according to Federal regulations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
SB 1210, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R), which originally allowed pharmacists to order and administer COVID point-of-care tests by exempting them from the PA Lab Act’s lab experience requirement, was amended and reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The amendment, drafted by NACDS, would expand the bill to include all CLIA-waived tests. The amendment passed 7-4 on a party line vote, but the bill as amended was adopted unanimously. Further action is expected the week of October 19, 2020, when the Senate returns to session. The Department of Health opposed the bill, which drove the party-line vote on the amendment. NACDS has been working jointly with PACDS on the ground in Harrisburg to pass this bill before the Legislature adjourns Sine Die sometime in November.
Also in PA. Legislation that would require pharmacy technicians to register in Pennsylvania is advancing, after previous versions of the bill failed to make it past the finish line in previous years. HB 770 passed the House in May of 2019, but just last week passed the Senate Consumer Protection and Licensure Committee and received first consideration in the Senate. The bill is viewed by many as a necessary precursor for any future consideration of advanced duties for technicians. The bill is supported by PACDS.
Also in PA. The Department of Human Services issued a Medicaid Bulletin providing notice that the Department will pay pharmacies for the collection of specimens by pharmacists for COVID-19 testing effective October 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
South Carolina House Bill 4663, was signed by Governor McMaster (R) on September 28. The bill authorizes pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations to persons under 12. Such vaccines must be administered according to protocol issued by the Board of Medical Examiners upon recommendation of the Joint Pharmacist Administered Vaccines Committee. The bill requires the Committee to submit its initial recommendation to the Board within three months of this measure’s effective date, which will be October 18, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
South Dakota
The Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule regarding the licensing and oversight of pharmacists, pharmacy interns, registered pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies, including central fill pharmacies. The rule is effective October 12, 2020.
Also in South Dakota. The Board of Pharmacy has published revised policy statements on pharmacist testing for COVID-19 and for transferring prescriptions. Please use the above links for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Texas
NACDS and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores submitted three joint letters to the House Select Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs providing extensive comments on all three issues: (1) primary drivers of increased health care costs in Texas, (2) opportunities to better coordinate how public dollars are spent on health care, and (3) identify emerging and proven delivery system improvements and sustainable financing models that could reduce the cost of health care.
Also in Texas. The Board of Pharmacy, partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division, is hosting a virtual opioid symposium on both October 11 and 12, 2020. For information about speakers, program details, and registration information, visit here. The symposium offers three (3) hours (0.3 CEUs) of CE approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for license renewal. This program may be counted toward the requirement of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances as outlined by Board rule 295.8 for pharmacists and toward Texas-specific pharmacy laws or rules for pharmacy technicians per Board rule 297.8
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Department of Health (VDH) has asked NACDS to share their COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent form with members. Members who wish or plan to receive the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine through the VDH must fill out and submit this form. If you are planning to receive the vaccine directly from the CDC, you do not need to file the form with VDH. The letter is also available on the VDH Resources for Health Care Professionals web page. As of now, one form is required for each location, however, VDH is looking into whether they can accept a spreadsheet for multiple locations. According to VDH, the physician and physician license number fields should be filled out with the pharmacy location name and pharmacy license number.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
On October 7, The DEA in coordination with HHS, held a virtual webinar titled, “Supporting Healthcare Professionals during the Pandemic.” Topics discussed included drugs of abuse and trends, COVID 19 guidance, telemedicine, updates on fraud and robberies, and an overview of DEA requirements regarding the handling of controlled substances according to Federal regulations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Wisconsin
ForwardHealth issued an update that includes information about brand medically necessary drugs and brand before generic drugs effective October 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
California
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently held a webinar to explain the new Medi-Cal quarter surveys to establish a Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost (MAIC) program for multi-source generic drug reimbursement. The surveys will be sent to the corporate contact for each chain, not to the pharmacy. MAIC rates will be published by December 1, 2020, and effective January 1, 2021. The meeting was recorded and the slide deck is available on Mercer’s Medi-Cal Rx Website. The webinar recording can be accessed by using the following password: h5#moJC^
Also in California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued guidance to clarify clinical lab licensure requirements for pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians performing COVID-19 testing under the provisions of waivers issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).
Also in California. DHCS held a Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum sharing information related to the transition of pharmacy services reimbursement from managed care to Fee-For-Service effective January 1, 2021. Notably, there is now a Med-Cal Rx website that contains a link for pharmacy providers to “register” for the Medi-Cal Rx provider portal. This portal allows for pharmacies to try out the new system and get more detailed information on training and important information going forward. To register for the provider portal, please go to the secure portal. Pharmacies should also register for the Medi-Cal Rx subscription service. More information on the forum can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Connecticut
The Connecticut Insurance Department met with NACDS to discuss the issue of pharmaceutical drug pricing in the state. The Department indicated that they also held calls with drug wholesalers, drug manufacturers, health plans, independent pharmacies, and the PBMs. No legislation proposal was discussed on the call.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Louisiana
The Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate, announced that they are convening a 30-day special session on Monday, September 28th to address the state’s budget shortfall related to low oil prices, COVID, hurricane recovery costs, and the rapidly depleting unemployment trust fund. There may also be items discussed aimed at curtailing the Governor’s emergency executive powers. View proclamation here.
Also in Louisiana. On September 23, the Department of Health provided an informational bulletin updating temporary changes in Medicaid provider policies and managed care practices in their emergency declaration for COVID-19. More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
Maryland Medicaid has published Advisory #216 to require that pharmacies report the “Quantity Prescribed” field for dispensed Schedule II Drugs beginning September 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.