North Carolina

The mandate for health care organizations and providers that serve state-funded patients to connect to the state-designated HIE by January 1, 2023, is fast approaching. The legislative changes enacted in the 2022 Appropriations Act may leave organizations and providers with questions about their connection status. Our General FAQs on NC HealthConnex gives more answers about the impacts on NC HealthConnex participants and non-participants.

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

2022-11-04T11:30:31-04:00November 4, 2022|North Carolina|

Ohio

This week, ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid) (Ohio Department of Medicaid) reversed its policy that required provider participation in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program under the SPBM (Single Pharmacy Benefit Manager), Gainwell. To increase access to pediatric vaccines, Gainwell announced they will now cover pediatric vaccine claims by non-VFC providers, reimbursing product costs and an administration fee. NACDS worked jointly with the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and members to advocate for this policy with both ODM and the Governor’s office.

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

2022-11-04T11:29:54-04:00November 4, 2022|Ohio|

Oklahoma

The Board of Pharmacy alerted licenses that the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OMLS) has interpreted the laws and rules for Physician Assistants (PAs) prescribing Schedule II prescriptions. OMLS interpretation is that PA’s can only prescribe Schedule II drug orders for immediate or on-going administration on-stie, which they define as a hospital, emergency room, ambulatory surgery center, medical clinic, or office in cases of emergency, or state-owned VA long term care facilities with an in-house pharmacy. PAs cannot prescribe Schedule II prescriptions in an outpatient setting for dispensing by a retail pharmacy.  

Also in Oklahoma, the Board of Pharmacy will be closed November 30-December 2 so that they can move back to their newly renovated offices at 2920 N. Lincoln Blvd. Ste. A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. 

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

2022-11-04T11:29:17-04:00November 4, 2022|Oklahoma|

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy is seeking applications from persons interested in serving on a workgroup concerning pharmacy interns. For more information, including the online application, visit the “Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) & Workgroup Information” webpage.

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

2022-11-04T11:28:44-04:00November 4, 2022|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed HB 1630 last week, just one day after the bill passed the General Assembly. HB 1630 allows the Auditor General access to PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) data in the Medicaid Managed Care Program to perform audits. Notably, with the intent of expanding access to drug therapies, the bill was amended in the Senate Health Committee to repeal the provision in Section 1121.53(c) of 55 Pa. Code that limits payment for prescriptions in Medical Assistance to a 34-day supply or 100 units. Additionally, the following bills of interest to pharmacy were also signed: 

  • SB (Senate Bill) 225 (Act 146 of 2022) makes changes to prior authorization procedures and requires one form of MAT to be covered by Medicaid and private insurance without prior authorization requirements, 
  • HB 1393 (Act 111 of 2022) decriminalizes the use of fentanyl test strips for personal use and 
  • SB 1201 (Act 162 of 2022) requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for prescription eye drop refills at 70% of the prescription duration 

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

2022-11-04T11:28:08-04:00November 4, 2022|Pennsylvania|

South Carolina

To comply with provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the South Carolina Department of Health, and Human Services (SCDHHS) paused the typical annual eligibility review process for the state’s Healthy Connections Medicaid members effective January 27, 2020. When the current federal COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends, state Medicaid agencies will be required to resume reviewing the eligibility of all Medicaid members. For more information, click here. 

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

2022-11-04T11:26:37-04:00November 4, 2022|South Carolina|

South Dakota

The Board of Pharmacy distributed its October 2022 newsletter. Below is an outline of the content. 

  •  Board Welcomes Newly Registered Pharmacists and Pharmacies 
  • SD Hosts NABP/AACP District 5 Meeting 
  • PDMP Statistical Report 
  • Board of Pharmacy Meeting Dates, Members and Staff 

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

2022-11-04T11:26:02-04:00November 4, 2022|South Dakota|

Texas

NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS), the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) and the Texas Health-Systems Pharmacists (TSHP) collaborated on November 2 for an all-day successful Pharmacy Advocacy Training Day at the Texas State Capitol. Pharmacists from around the state were briefed on the pharmacy priority issues for the 2023 legislative session, heard from legislators, regulators, on “how to advocate” effectively, and then practiced what they learned by role playing. Media pundits shared their stories on Texas politics, the November 8 elections, and the outlook for the 2023 session. Chain, independent and hospital pharmacists teamed up and spent the afternoon fanning out across the Capitol in teams putting their knowledge into practice with over 50 scheduled meetings with legislators and staff. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Service Commission (HHSC) is hosting a provider online seminar at Noon on November 8 on COVID-19 updates. COVID-19 vaccine providers may also benefit from the information relating to COVID-19 vaccine updates, clinical guidance, and product ordering. Please register to receive information to participate in this event.  

Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy adopted non-sterile compounding rules at its August meeting. Board rule 291.131 changes including new definitions of cleaning and sanitizing and calibrations of scales.  

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

2022-11-04T11:25:26-04:00November 4, 2022|Texas|

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