Michigan
The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) will hold its Pharmacy Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, September 17. Registration is available online through Tuesday, September 10. In addition to the Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, there will also be a Medication Disposal Event @ the Capitol. For more information, contact Brian Sapita, MPA Government Affairs Manager.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Mississippi
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid is researching payment mechanisms pharmacists currently use to bill payers for vaccine administration. Pharmacy providers are being asked to complete this brief survey as it will be a valuable tool in future decision-making processes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
A provision in SB 848 that was enacted earlier this year requires pharmacies to report any opioid as being used for the treatment of acute or chronic pain, and also to report any non-opioid controlled substance prescription. Since the bill included an emergency clause, it took effect immediately in May. The Office of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDDC) notified NACDS last week that that they will give all pharmacies enough time to make the necessary programming changes to the Prescription Monitoring Program, but warnings will be sent starting on Sunday, September 1, if the data is not reported. OBNDDC did confirm that they will not begin taking enforcement actions on errors until Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Tennessee
If you are a pharmacist providing immunizations or CLIA-waived testing services, or a pharmacy technician or other health care professional assisting with these services, you must have live OSHA training on bloodborne pathogens every year or face fines of up to $90,000. The Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation in partnership with other state associations are offering a webinar that meets all of OSHA’s training requirements, including the live component. This webinar will provide attendees with one (1.0) contact hour of live ACPE Continuing Pharmacy Education. Contact your state pharmacy association for information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Utah
The Utah Pharmacy Association will host its 2019 Mid-Year Meeting on Saturday, September 14 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, UT. Details are available on the association’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
On August 12, the State Board of Pharmacy adopted a new email listserv called News and Information that will send subscribers notifications about board and committee meetings, board activities, rulemakings, new laws and regulations, press releases, consumer tips and other general news and information. To sign up, visit the Board of Pharmacy Email Registration page on the Board’s website.
Also in California… The State Board of Pharmacy has created a new guide called Pharmacy Inspections by the California State Board of Pharmacy” to help licensees understand and prepare for Board inspections. The brochure lists all documents that pharmacies are required to have readily available for inspectors to review.
Also in California… The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is hosting a second Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Carve Out Advisory Group meeting on Thursday, September 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific in the DHCS Auditorium at 1500 Capitol Avenue in Sacramento. The purpose of this second meeting is to facilitate further discussion, increase community awareness, share additional details around various topics necessary for the effective implementation of Medi-Cal Rx and provide an ongoing forum for stakeholder feedback to help further inform implementation efforts. Those unable to join in person can listen in by pre-registering for the webinar. For questions or comments, please email DHCS.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
On Wednesday, August 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain, the State Board of Pharmacy is hosting a stakeholder meeting to receive input regarding the implementation of several new laws. Copies of the proposed rule changes, HB19-1242, HB19-1109, HB19-1077, SB19-228 and SB19-005 are available for download. The meeting will be held at the Civic Center Plaza, 1560 Broadway, Room 110D (1st Floor). Those unable to attend may participate and must pre-register for the webinar.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service published a bulletin with information about its medication synchronization program resulting from Public Act 100-0138.
Also in Illinois… Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed into law SB 1715 pertaining to pharmacist authority to administer long-acting injectables.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Louisiana
At the August 14 Board of Pharmacy meeting, the Board reviewed NACDS’ comment letter with suggestions aimed at reducing prescriptive rules, including utilizing technologies, eliminating technician ratios and expanding duties. After a lengthy discussion, the Board referred 25 of the 50+ NACDS recommendations to the Regulation Revision Committee for further discussion and possible action. The agenda has been posted for the Regulation Revision Committee meeting at the Board office at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17. Members are encouraged to participate.
Also in Louisiana… The Department of Health (LDH) Office of Public Health announced that Louisiana residents can now access on-line their immunization records in LINKS. By reducing the administrative burden of immunization record requests, LDH hopes that patients will take greater control over their health and improve immunization rates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has scheduled a Naloxone Day on September 14. Naloxone will be made available at no cost to anonymous recipients who present themselves at pharmacies that have obtained standing orders from the Chief Medical Executive or a Michigan licensed physician. Please see the MDHHS notice for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new standing order to facilitate access to naloxone. The previous standing order is now expired.
Also in Nebraska… The state is converting to a new Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) vendor. Please see the NeHII Notification as well as the new Implementation Guide. Please recall pharmacies are required to report all drugs to the PDMP.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Oklahoma
The Health Care Authority’s (OHCA) budget approved by the Legislature earlier this year included 5% across-the-board rate increases for Medicaid providers. The OHCA submitted a SPA to CMS that details the pharmacy professional dispensing fee rate increase from the $10.87 to $11.41 effective Tuesday, October 1. NACDS submitted comments in support of the pharmacy rate increase on-line and encourages members to submit comments electronically.
Also in Oklahoma… Effective Sunday, September 1, the Office of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control will require pharmacies to report any opioid as being used for the treatment of acute or chronic pain as enacted by SB 848. Along with this requirement, the PMP is also requiring pharmacies to report for any non-opioid controlled substance prescription. NACDS submitted a letter sharing concerns that given the inadequate notice to providers of the upcoming implementation and system inabilities, participating pharmacies will not have enough time to make the necessary changes to fully comply with these reporting requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
Effective Tuesday, September 24, the pharmacist to pharmacy technician ratio will be eliminated. “(1) The ratio of pharmacy technicians to pharmacist(s) on duty is to be determined by the responsible pharmacy manager. (2) The responsible pharmacy manager will ensure that the number of pharmacy technicians on duty can be satisfactorily supervised by the pharmacist(s) on duty.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Montana
The Montana Board of Pharmacy approved rules to increase the pharmacy technician to pharmacist ratio from 3:1 to 4:1 with anticipated implementation in September 2019. The rules will continue to allow pharmacies to request a waiver above the new 4:1 ratio.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed into law HB 3273, directing each covered manufacturer of covered drugs sold within the state to develop and implement a drug take-back program. Similar to Washington State’s law, the program is to be funded by drug manufacturers operating in the state, is voluntary for pharmacies to participate and provides for local pre-emption. The Environmental Quality Commission may adopt rules, as necessary, with assistance from the State Board of Pharmacy. Each drug take-back program must be operational by July 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alabama
As a reminder, the below paragraph was an ALERT disseminated to all pharmacy providers on October 26, 2006 and has been posted on the Agency website since that date. This policy continues to be in effect. Per Alabama Medicaid Administrative Code, Rule No. 560-X-16-.06 “Reimbursement for Covered Drugs and Services”, “usual and customary” is defined as the “charge to the general public regardless of program fees”.
In response to pharmacy retailers’ recent announcements of reduced prices for specific generic drugs, the Alabama Medicaid Agency will consider these reduced prices to be the “usual and customary” price for these retailers. Retrospective audits identifying claims that are inappropriately charging Alabama Medicaid any amount over the usual and customary amount will be recouped. Please refer to our Administrative Code Rule No. 560-X-16-.06, “Reimbursement for Covered Drugs”, as well as Provider Billing Manual Chapter 27, for more information on our reimbursement policy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
Last week, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) held a webinar to lay out DHCS’s plan to transition all Medi-Cal pharmacy services from managed care to fee-for-service by Friday, January 1, 2021. The slides outline the pharmacy carve-out policy and estimated fiscal savings for the state. More information can be found on DHCS’ homepage.
Also in California… During its recent meeting, the Board of Pharmacy took the following actions. Acting President Greg Lippe announced the resignation Victor Law, RPh, the Board’s president, and new officers will be elected at the next meeting on Friday, September 13. The board also voted to begin rulemaking to add new rules on compounding of nonsterile preparations, such as flavorings, and to proceed with rulemaking on community pharmacy staffing (B&P Section 4113.5 /SB 1442, Statutes of 2018).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
Though its original implementation was slated for December 2019, last week, the Board of Pharmacy voted not to adopt USP General Chapter <800>, standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize the risk of exposure to healthcare personnel, patients and the environment. NACDS supported efforts of our in-state partners to advocate against the state adopting these standards at this time.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
Legislation, requiring prescribers to indicate on the prescription it is medically necessary if the prescriber wants more than a seven-day supply of an opioid drug dispensed, took effect on August 1.
Also in Louisiana… The Department of Health has posted two Medicaid provider bulletins:
- Point of Sale (POS) Therapeutic Duplication for Antipsychotic Pharmacy Claims and Diagnosis Code Requirement for Progesterone (Crinone®) and Tobramycin (Kitabis®) – Effective August 1, 2019
- Updated Single Preferred Drug List (PDL) for Select Drugs – Effective August 1, 2019 Criteria updates only; no changes in preferred status.
Also in Louisiana… Senate President John A. Alario, Jr. (R), who has served in the Legislature since 1972, announced that he will retire in January due to term limits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
Effective Saturday, August 10, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program announced brand Revatio® suspension is preferred over its generic equivalent (sildenafil). Claims for brand Revatio® suspension must be submitted with DAW 6 code and will be priced appropriately. A Department of Health Medwatch form will not be required. Claims with any other DAW code will reject.
Also in Maryland… Effective Saturday, August 10, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program announced all strengths of brand Lyrica® must be submitted with DAW 6 code and will be priced appropriately. A Department of Health Medwatch form will not be required. Claims with any other DAW code will be rejected.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced the following appointments to the Board of Pharmacy:
- Grace Sesi, a licensed pharmacist and CVS Health district leader in the Greater Detroit Area, was appointed to succeed Nichole Penny, whose term expired June 30.
- Sandra C. Taylor, a licensed pharmacist and the director of pharmacy operations for Beaumont Healthcare System, was appointed to succeed Suit Hing “Mary” Moy-Sandusky, whose term expired June 30.
- Maria Young, a licensed pharmacist and the owner of the University Pharmacy in Hamtramck, was appointed to succeed Patti Smeelink, whose term expired June 30.
- Kelli Oldham, director of pharmacy and retail operations for Walgreens, was appointed to succeed Tyler Paesens, who has resigned, to represent the general public.
David Hills, a pastor with Stevensville United Methodist Church, was reappointed to represent the general public.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
Continuing previous updates about the state’s compliance with CMS’ Covered Outpatient Final Drugs Rule effective July 1, the Department of Human Services will reprocess claims for dates of service from July 1-18 on Thursday, August 29 and they will appear on pharmacies’ remittance advices on Tuesday, September 17. Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) provider news and updates webpage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Mississippi
On August 1, Alliant Health Solutions began performing prior authorization reviews as the Division of Medicaid (DOM) transitions to a new Utilization Management/Quality Improvement Organization vendor. All prior authorization reviews in process before August 1 will be completed by eQHealth Solutions as part of the transition to Alliant. Alliant has scheduled a series of informational webinars with one date remaining in August on the 16th. To sign up for a webinar or to learn more about these changes, visit Alliant’s Mississippi Medicaid portal.
Also in Mississippi… On August 1, the DOM implemented a new opioid initiative, which affects pharmacy point-of-sale claims and applies to beneficiaries enrolled in Medicaid fee-for-service and all three MississippiCAN coordinated care plans. The initiative involves four changes that will directly impact Medicaid pharmacy/prescribing providers.
Also in Mississippi… On Friday, November 1, the DOM will implement new three-year contracts for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP will continue to be administered by two vendors, but providers should be aware that there is one important change. Molina Healthcare will replace Magnolia Health as one of the two coordinated care organizations administering the program. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan will continue to serve as the other CHIP vendor.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
NACDS is soliciting members’ comments this week on the implementation of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control’s recent announcement regarding changes to the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) reporting requirements. As a result of the enactment of Oklahoma SB 848, prescribers are required to document any opioid prescription as being acute or chronic on the face of the prescription. As a result, the PDMP is looking to utilize this data by requiring pharmacies to report any opioid as being used for the treatment of acute or chronic pain. Along with this requirement, the PDMP is also requiring pharmacies to report a value of “99-Other” for any non-opioid controlled substance prescription.
NACDS’ analysis of this change is that most pharmacies will need to implement a block in their prescription fulfillment systems to ensure treatment type codes are being entered and reported accordingly for all opioid prescriptions in accordance with SB 848. This is creating a concern in that requiring a value of “99-Other” for all non-opioid controlled substances will create workflow issues in pharmacies which will cause a negative impact for patients.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Texas
In advance of the August 6th Board of Pharmacy meeting, NACDS submitted a letter approved by our members operating in Texas recommending the Board eliminate pharmacy technician ratios and expand duties. After much discussion, the Board decided to move forward on all of our recommendations and directed staff to draft a proposed rule for the November 5th meeting that would include expanding technician duties to allow techs to (1) accept a verbal order, (2) transfer a prescription, and (3) contact a prescriber to clarify a prescription. The proposed rule would also eliminate the technician to pharmacist’s ratio which is currently set at 1:4. The Board also directed staff to consult with the Medical Board regarding our recommendation to allow pharmacy technicians to administer vaccinations, and bring back to the Board at the November information from the Medical Board about delegating this task to these paraprofessionals, not a proposed rule.
Also in Texas… On July 17, the TSBP upgraded the prescription monitoring program (PMP) to allow all approved users access to an advanced analytics and patient support tool called NarxCare. In addition to the existing PMP functionality, NarxCare will aggregate and analyze prescription information from providers and pharmacies and present visual, interactive information, as well as advanced analytic insights, machine learning risk scores and more.
Also in Texas… The budget bill signed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) included the funding necessary to integrate the state’s PMP into pharmacy data systems. The TSBP wants prescribers and dispensers to know that with statewide integration, they will no longer have to interrupt their current workflow to access the PMP. An overview of the integration process, along with informational resources, can be found on the TSBP website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.