North Dakota
Gov. Doug Burgum (R) directed state agencies to provide recommendations for policies hindering response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In another Executive Order, he directed pharmacy benefit management companies to eliminate proof of delivery requirements; authorized license pharmacists to administer COVID-19 testing; and authorized emergency refills of non-controlled substances for up to 30 days. The Department of Human Services has created a Medicaid pharmacy document of Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy has issued an emergency rule, effective March 22nd, on the dispensing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. For an FAQ on this issue and other COVID-19 related guidance issued by the board, visit their website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
NACDS submitted comments to the State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) on proposed rule changes pertaining to the information that pharmacies are required to report to Oklahoma’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). The letter recommended that the data pharmacies are required to report should be limited to information that is required to be on a controlled substance prescription and/or required to process third party claims. NACDS also commented that costly software changes would be needed for pharmacy dispensing and management computer systems to accommodate the reporting of added data elements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
NACDS submitted a formal request to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy asking them to delay enforcement of Senate Bill 698 – Translation labelling – Until July 2022. The Board has not developed rules for implementation, delaying members’ ability to work with IT for changes that will be needed to label prescriptions in English and the patient’s preferred language.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has announced new measures allowing healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to re-enter the workforce to assist with the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, pharmacists whose licenses are expired/inactive for less than four years can apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended. For previous pharmacy related actions in PA go to: https://www.dos.pa.gov/Documents/2020-03-21-Pharmacy-Omnibus-Requirement-Suspension.pdf
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
COVID-19 Updates from the SC Board of Pharmacy.
- Order Expanding Certain Deadlines
This Order expands various licensure and registration deadlines, including pharmacist, pharmacist technician, facility permits, CPR certification, and continuing education. - Order Providing Temporary Authorization for Use of Automated Pharmacy Pickup Kiosks
This Order allows permittees to utilize automated pharmacy pickup kiosks without first appearing before the Practice and Technology Committee or Board. - Order Establishing Safe Harbor for Preparation of Pharmaceutical Products in Light of National GARB/PPE Shortage
This Order establishes the safe harbor provisions for permittees facing a shortage of garb and/or PPE.
For previous Board of Pharmacy Orders related to COVID-19 and additional information, click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
South Dakota
The South Dakota Board of Pharmacy published a memo addressing signature requirements and guidance for emergency filling of non-controlled substances.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee (R) has issued Executive Order #15. Of note to pharmacy practice, the following items have been addressed to promote the health and well-being of Tennesseans during the COVID-19 pandemic: Out-of-State Licensed Health Care Professionals, Refills of Maintenance Medications up to 90 Days, Patients in Temporary Residences, Expiration of Health Care Professionals and Facilities Licenses, Remote Verification of Prescriptions Certificate of Need Requirements, Alternate Testing Site Allowance, Setting Prices on Medical Supplies, Emergency Supplies, or Consumer Food Items, TennCare Changes and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
NACDS has been sharing our model language for COVID19 waiver requests with our in-state partners to promote with the state agencies. The Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) utilized these documents and submitted numerous waiver requests and authorizations from regulations to Gov. Greg Abbott (R), the Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Insurance.
Also in Texas... The Board of Pharmacy held an emergency board meeting on March 20th to adopt rules placing limits on dispensing of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, or azithromycin. Link to a list of all temporary suspension of rules and recently adopted emergency rules is found here – https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/coronavirus/
Also in Texas... Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the creation of a temporary Supply Chain Strike Force tasked with guiding collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure health care facilities have the supplies and resources they need to respond to COVID-19. In addition to working with the federal government and businesses to secure necessary personal protective equipment, the team will work to ensure day-to-day resources, including food, are available for Texas' medical personnel, first responders and those who have contracted COVID-19. https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-increased-ppe-supply-issues-executive-order-to-strengthen-reporting-capabilities
Also in Texas... Gov. Greg Abbott (R) named Phil Wilson Acting Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services has canceled its Opioid Forum scheduled for May 5-7, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Wyoming
NACDS submitted comments to the Wyoming Board of Pharmacy supporting its proposed rule changes eliminating the technician ratio and expanding immunization authority for pharmacists. The Board’s March meeting has been postponed until at least April.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Illinois Pharmacists Association has created a dedicated web page pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Iowa
The Iowa state legislature suspended its session for a minimum of thirty days as of March 16th out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy issued guidance for pharmacies with limited supplies of compounding garb.
Also in Iowa… A reminder that the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise’s cost of dispensing survey is due March 26, 2020. For more information, please see this Information Letter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced it will delay the upcoming Cost of Dispensing survey. Mercer has contacted pharmacies with additional information. In addition, the March 20, 2020 webinar has been canceled.
Also in Minnesota… The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
In the wake of COVID-19, Missouri’s MOHealthNet shared several temporary pharmacy provisions in this presentation. This information is in addition to the March 13 Pharmacy Early Refill bulletin. The Board of Pharmacy has issued this special bulletin. The Missouri Pharmacy Association announced its April 1 Legislative Day is canceled.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Medicaid program announced it will allow temporary one-time early refills. For more information, please see the recent bulletin. As of March 16th, the Unicameral is adjourned until reconevened by the Speaker.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
South Dakota
South Dakota Medicaid reminds providers that retail pharmacy calls are handled by OptumRx and are not impacted by state office closures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Wisconsin
Below is information taken from a recent Wisconsin ForwardHealth update in response to COVID-19:
- Effective March 20, 2020, Forward Health is allowing providers to override the overuse precaution (early refill or ER) prospective drug utilization review (DUR) alert for all drugs, except for controlled substances that are currently listed on the Drug Authorization and Policy Override Center Early Refill Drugs list.
- Providers are encouraged to dispense drugs in a three-month supply when possible, using the three-month supply drugs table.
- In emergency situations, pharmacy providers are able to dispense a 14-day emergency supply of a drug when a member receives a prescription for a covered drug with prior authorization restrictions. Drugs dispensed in emergency situations do not require prior authorization. Providers should review the Expedited Emergency Supply Request Drugs table for additional information.
- Providers and members are also encouraged to consider mail delivery services for prescription drugs. Wisconsin Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies are permitted to dispense and deliver prescription or over-the-counter medication to members via the mail when program requirements for coverage are met.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
California
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services is having a hearing on March 23, 2020 to consider a State Budget request requiring the Medi-Cal program to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries with diabetes. Last session, similar legislation passed but was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
March 30, 2020 is the deadline for all technicians to be certified with the Board of Pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
H.B. 389, sponsored by Representative Tyler Sirois (R) in the House and Senator Travis Hutson (R) in the Senate, was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R) on March 11, 2020 and becomes effective July 1, 20202. This measure authorizes pharmacists to test for and treat influenza and streptococcus. This bill also authorizes collaborative pharmacy practice agreements between pharmacist and physician in certain circumstances; requires agreements to be appropriate to training & scope of practice of pharmacist and physician; requires maintenance of records & specified pharmacists to report certain diseases of public health significance to DOH and provides requirements for written protocol between pharmacist and supervising physician.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an updated Medicaid Preferred Drug List.
Also in Illinois… The Illinois Pharmacist Association and the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists announced Pharmacy Legislative Day will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in Springfield. Click here for more information and to register.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Iowa
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R ) announced the reappointment of two members of the Board of Pharmacy: Brett Barker, PharmD of NACDS member company NuCara Pharmacy, and Gayle Mayer, RPh.
Also in Iowa… The Iowa Department of Human Services announced the delay of the Medicaid pharmacy changes outlined in Informational Letter No. 2086-MC-FFS scheduled to be effective March 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear signed an Executive Order on March 10 giving emergency authority to pharmacists in reaction to the COVID-19, authorizing pharmacists in the Commonwealth to: dispense emergency refills of up to a thirty (30) day supply of any non-controlled medication for residents of any county of the Commonwealth; temporarily operate a pharmacy in an area not designated by permit; dispense drugs as needed to treat COVID-19 pursuant to protocols established by the CDC or the NIH or determined to be appropriate by the commissioner of public health or his designee to respond to the circumstances causing the emergency. The order expires on April 8, 2020 but may be renewed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
Working with our in-state partner the Louisiana Retailers Association, NACDS was successful in identifying strong bill sponsors to pre-file two pharmacy bills prior to the start of the 60-day session which began on March 9th.
- SB 296 by Sen. Regina Ashley Barrow would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines other than the influenza vaccine to individuals younger than 17 years without a prescription; and allow pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine to individuals younger than 7 years without a prescription, consistent with pharmacists’ ability to provide such vaccines to older patient populations.
- HB 459 by Rep. Joseph Stagni will would allow pharmacists to be reimbursed by commercial health plans for patient-care services within the pharmacist’s scope of practice
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.