Maryland
HB 512, legislation which would require controlled substances to be electronically prescribed, has passed the Maryland House of Delegates unanimously and been sent the Senate for consideration in advance of the crossover deadline. Sponsored by Del. Erik Barron (D), the bill is a joint initiative of NACDS and the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores (MACDS). Both organizations testified at hearings and have been on the ground advocating to advance this measure.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will host a webinar on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 1 pm Central to share information about the upcoming cost of dispensing survey. The survey will go out in April.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
The Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA), the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and the University of Missouri Kansas City will offer training and resources to pharmacists in pain management guidelines and de-escalating therapy/tapering at a session held at the MPA Legislative Day on April 1, 2020. Click here for more information and to register for this free event.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
New Mexico
In an successful effort lead by the New Mexico Pharmacists Association and supported by the School of Pharmacy, pharmacy students, NACDS, state retailers, payors, and other pharmacy groups, HB 42 by Rep. Deborah Armstrong, the Pharmaceutical Services Reimbursement Parity bill which will require pharmacists to be paid by for patient care services within the pharmacist’s scope of practice, was signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) on March 6.
Also in New Mexico… Also approved was SM 19 sponsored by Sen. Steven Neville. It directs the Health and Human Services Department to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing study.
Also in New Mexico… On March 4, Gov. Grisham signed SB 1, the Wholesale Drug Importation Act, and HB 292 by Rep. Cadena that caps copays and out-of-pocket expenses for insulin at $25 per prescription for a 30-day supply.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Ohio
The Dept. of Health has issued a COVID-19 Checklist for Pharmacies with recommendations from Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH. For more information, visit the website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
Citing coronavirus concerns, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick instructed Senate Chairs of Interim Study Committees on prescription drug costs to postpone hearings for a few weeks as Texas continues on-going efforts to contain and mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Also in Texas… NACDS and our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, accompanied chain pharmacists Ken Breda with Brookshire Brothers and Michelle Beall with Brookshire Grocery in district meetings with East Texas legislators to discuss our priority regulatory and legislative issues. Connecting pharmacists with their hometown legislator is essential to advancing our pharmacy healthcare agenda.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
NACDS was on the ground in Richmond again this past weekend to help shepherd the final passage of the conference committee substitute report on HB 1506, just short of the Legislature’s adjournment. HB 1506 was sponsored by Del. Mark Sickles (D) at the request of the Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPhA). The bill would allow pharmacists to provide a wide range of services under statewide protocol including: contraceptives, epinephrine, prenatal vitamins, dietary fluoride supplements and prescription medications when the copay is less than the over the counter version of the same drug. The protocols must be developed by the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) in collaboration with the Board of Medicine (BOM) and Department of Health (VDH) by Nov. 1, 2020. Additionally, the bill requires the Boards and VDH to convene a workgroup to make recommendations on further statewide protocols allowing pharmacists to perform CLIA-waived tests; administer vaccines; and provide tobacco cessation, tuberculosis and HIV therapy; as well as over the counter drugs in certain cases. The workgroup recommendations are also due Nov. 1, 2020. The bill now goes to Gov. Ralph Northam (D) for consideration. NACDS will continue to work with VPhA and the administration to advocate for Gov. Northam’s signature into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
West Virginia
With NACDS support, legislation that will require health plans to provide payment for pharmacists’ services has passed both chambers in West Virginia and is on its way to Gov. Jim Justice (R) for signature. SB 787, sponsored by Sen. Erik Tarr (R), requires that any health plan issued, amended, or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2021 cover any service provided by pharmacists’ within their scope of practice and requires health plans to have an adequate number of pharmacists in network for services beyond the plans’ drug benefit.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
Effective April 1, 2020, the Alabama Medicaid Agency will implement hard edits on cumulative daily MME claims exceeding 150 MME/day. A phase-in period for claims exceeding 120 MME/day, but less than 150 MME/day, will also be implemented. To view the full ALERT, click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed two new members to the Board of Pharmacy: Vons pharmacist Seung Oh and Safeway pharmacist Jignesh “Jig” Patel. Rotating off the Board were Allen Schaad and public member Valerie Muñoz.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
Colorado’s bill, HB20-1061, legislation that would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense PEP and PrEP medications, was amended again. The bill is expected to pass the House this week and to be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
NACDS and the Louisiana Retailers Association succeeded in finding legislators to pre-file legislation advancing the practice of pharmacy. Rep. Regina Ashford Barrow (D) introduced a broad immunization expansion bill, SB 296. and Rep. Joseph Stagni (R), Chiropractic Physician, filed HB 459, legislation that mandates payment for healthcare services performed by pharmacists was modeled after the 2019 Texas law. The Legislature convenes at Noon on Monday, March 9.
Also in Louisiana… The Department of Health recently posted these provider notices:
https://www.lamedicaid.com/provweb1/Pharmacy/March_Implementations_2-28-20.pdf
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The House Health Policy Committee will hear SB 248 and SB 254, legislation to require electronic prescribing, on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 10:30 am.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
The Missouri Pharmacy Association’s Legislative Day will be held on April 1, 2020 in Jefferson City. For more information and to register, please visit the MPA Legislative Day web page.
Also in Missouri… In its Winter newsletter, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs reminds readers that electronic prescribing passwords cannot be shared.
Also in Missouri… The Board of Pharmacy’s next “Lunch with the Chief Inspector” webinar will be held on March 26, 2020 at 12 pm Central. The webinar will feature an update from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Click here for more information and to register.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
Nebraska Pharmacist Association (NPA) Chief Executive Officer Joni Cover announced she would be leaving NPA to take a policy and legal position the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. NACDS salutes Joni for her seventeen years leadership at NPA.
Also in Nebraska… The Nebraska Pharmacist Association (NPA) announced the appointment of Dr. Kendra Kapels, PharmD, RP, to the NPA Board of Directors. Dr. Kapels is a pharmacist at Walgreens in Columbus and currently chairs the NPA Chain Network.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nevada
In response to an invitation by Nevada Senator Nicole Cannizzaro and her Committee to Conduct an Interim Study Concerning the Costs of Prescription Drugs authorized by Senate Bill 276 (2019), NACDS prepared comments for our in-state partner, Liz MacMenamin with the Retail Association of Nevada, to present to legislators at the second of five meetings held on February 28th. Other panelists testifying were representatives from PCMA, health plans, BIOS, PhRMA, generic manufacturers, AARP, and the culinary union. The purpose of the committee is to identify solutions for drafting legislation for the 2021 session. For more information go to – https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/InterimCommittee/REL/Interim2019/Committee/1574/Meetings
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
NACDS joined the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State in meetings with over two dozen legislators on provisions in Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal. Nearly a dozen NACDS member companies advocated in support of the budget proposal to expand a pharmacist ‘s authority to immunize and the proposal to regulate and reform of PBMs. The Governor also proposed a $2.5 Billion cut to Medicaid. NACDS strongly opposed any reductions in the Medicaid program which would impact our reimbursement and offered to work with the Department to achieve savings in other areas. The budget must be final before April 1, 2020.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Oklahoma
March 10, 2020 is Pharmacy Legislative Day at the Capitol.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Texas
NACDS and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores led the new Board of Pharmacy public member Rick Tisch on a behind the counter tour of the H-E-B pharmacy in Tomball. Pharmacy manager Craig Gracey and compliance manager Jason Davis did an excellent job demonstrating workflow and pharmacy processes. They also discussed the additional services pharmacists provide and ways that the profession can positively impact patient outcomes. Tisch left the pharmacy with a better understanding of the value of our pharmacy technicians and how increasing the ratio and expanding administrative duties will have a positive impact patient care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wisconsin
The ForwardHealth portal has been updated to include state and specialty pharmacy drug reimbursement rates effective March 1st.
Also in Wisconsin… The Department of Health Services issued a report outlining geographic gaps in services to address the opioid epidemic, including areas not served by pharmacies providing naloxone under a standing order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Indiana
NACDS filed comments in support of HB 1207 with the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee. This bill would allow a pharmacist to substitute a therapeutic alternative for epinephrine products for a patient and requires the Department of Health to issue a statewide standing order for the dispensing of auto-injectable epinephrine. Subject to rules adopted by the Board of Pharmacy, the bill also allows a pharmacy technician to administer an influenza immunization to an individual under a drug order or prescription and to transfer prescriptions.
Also in Indiana... NACDS filed comments with the Indiana House of Representatives Insurance Committee in support of provisions of Senate Bill 241 that would help protect the viability of retail community pharmacies. The legislation would help ensure that pharmacies are fairly and properly reimbursed by requiring pharmacy contracts to have clearly defined drug pricing and reimbursement methodologies and audit practices, by prohibiting the charging of unreasonable fees on pharmacies, and by allowing pharmacies to contest changes in their reimbursement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Iowa
The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued an Informational Letter clarifying how pharmacists can enroll as providers, enabling them to order and dispense naloxone and smoking cessation products, as well as order and administer vaccines to Medicaid members. Payment for pharmacists enrolled as providers will be effective July 1, 2020. For more information, please see the Iowa Pharmacy Association Journal article.
Also in Iowa... NACDS reminds members that the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise's biennial cost of dispensing survey was sent to pharmacies on February 4 and is due by March 26. More information can be found on a recent Informational Letter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
NACDS is seeking member comments on SB 50 as recently amended and passed by the Senate. The includes provisions on Single PDL and PBM; PBM transparency, clawback prohibitions, any willing provider, and allows Medicaid to set reimbursement rate in managed care according to CMS Guidance. It also would allow the department to have differential PDF rates based on pharmacy types. Please send your comments ASAP to Jill McCormack, NACDS State Director, at jmccormack@nacds.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services' State Maximum Allowance Cost list and Specialty Maximum Allowance Cost list are posted online, with information, as of February 17, 2020.
Also in Minnesota... Pharmacies can bill the administration of injectable antipsychotics and the medication Vivitrol for fee-for-service members as medical claims, not pharmacy claims, for dates of service on or after July 1, 2019. More information can be found on the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider News web page.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
NACDS reminds members about the Rx Cares for Missouri Medication Destruction and Disposal Program, which provides resources for the collection of unused/unwanted medication from the public for disposal. Applications are now being accepted.
Also in Missouri... The Board of Pharmacy has posted its slides from the February 20 Regulatory Update webinar. Of note, future rulemaking will include minimum standards for multi-med dispensing, pharmacist prescribing of nicotine replacement products, and technician supervision.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.