Indiana
A bill requiring the e-prescribing of controlled substances has passed both chambers and will soon be on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) desk for signature. SB 176, sponsored by pharmacist Sen. Ron Grooms (R), was amended in the House Health Committee to include e-prescribing language similar to the NACDS model language, and both chambers subsequently passed the bill unanimously. NACDS supported the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to advance this critical bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
California
Last week, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Medi-Cal hosted a webinar to provide pharmacy stakeholders with more information on the rollout of the retroactive claim adjustments for the dates of service — April 1, 2017 through February 23, 2019, which was the date DHCS began implementing the new fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement methodology.
Also in California… Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed practicing pediatrician and director of health and social impact for Los Angeles County, Mark Ghaly, as Secretary of Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) to help lead the administration’s efforts to advance the Governor’s healthcare agenda, including proposals to lower prescription drug costs, provide coverage to young undocumented adults through Medi-Cal and help put California on a path toward single-payer health care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed into law two bills NACDS supported. HB 1278 (Act 652 of 2019) will allow pharmacists to vaccinate anyone 7 years of age and older without a prescription, and HB 1269 (Act 637 of 2019) will allow the substitution of interchangeable biosimilars. Note that under Arkansas law, these new laws will become effective 90 days upon adjournment of the legislature. The Legislature will recess on Thursday, April 12, and return three weeks later to address outstanding issues so they can officially adjourn in early May, thus making the effective date of these new laws in early August.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) has signed into law HB 2075, which delays the implementation of e-prescribing from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020. In addition, the bill removes previous law that phased in e-prescribing by county population. The new law enacts e-prescribing for all controlled substances beginning Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
West Virginia
Gov. Jim Justice (R) has signed SB 369, legislation that amends the state’s generic substitution law to update pricing to reflect current substitution practices, removing the need for a “pass through” for covered individuals. The law will be effective Thursday, June 6. NACDS thanks in-state partners and other industry advocates for leading the advocacy efforts on-the-ground.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
North Dakota
Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed into law HB 1498 effective Monday, August 1. This bill revises the current law that allows pharmacists to administer drugs by eliminating language specifying the prescribing practitioner type who can authorize pharmacist administration pursuant to an order; more broadly allowing for the provision of drugs to patients pursuant to a written order; and modifying the education requirements for pharmacists who provide these services, eliminating the requirement for 20 hours minimum education, six hours  of continuing education and education on how to educate patients on the need for immunizations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, has been signed by Gov. Matt Bevin (R) after passing both Chambers unanimously. The law will be effective Friday, January 1, 2021, and contains exceptions similar to those in NACDS’ model language. NACDS thanks the Kentucky Retail Federation for its on-the-ground efforts to support this legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Idaho
Gov. Brad Little (R) signed into law HB 182 (Session Law Chapter 141) that eliminates the requirement that pharmacist’s prescriptive authority for specific drugs, drug categories or devices has to be granted through the Board of Pharmacy’s rulemaking authority.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recently published a letter and FAQ reminding all city pharmacies that as of January 1, 2019, they were required to stock two doses of naloxone. The requirements are the result of an Ordinance that was adopted in November 2018. Additionally, the Ordinance requires pharmacies to post signage indicating that naloxone is available. For additional information, contact dph.opioid@phila.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Kentucky
Legislation requiring all controlled substances to be prescribed electronically has also advanced in Kentucky. HB 342, sponsored by pharmacist Rep. Steve Sheldon (R), passed both chambers and is currently on Gov. Matt Bevin’s (R) desk for his signature. The bill contains exemptions similar to NACDS’ model language and would be effective January 1, 2021. NACDS appreciates the on-the-ground efforts of the Kentucky Retail Association on this important bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Indiana
The House Health Committee unanimously voted last week to amend e-prescribing language into SB 176. The bill would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be transmitted electronically effective January 1, 2021. The bill contains similar exceptions to NACDS’ model language. Additionally, the amended bill contains language requiring a summer study of e-prescribing for all prescriptions. NACDS continues to support the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to advance it.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
West Virginia
Last week, the House of Delegates passed SB 369, legislation that updates the state’s generic dispensing law to clarify that when a pharmacist substitutes a generic drug for a brand name drug, the patient pays only the cost of the substituted drug. The legislation would not apply to an individual who has insurance coverage. It is now eligible to be sent to Gov. Jim Justice (R) for signature.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Dakota
Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed into law HB 1137 effective Monday, July 1. Among its provisions, the measure prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from collecting cost-sharing in a great amount than the covered individual would pay for the drug. It also prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from retroactively adjusting a pharmacy claim unless it is a result of an audit or a technical billing error.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed into law LB 442, facilitating medication synchronization, a priority issue for NACDS’ members
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
On March 6, NACDS testified at the Senate Seniors, Families and Children Committee in support of SB 262, legislation that would require e-prescribing of all drugs consistent with NACDS’ model legislation. Discussion continues among legislators and other concerned stakeholders about potential amendments.
Kentucky
HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, passed the House of Representatives. The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, was amended with a clarification to one of the exemptions, was favorably reported and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds(R) appointed Kathy Stone, PharmD, and Dane Nealson, CPhT, to the Board of Pharmacy. Dane Nealson is the first technician to serve on the Board. Lawyer Joan Skogstrom was also reappointed.
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy delayed the effective date for its final rulesamending minimum requirements for participation in statewide protocols. The rules are now effective Wednesday, May 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Arkansas
SB 174, legislation NACDS promoted, mandating e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions, was signed into law by Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) and is now Act 447.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wyoming
On February 28, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed into law SF 47, requiring mandatory e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions on and after Friday, January 1, 2021, and including provisions to permit the Board of Pharmacy to provide exemptions from the requirements for emergencies and technical failures by rule and regulation. Among the various provisions, this newly enacted law also includes continuing education requirements for prescribers and pharmacists. Pharmacists who are registered to dispense controlled substances will be required to complete one hour of CE every two years related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Washington
Second Substitute HB 1331, Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) opioid legislation, is headed for the House floor with amendments mandating e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions by Friday, January 1, 2021. The bill still has to pass the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Effective Monday, March 18, Medicaid paper exceptional claims will no longer be accepted. Providers must submit an exceptional claim, along with the required Exceptional Claim Form, electronically via the newly redesigned Florida Medicaid Secure Web Portal under the Claims panel. Providers are encouraged to review the Electronic Exceptional Claim Submission Quick Reference Guide.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
NACDS-backed SB 174, which mandates e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions and passed the Senate last week, was approved by the House and sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) to sign into law, effective Friday, January 1, 2021. Thanks to the sponsors of the legislation, Sen. Kim Hammer (R) and Rep. Justin Boyd (R), and the governor’s drug czar, Kirk Lane, who was instrumental in getting this legislation passed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
Although SB 5446, the stand-alone e-prescribing bill did not make it through the first cut-off and will not advance, NACDS and partners will continue to work to add e-prescribing amendments onto HB 1331 / SB 5380, companion bills related to opioid use disorder treatment, prevention and related services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Commission is seeking input on their latest draft specialty drug list for the first quarter of 2019. Comments must be submitted by Friday, March 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
HB 231, legislation expanding pharmacist’s administration of vaccines to those seven years of age and older for all CDC-recommended vaccines, passed the House 64-29. The bill has been referred to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety and scheduled for a hearing on Monday, March 11.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.