Massachusetts
MassHealth just released its latest edition of Medicaid Pharmacy Facts updated Drug Lists.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Minnesota
MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) has updated the Interim COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Guide, Template: COVID-19 Screening and Agreement and created the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol for 6 months through 4 years and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol for 6 months through 5 years. Find these resources at COVID-19 Vaccine Providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New Jersey
This week at the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy, the Board agreed to extend the remote processing pilot program for 6 months to allow time for the regulations to be finalized. The Board will be notifying New Jersey pharmacies of this extension. Today there are 124 pilot programs up and running. NACDS sent a letter last month requesting that the pilot be continued.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Ohio
Last week, Medicaid (ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid)) held a pharmacy stakeholders’ online seminar where they announced pharmacy reimbursement rates under the Single PBM, “Next Generation of Managed Care Program.” The slides and a recording of the online seminar can be found on the SBPM website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
Legislation that would allow pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer COVID and flu vaccines to children down to the age of 5 advanced in both Chambers this week. HB (House Bill) 2679 was reported from the House Professional Licensure Committee and is poised for a vote by the full House next week. The Senate Professional Licensure Committee also amended SB (Senate Bill) 511 to match the language in HB 2679 and unanimously reported it to the full Senate for consideration. The intent is to deliver one of these bills to the Governor’s desk before adjournment for summer recess. However, if the General Assembly adjourns early, we are optimistic that the process can be completed in the fall, prior to sine die.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
In advance of the House and Senate health committee interim hearings this summer studying the pandemic response, NACDS and our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) provided joint letters to both the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Health Care Reform highlighting how Texas pharmacies, empowered through federal authorizations to expand access to essential care services, were instrumental in providing millions of vaccinations, tests, and access points for antivirals. We urged lawmakers to take action to maintain critical access to care at pharmacies, allowing pharmacies/pharmacists to order and administer vaccinations approved by CDC/ACIP for ages 3 and older; initiate corresponding treatment pursuant to the result of a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)– waived test; and permit pharmacy technicians’ to also administer the tests and vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Department of Health (VDH) has posted an updated COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order to include COVID vaccines for children aged 5 and younger. You can also view the Summary of Legal Authorities for Pharmacists to Administer COVID Vaccines on their COVID-19 vaccine webpage for health professionals.
Also in Virginia. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will hold the Pharmacy Liaison Committee Meeting on July 14 in Richmond. The agenda has been posted. If members have any questions or comments regarding the topics on the agenda, please send them to Jill McCormack by July 12.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The new expiration date is the earlier of July 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERTs and notices related to the health emergency is available by selecting the Agency’s COVID-19 page.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
Rules allowing pharmacist therapeutic substitution went into effect as of May 10, 2022. Pharmacists whose practice is located within the State of Arkansas may substitute medications for therapeutically equivalent medications unless the prescriber indicates that no substitution is to be made or if the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy has determined that a therapeutically equivalent product should not be substituted and has notified all pharmacists of that determination.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.