The Insurance Department (“AID”) will host a Public Hearing on October 22, on proposed RULE 128 FAIR AND REASONABLE PHARMACY REIMBURSEMENTS that NACDS support. AID provide a summary of the rule.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued the following statement, urging Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 966, which reflects a shared commitment to making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and transparent for all Californians:
“Senate Bill 966 is a game-changer for California consumers. For too long, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have operated in the shadows, impacting drug prices and patient access with little oversight. SB 966 will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to this critical part of our healthcare system. I strongly urge Governor Newsom to sign this bill, which will help ensure that consumers—not corporate intermediaries—benefit from the savings PBMs negotiate with drug manufacturers.”
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy (Board) announced starting January 1, 2025, licenses that are eligible for renewal will be processed only online. Those who are eligible include:
Note: In most cases, the license expires at the end of the month of the licensee’s registered birthday for pharmacists, advanced practice pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. For designated representatives, the license expires on the first of the month.
The Board will no longer mail out a paper renewal application for the above licensees. In its place, a postcard reminder will be sent approximately six weeks prior to the license expiration date and the licensee will renew by going to www.pharmacy.ca.gov. The postcard is only a reminder, if the licensee does not receive a postcard, they are still required to submit their payment on-time to avoid a delinquency fee and cancellation of the license.
For Pharmacists and Advanced Practice Pharmacists, if your license expired more than two years ago, you are not eligible to renew your license online. Contact the Board at RenewalStatus@dca.ca.gov for assistance.
Renewal payment transactions must be completed prior to 5:00 pm Pacific Time on the date your license expires to avoid the delinquency fee.
Online payments made after 5:00 pm Pacific Time are not credited on the day of the transaction. The Board recommends you print your payment confirmation at the end of this transaction for your records. Once the online payment is submitted, please allow two business days for processing.
Reminder, confirm address is correct. You must notify the board of any change in your address within 30 days. Change of address may take between 7-10 business days to update the system. If the correct address is not in the system at the time of renewal, the process may be delayed. Address changes can be made on-line or in writing to the board.
When renewing online, the licensee must confirm that their address is correct before submitting the payment.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy stated licensees continue to report being victimized by scam callers claiming to represent the Board of Pharmacy (Board).
In a recent attempt, the caller claimed to be a Board inspector who told the pharmacist they were charged with drug trafficking and money laundering in Texas. They told the licensee they needed to go to Texas to face charges. The caller insisted the licensee stop practicing immediately.
Two other individuals who claimed to be FBI agents were also on the phone call. And the licensee received an official looking letter of their suspension. Fortunately, this licensee contacted the Board and confirmed that they were in good standing and not part of any investigation.
Techniques used by fake callers include:
In many cases, callers are attempting to extort money or elicit sensitive information – e.g., license numbers, DEA registration numbers, etc. – from licensees.
What can you do to protect yourself and your pharmacy?
Licensee security is important to the Board of Pharmacy. Be aware of these tips from the Board and DCA:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
A Pharmacy Workplace Conditions and Well-being Summit, jointly sponsored by the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Regis University School of Pharmacy, will be held on September 30th.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
MedImpact issued a bulletin outlining the following COVID-related coverage and policy changes, effective Oct.1 2024, pursuant to the expiration of the American Rescue Plan (ARP):
Also in Kentucky, Medicaid issued a Statewide Physician Protocol for Point of Care COVID-19 Testing. The protocol, meant for pharmacies who do not have a medical director, applies only to testing for Medicaid patients.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health (LDH) issued a memo clarifying they are continuing to reimburse pharmacies for at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests to Medicaid patients through December 31, 2024.
Also in Louisiana, on September 9, 2024, Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency for Tropical Storm Francine. LDH issued a memo detailing the procedures for emergency prescriptions claims for Medicaid beneficiaries
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy held a pharmacy rule-making subcommittee meeting on September 16, 2024, regarding updating the board rules. The subcommittee goals are
They reviewed chapters four and five of rules, which cover registration and continuing education. The next meeting will be October 21, 2024.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Sen. Santana has introduced SB 993, a “trailer” bill that require insurers to reimburse pharmacies for the vaccination and test and treat services authorized under P.A. 97 of 2023. The bill was referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee and could see action as early as this fall.
Also in Michigan, the Department of Health, and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a final bulletin ending three temporary COVID-19 Medicaid Pharmacy provisions due to the COVID-19 PHE.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
DHS has published a provider update with details about the November 4th transition to the new claims processing system. On October 16 they will host what they anticipate will be the last provider virtual meeting prior to implementation and have posted the call in information. Lastly, they have also released the payer specification document for claims processing and billing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy will be holding a hearing on September 25, 2025, at 9:30 am to review the repeal of three rules. The three rules being repealed are (1) in regard to unused prescription drugs, (2) the New Hampshire Controlled Drug Prescription Health and Safety Program, and (3) Continuous Quality Improvement. In lieu of attending, written comments can be submitted to OPLC-Rules@oplc.nh.gov.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.