A new online self-guided license application process, LicensE, is now live. Applicants can apply at the new, online, self-guided occupational license application at license.wi.gov.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Effective June 7, 2022, providers will no longer be able to access the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). At that time, the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal will officially support the Microsoft Edge browser and may also be accessed with other modern browsers.
If you are currently using IE, the Department strongly recommends you update to the Microsoft Edge web browser. When changing browsers, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various user interfaces and navigational changes.
If you are presently using a browser other than IE, there will be no changes when utilizing the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal.
Providers with questions concerning the upcoming change can submit them to the following email address: interChangeTesting@gainwelltechnologies.com.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy has proposed rules updating existing regulations on pharmacies, pharmacist interns, pharmacy technicians, wholesale drug distributors, outsourcing facilities, and third-party logistics providers. Written comments are due on June 13, 2022.
Also in Alaska, legislation expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians was sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) for his signature. HB (House Bill) 145
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy informed licensees about a scam involving a letter that is coming from the Board. The SCAM letter indicates suspension of license with opportunity to restore it by obtaining authorization from the concerned department. There is also a follow-up call to the licensee asking to wire money to resolve the issue. As a reminder, this is contrary to Board operations, the Board posted a process to manage complaints. Please reach out to the Arizona Board of Pharmacy using the contact information on the Board’s website directly if you receive suspicious mail, fax, or phone calls.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) appointed Jennifer Dillaha, M.D., as Director of the Department of Health. Since 2001, she has worked at the Department of Health leading the Agency’s health promotion efforts focused on population-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The Governor also appointed Renee Mallory, RN, BSN to the position as interim Secretary of Health.
Also in Arkansas, the Department of Human Services Medicaid established a provider portal to accept applications for new providers as an individual practitioner so that pharmacists can order, render, and prescribe with the applicable CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) documentation. Recent legislation passed gave authority to pharmacists to test for flu and strep as well, along with other prescribing authority.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
Also in California, on May 6, the Department of Health Care Services hosted a Medi-Cal Rx Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – Chain Rx Kickoff meeting to explain current MFA policy and how the exception granted for some chain pharmacies to the MFA policy expires on December 31, 2022. As indicated in the slidesDHCS will schedule bi-weekly meetings to formalize requirements and timelines. Please feel free to send questions to:
Finally in California, on May 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released the “Medi-Cal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Operational Unwinding Plan”. This plan provides an overview of DHCS’ plan to unwind COVID-19 Medi-Cal flexibilities and resume normal Medi-Cal operations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The legislature adjourned on May 11th. Prior to adjournment, several bills of interest to pharmacies passed and will be sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law, including a telepharmacy bill eliminating the mileage restrictions SB-173, and a PBM 340b bill prohibiting additional fees and chargebacks HB-1122,
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Earlier this month the finalized Connecticut State Budget, HB5506, included approved changes in the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management agreements between pharmacists and any prescribing practitioner and caregiving institutions to expand pharmacists’ authority to manage patient populations.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) has posted a Request for Information (RFI) relating to the procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Program (AHCA RFI 014-21/22 Re-Procurement of the SMMC Program. The RFI may be viewed HERE.
In preparation for the upcoming procurement, the Agency is seeking information from entities and stakeholders with direct experience in the managed health and long-term care industries regarding best practices and innovations in business models as well as service delivery for Medicaid managed care.
The Agency is interested in innovative ideas and best practices to:
The Agency will consider information gathered from responses to this RFI in preparing the competitive procurement for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program which is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of CY (Calendar Year) 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.