The Department of Human Services has issued a bulletin announcing that Chartwell Pennsylvania will be the new Specialty Preferred Pharmacy Provider for Fee-For-Service beginning July 1, 2022. Further details are included in the bulletin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Tennessee Department of Health is expanding access to COVID-19 vaccine with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. TDH (Tennessee Department of Health) is partnering with pharmacies and community health clinics to add more than 100 new vaccination sites across the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Retailers Association (TRA) selected John McCord as their new Executive Director. McCord joins TRA after leading legislative efforts for the National Federation of Independent Business in Texas.
Also in Texas, the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid provided an update to the Clinical Prior Authorization Assistance Chart. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) requires MCOs to implement specific clinical prior authorizations for clients enrolled in managed care. Usage of other clinical prior authorizations will vary between MCOs at the discretion of each MCO. HHSC publishes a criteria guide for each prior authorization with a description of the steps in the evaluation process. All steps apply to traditional Medicaid claims processed by HHSC. The assistance chart identifies which clinical prior authorization each MCO uses and whether the MCO uses all or some of the steps in the evaluation process.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing temporarily suspended enforcement of the e-prescribing requirement effective January 1, 2022.
Also in Utah, the Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing issued an emergency rule amending regulations R156-37f to require pharmacists to report the prescription origin code (DSP12) to the state’s-controlled substance database. The emergency rule was effective January 1, 2022, and expires May 1, 2022.
Also in Utah, the Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing published a final rule amending regulations under R156-17b to update pharmacy practice standards and requirements for transfer of a legend prescription and dispensing of emergency prescriptions. Among its various changes, the rule also defines “consulting pharmacist,” “designated representative,” and “responsible individual,” and updates standards for compounding relating to flavoring agents. It was published on February 1 in the “Utah State Bulletin” Vol. 2022, No. 3, p. 367. The revised “Pharmacy Practice Act Rule” has been posted to the website.
Finally in Utah, the Board of Pharmacy will meet on February 22 and has posted an agenda. The Board also announced a meeting for March 22; agenda is pending.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
HB 1323, sponsored by Del. Orrock (R) was reported from the House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee this week. The bill, a priority for NACDS, would continue the immunization authority extended to pharmacies by the PREP Act when the Federal Public Health Emergency expires. The bill was amended in committee with language negotiated with the pediatric community regarding physician notification and providing patient follow up in the rare event of an adverse reaction. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Also in Virginia, to increase accessibility of at-home COVID-19 test kits, VDH has developed a Standing Order to help pharmacies be able to adjudicate test kit claims and receive reimbursement. It has also been posted on the VDH website. Please note that DMAS published their coverage of at-home COVID-19 test kits policy at the end of last week.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Legislation of concern to pharmacies that mandates prescription label translations was amended for a second time on the House floor and approved by the full House. NACDS will work with other pharmacy groups on the Senate side to get the House Health Care and Wellness Committee Substitute language restored. (HB 1852)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has added two drugs, Crotonyl Fentanyl and Remimazolam, to the controlled substance list.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Board of Pharmacy proposed rules updating qualifications and for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacies, outsourcing facilities, wholesale drug distributors, and third-party logistics providers requirements to apply for an emergency permit and renewal application requirements. It also repeals the emergency courtesy license and establishes temporary courtesy licenses for an active-duty military member or their spouse.
Also in Alaska, the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) conducted a thorough fee analysis and is proposing a decrease in licensing fees for pharmacist, pharmacy technician, and certain pharmacy licenses.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to meet February 9-10. Once available, the agenda will be posted on the website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.