The New Hampshire Association of Chain Drug Stores testified in strong support for SB (Senate Bill) 229, a proposal which would authorize certified pharmacy technicians to immunize. The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee heard no testimony in opposition.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The State Education Department (SED) has released draft regulations to authorize pharmacists to administer other immunizations to patients 18 years old or older, as recommended by the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) (Centers for Disease Control).
Also in New York, The New York State Department of Health has approved the release of January 2022 Medicaid Update. Links to the individual articles are also available below.
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Pharmacy
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Board of Pharmacy has proposed a rule to modify the “DUR” requirements outlined in OAR 4729:5-5-08 for gabapentin prescriptions Under the existing rules for DUR, pharmacists are currently required to request and review the OARRS database prior to dispensing certain controlled substances prescriptions. The proposed rule would extend the PDMP review requirement to include certain prescriptions for gabapentin. Pharmacies have been required to report prescriptions for gabapentin to OARRS since 2016. Comments are due before the close of business on February 9 to RuleComments@pharmacy.ohio.gov and CSIPublicComments@governor.ohio.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Human Services Office of Medical Assistance Programs has issued a new bulletin with billing instructions for COVID-19 at-home test kits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health has issued an Emergency Amendment, effective January 26, 2022, regarding Immunization, Testing, and Health Screening for Health Care Workers (216-RICR-20-15-7).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Effective January 15, 2022, to broaden access to SARS-CoV-2 at-home testing, the Division of TennCare began coverage of rapid at-home tests with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) through the OptumRx Pharmacy Point of Sale System.
For further questions, please contact OptumRx Provider Liaisons at tnrxeducation@optum.com
Also in Tennessee, please see updates to the TennCare Preferred Drug List, Clinical Criteria, TennCare Branded Drugs to be Classified as Generics and Interim Criteria below for February 2022. These changes went into effect on February 1st.
Finally in Tennessee, Lucy A. Shell, PharmD, TPA’s Director of Pharmacy Practice Initiatives and former Interim Executive Director, was named Executive Director for the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, effective Feb. 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy updated the quick reference guide for prescriptions for dangerous drugs (non-controlled) and controlled substances (Schedules II – V) that may be dispensed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health has issued a Standing Order to help pharmacies adjudicate test kit claims and receive reimbursement. It has been posted on the VDH website, but here is the direct link as well.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now a covered benefit under the Family Planning Only programs, effective February 1, 2022. For billing information, please refer to the Family Planning Billing Guide on the HCA website.
Also in Washington, in advance of the February 3rd House Finance Committee hearing, NACDS sent letters to members of the Committee and leadership stating our opposition to HB 2091, legislation that would increase the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on prescription drug wholesalers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.