Delaware

On June 11, the House of Representatives Committee on Economic Development reported favorably SB 272, an act relative to pharmacy provider status. The bill was previously approved by the Senate on May 16. This Act requires health insurers to provide the same reimbursement to pharmacists that is already provided other providers performing the same services at the same rates as advance practice registered nurses and physician assistants. The bill now continues through the legislative process in the House.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2024-06-13T14:47:13-04:00June 13, 2024|Delaware|

Florida

Following the severe weather that impacted South Florida on June 11, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued Executive Order 24-115 (South Florida Flash Flooding) declaring the following counties under a state of emergency: Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2024-06-13T14:45:10-04:00June 13, 2024|Florida|

Kentucky

Following several policy victories over the last few years, pharmacy should have a clear runway to increase children’s vaccine rates in the Commonwealth. First, effective June 1, 2024, Medicaid FFS (Fee-For-Service) implemented a new policy to allow pharmacies to bill the program for vaccines. Second, last year Medicaid adopted a final rule that removed the VFC (Vaccines for Children) enrollment requirement. This change allows providers to bill Medicaid for children’s vaccines regardless of VFC participation. Lastly, HB 274 of 2024 was signed into law, lowering the age floor. Effective July 15, 2024, pharmacies will be permitted to administer any vaccine to children 5 years of age and older (lowered from age 9 years).

Also in Kentucky, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following rules for public comment, due to the Board by August 31. They are also scheduled for a public hearing on August 28. If you have comments, please send them to Jill McCormack by August 5.

  • 201 KAR 2:210. This amendment re-orders the sections of the regulation and adds sections and definitions regarding the regulation of automated filling systems and final product verification.
  • 201 KAR 2:480, Telework and Electronic Supervision for Remote Prescription Processing. New Regulation. Adds KRS 315.020(5) to authorize order entry, order entry verification and drug regimen review as tasks that can be performed outside of the permitted space of the pharmacy. It also provides minimum requirements for pharmacies engaged in remote prescription processing conducted via telework and establishes rules for electronic supervision.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2024-06-13T14:43:43-04:00June 13, 2024|Kentucky|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH) issued several bulletins:

Also in Louisiana, three PBM reform bills pharmacies supported were sent to Gov. Jeff Landy (R) to be signed into law. SB 444 prohibits reimbursement below cost, HB 603 adds guardrails for PBM audits and SB 281 enhances the Attorney General’s enforcement authority over audits.

Finally in Louisiana, LHD created an on-line form allowing anyone to request a Medicaid Policy change.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2024-06-13T14:43:07-04:00June 13, 2024|Louisiana|

Michigan

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the presentation from the June Medicaid Pharmacy Liaison Meeting. The slides include information on performing MTM (Medication Therapy Management) for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment and COVID extensions that will end on September 30, 2024.

Also in Michigan, the Board of Pharmacy has posted the minutes from the June 4 regulation workgroup meeting.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2024-06-13T14:42:20-04:00June 13, 2024|Michigan|

Minnesota

Several years of ongoing advocacy on priority issues resulted in a remarkably successful 2024 Legislative Session for pharmacy. At the end of session, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed Chapter 127 into law. The law includes the following reimbursement and scope of practice advances: 1) expanded pharmacy immunization authority to align more closely with the PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act by allowing pharmacists and technicians to immunize children for flu and COVID at age 3 years and all ACIP at age six years; 2) mandates that commercial insurers cover pharmacy-based services 3) increases the Medicaid FFS (Fee-for-Service) Dispensing Fee from $10.77 to $11.55 4) clarifies the definition of U&C (usual & customary) to exclude discount card programs; and 5) authorizes pharmacists to test for and administer PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PeP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications. NACDS has worked diligently during the last four session cycles with in-state partners and members to achieve these goals.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2024-06-13T14:41:46-04:00June 13, 2024|Minnesota|

New Mexico

To increase access to over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception, the OTC progestin-only birth control pill and OTC home pregnancy tests, the Department of Health’s standing order allows Medicaid patients to access these OTC items from the pharmacy and covers these items at pharmacies.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2024-06-13T14:39:19-04:00June 13, 2024|New Mexico|

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