Washington
The Health Care Authority has a new email address for inquiries on new or updated policies and procedures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of November 30, 2021, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERTs and notices related to the health emergency is available by selecting the Agency’s COVID-19 page.
Also in Alabama, as a reminder, effective January 1, 2020, all newly registered technicians are required to complete a Board approved training program within six (6) months of registration. Failure of a technician to complete the required training within the specified time period may result in disciplinary action for the technician, as well as the supervising pharmacist and the permit holder. Any technician required to complete training that has not done so will not be able to renew their technician registration online.
Finally in Alabama, renewal notices have been mailed to all facilities and technicians. Online renewals are now open. Please note that ALBOP will be processing renewals as timely as possible, but to ensure registrations and permits do not lapse, please submit renewals as early as possible.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
The Division of Medical Services (Medicaid) is seeking comments by November 8, 2021, on proposed rules that would allow six refills per month, add certain medications that do not count toward the monthly prescription cap, and allow up to nine medically necessary prescriptions per month for Living Choices Assisted Living Program clients. The rule specifies that clients must pay for their own medications beyond the maximum benefit, removes the extension of benefits provisions, and revises refill requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy posted the following:
- October 27 Communication and Public Education Committee meeting agenda and meeting materials and
- October 27-28 Full Board Meeting agenda and meeting materials.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy maintains an index of precedential decisions and makes it available annually to the public by email subscription. Go to www.pharmacy.ca.gov to join the Board’s email list.
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association worked with Magellan and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to conduct an informational webinar on October 13 for chain pharmacies to learn about the important elements related to implementation of Medi-Cal Rx (start date of January 1, 2022). Both the presentation and the audio recording are available. To access the recording, use this link and click on “↓ Download (3 files)” in the upper right corner of the webpage. If your company would like to schedule its own training, please contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801 or sguckian@nacds.org, and we will connect you directly to Magellan and DHCS to schedule the training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
To better facilitate e-prescribing and e-prior authorizations, the Department of health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) created a Medicaid prescriber tool to help improve patient health outcomes, reduce administrative burdens, and save money.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Florida Board of Pharmacy proposed to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-30 to clarify the disciplinary guidelines, the range of penalties, and the list of aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Comment Due Date: 10-25-2021.
Also in Florida, the Florida Board of Pharmacy proposed to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-26 to update incorporated forms for licensure and immunization administration. Comment Due Date: 10-25-2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Georgia
Fall Virtual Medicaid Fair, Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 8am EST. The opening session will highlight news from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) including an overview of current initiatives and program and policy updates. The day will feature WebEx based break-out sessions focused on relevant topics for our provider community along with time for questions and answers. To register online and for details, visit here. Attendees must register to reserve a seat for each individual session selected.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine Additional Dose and Booster Dose. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has also posted a REVISED version of the 09/03/2021 Provider Notice entitled Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker (R) announced this week that Acting Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services Amanda Cassel Kraft will take over the permanent responsibility of running the state’s $19 billion MassHealth -Medicaid program.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.