The State Department of Health Office of Immunizations is hosting a 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season: Vaccine Recommendations, Ordering and Distribution webinar on September 17. Presenters will discuss influenza, COVID-19, and RSV epidemiology, vaccine recommendations and vaccine ordering and distribution.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Effective September 2024, Medicaid will now permit pharmacists to enroll as providers and bill for pharmacy services. This significant development results from collaborative efforts by various pharmacy organizations, including the Alaska Pharmacy Association. The change aligns with HB 145 of 2022. It allows pharmacists to enroll as rendering providers and get paid for their services through medical benefits while affiliated with a pharmacy professional group, Tribal Health Organization, Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
NACDS sent a letter to the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain (R) in support of proposed Emergency Rule 128, Pharmacy Benefits Manager Compensation Requirements for Network Adequacy, Fair and Reasonable Pharmacy Reimbursements. This rule is needed to protect pharmacy providers from the abusive PBM business practices that can jeopardize the future of pharmacy and the sustainability of providing pharmacy services and patient access to care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
This week the Assembly passed SB 966, PBM Reform legislation. The bill returns to the Senate for concurrence with the Assembly amendments. The legislature will adjourn no later than midnight on August 31.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, effective for dates of service on or after September 1, 2024, the Department of Health Care Services has updated the List of Contracted Incontinence Creams and Washes.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed the following rules:
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy’s Licensing Committee added an additional meeting on September 4, 2024, to continue its work on the Standard of Care Model. The agenda, meeting materials and written comments received were posted to the Board’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
NACDS is continuing to work with a coalition urging Gov. Jared Polis (D) to expedite implementation of SB24-168, a new law that expands diabetes care access for Medicaid enrollees.
Also in Colorado, Gov. Jarod Polis (D) convened a special session on August 26 to address property tax reform.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued a bulletin reminding providers requesting an administrative review, also known as a reconsideration, of a denied or partially approved fee-for-service (FFS) nonpharmacy prior authorization (PA), that they must submit a written request to the FFS prior authorization and utilization management (PA-UM) contractor within seven business days of receipt of the PA decision notification.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services cancelled the September 10 meeting of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board. The next DUR Board meeting will be November 12, 2024.
Also in Nebraska, the Medicaid DUR Board is seeking nominations for pharmacists to serve on the board. Board members are required to serve a three-year term with a three-year renewal opportunity. Meetings are held at least quarterly and no more than six times a year (every two months). All interested applicants are required to submit an application via email.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Retail Association of Nevada invited NACDS and their pharmacy members to attend a private fundraiser in Las Vegas for Gov. Joe Lombardo (R). Pharmacists and government affairs representatives Jaime Montuoro with Smith’s, Mark Soltes with Kroger, Lorri Walmsley and Jennifer Kurrie with Walgreens and the former executive director of the Idaho Board of Pharmacy Mark Johnston participated.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The New Jersey Legislature announced its fall schedule. The first meeting of the Senate Health Committee will be on October 7. NACDS, along with the New Jersey Pharmacists Association, has asked S1981 to be included on the agenda. The bill, a companion to A1899 which has passed the Assembly, would allow immunization of flu and COVID-19 for those ages 5 years and up and allow pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.