Ohio

The Medicaid Department will hold a public hearing on November 1 at 9:00 a.m. to consider Rule 5160-8-53. This new rule establishes provider payment for diabetes prevention and self-management training (DSMT) services when provided by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, registered dietitians and pharmacists. The rule also provides for reimbursement for National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) services but only for physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. The proposed effective date of this rule is January 1, 2022. NACDS intends to submit comments supporting the DMST provisions and asking that pharmacists also be included under the NDPP program. Instructions to access the virtual meeting are included in the rule notice.

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

2021-10-28T17:03:03-04:00October 28, 2021|Ohio|

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy adopted Temporary Rule OAR 855-007-0088 related to Compliance with Oregon Health Authority’s COVID Rules, effective October 18.

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed to permanently adopt numerous rules outlined below. Note: written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov before 4:30 p.m. on November 23.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2021-10-28T17:00:55-04:00October 28, 2021|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

NACDS reminds members that a new program is available that will reimburse pharmacies for naloxone copays when the pharmacist believes the patient will be hesitant to pick up the prescription due to cost. The Naloxone Copay Assistance Program is funded through federal grants and began October 1, 2021. The program runs on the existing PACE adjudication platform and will reimburse a pharmacy up to $75 per claim for any patient regardless of their insurance plan. In the interest of making the program as seamless as possible for pharmacies to increase access to naloxone, there is no ID patient card or patient criteria to meet. For more details, see the program bulletin and detailed adjudication specifications. It is our understanding that only a handful of claims were submitted in October; if you are experiencing any barriers to utilizing the program or have suggestions to increase uptake, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-525-8962 or jmccormack@nacds.org.

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

2021-10-28T16:59:21-04:00October 28, 2021|Pennsylvania|

Texas

The Board of Pharmacy posted the November 2 meeting agendaand meeting materials. Of interest to chain pharmacies are the possibility of final adoption of proposed rules that would create two new classes of pharmacy, Class A-N for community pharmacies compounding certain non-sterile preparations and the Class A-SN designation for community pharmacies compounding both sterile and non-sterile preparations. Interest parties were asked to submit comments in advance of the meeting.

Also in Texas, despite the collaborative efforts of NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS), the Texas Pharmacy Business Council (TPBC) and other stakeholders during both the regular session earlier this year and most recently during the third special session, the legislative budget conference committees failed to extend the $2.5M funding for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy’s Prescription Monitoring Program’s (PMP) NarxCare integration and clinical alerts. While this means the free access through the Appriss Health PMP Gateway has been discontinued, pharmacists and other prescribers that are required to check the patient’s PMP history before dispensing or prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or carisoprodol can still access the system through their free PMP AWARxE account.

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

2021-10-28T16:57:36-04:00October 28, 2021|Texas|

Virginia

The Board of Pharmacy’s Regulation Committee will meet on November 4 at 9:00 a.m. to consider amendments to Chapter 20, Section 25 (Unprofessional Conduct). These amendments address workforce issues, e.g., breaks and staffing. For more details, please see the proposed language in the agenda.

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

2021-10-28T16:56:41-04:00October 28, 2021|Virginia|

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.

2021-10-22T09:46:55-04:00October 22, 2021|Alabama|

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.

2021-10-22T09:46:11-04:00October 22, 2021|Arkansas|

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