The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is updating guidance on how providers should submit requests and inquiries related to Medicaid eligibility. The Eligibility Administrative Support Team (EAST) will no longer process inquiries via its fax or email address. Effective immediately, all provider updates and inquiries should only be submitted via the procedures outlined in this ALERT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy published a proposed rule to revise Chapter 16 of the Wyoming Pharmacy Act Rules to include the COVID-19 vaccines, ease requirements for administering vaccines, and update the incorporated CDC recommended vaccination schedules. The proposal currently is in effect as an emergency rule, expiring April 8, 2021. Comments are due May 8, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy published a proposed rule that would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to clarify provisions on the non-disciplinary administrative penalty for late renewal of a license, permit, registration, certification, or similar document. A hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2021, in Birmingham. Comments are due April 10, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration and consistent with the authority of the Board of Pharmacy to waive Pharmacy Law or the regulations, the Board president Greg Lippe extended the previously approved limited waiver on pharmacists initiating and administering vaccines through May 29, 2021. More information can be found at the following link. Pharmacists Initiating and Administering Vaccines, CCR section 1746.4(d)
Also in California, On March 24, 2021, CalRecycle staff will conduct a webinar to present the statutory and regulatory requirements, submittal process, and timing for covered drugs and home-generated sharps waste stewardship plans and initial program budgets as required by the Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship law and its implementing regulations.
Also in California, The Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services held a hearing this week to review the Governor’s proposal to provide $12 million in funding Medi-Cal coverage of continuous glucose monitors. NACDS is part of a Coalition supporting Medi-Cal coverage of CGMs.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy created a voluntary online registry to help consumers find specific health care services that qualified pharmacists may provide to patients without a prescription.
The health services are:
Also in California, The Medi-Cal web portal Provider Registration and Training FAQs are now available and can be accessed here.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy will hold a Teleconference Public Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021. The agenda includes discussion and consideration of Title 16 CCR Section 1747, related to HIV Prep and PEP, and proposed regulations related to pharmacy technician application, training requirements, and certification programs.
Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy adopted a final rule that modifies the Pharmacy Technician Application (Form 17A – 5) to add information regarding expedited licensure for applicants who meet certain criteria regarding their immigration status and military service. This change without regulatory effect was filed on February 8.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services’ Education & Outreach team is surveying providers to learn more about how pharmacies currently conduct business for Medi-Cal Pharmacy Claims. The results of the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Provider and Prescriber Readiness Survey will be used to tailor training offerings for Medi-Cal Rx to ensure pharmacies are prepared for the upcoming transition.
Also in California. Beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgment to vaccinate individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at high risk from COVID-19 as the direct result of certain conditions and settings:
Healthcare providers should thoroughly read the California Department of Public Health’s Provider Bulletin, Fact Sheet, and COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guidelines. Additional information is at California’s COVID-19 vaccine website here.
Also in California. Effective April 1, 2021, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) fee will increase from $6 to $11 annually for two years for all the Board’s that prescribe, order, administer, furnish, or dispense Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substances. More information is available here.
Lastly in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a joint letter to the Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee in support of SB 409 with proposed amendments to include pharmacy technician testing authority as well as authority for pharmacists to initiate treatment according to the test result.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
After months of promoting making permanent Prep Act guidance allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, the Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule effective March 17, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health published a final rule amending regulations to waive the requirement for pharmacists to complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits through live in-person courses for the licensure period ending February 28. The rule, which allows pharmacists to meet CE requirements through online courses, is in response to the COVID pandemic. The rule became effective on February 26.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Under Executive Order 21-47, additional groups are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These groups are in addition to persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, as determined by a physician. Such physician determination shall include a statement that the patient meets the defined eligibility criteria established by a form prescribed by the Florida Department of Health.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
HB 48, legislation that would mandate commercial insurance payments for clinical services to pharmacists has passed both Chambers unanimously and is headed to the Governor for signature. The bill was introduced by Rep. Danny Bentley (R), and mandates payment for services within a pharmacists’ scope of practice and would otherwise be paid if performed by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant. NACDS advocated in favor of the passage of the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Effective, March 1, pharmacy providers are now able to bill all vaccines which are listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedules via NCPDP D.0 pharmacy claims for fee-for-service (FFS) and MSCAN beneficiaries. Also, reimbursement has changed in that vaccine administration fees, equal to those paid to primary care providers, will be paid instead of professional dispensing fees. PCP vaccine administration fees can be found on the Division of Medicaid’s (DOM) Fee Schedule and Rates Website page on the ‘Increased Primary Care Provider’ fee schedule tab.
These changes apply to beneficiaries aged 19 and over and vaccines administered to beneficiaries aged 10 through 18 must be administered by pharmacy providers who are enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Further guidance will be issued for this age group at a later date.
Also in Mississippi, the Division of Medicaid published a final rule to amend regulations under Title 23, Part 224, Chapter 1, to provide for coverage of vaccine administration by pharmacists. The rule is effective April 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.