Arkansas
On May 30, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) officially ended the public health emergency which has been in place since March 11, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin dated June 1, 2021, includes a summary of previously shared updates and serves as a reminder of upcoming changes, deadlines, and opportunities as outlined below:
- Changes to the Contract Drugs List, Effective June 1, 2021
- Medi-Cal Rx Training Information
- UAC Registration Troubleshooting
- Medi-Cal Rx UAC Application Roles
- Provider Registration and FAQs
- Medi-Cal Rx Transition and Resources Training
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) delayed the planned Go-Live date for Medi-Cal Rx. On May 28, 2021, DHCS posted an update for providers and will continue to communicate additional information as it becomes available.
Also in California, the Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 992 – May 2021 includes updates to the List of Enteral Nutrition Products, effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2021, and various provider manual updates. See bulletin for additional information.
Also in California, on May 27, 2021, the DUR Board Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2021, were posted to the DUR: Board Meetings page of the Medi-Cal website.
Also in California, as the June 30 end of the fiscal year approaches, the Board of Pharmacy expects a delay in processing payments for license renewals submitted by mail during the last week of June and the first week of July and provided guidance to licensees.
Lastly in California, the Office of Administrative Law approved regulations regarding automated drug delivery systems and off-site storage of records that take effect July 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The State Board of Pharmacy announced a virtual Stakeholder Meeting on June 14th to receive feedback on Notice, Draft Rules, SB21-011, SB21-094, SB21-122, and SB21-123.
- Potential rule changes related to Colorado Senate Bill 21-011 (Concerning responsibilities of a pharmacist related to opiate antagonists);
- Potential rule changes related to Colorado Senate Bill 21-094 (Concerning implementing recommendations contained in the 2020 sunset report that make changes regarding the practice of professions regulated by the Board);
- Implementing Colorado Senate Bill 21-122 (Concerning the bulk purchase of opiate antagonists according to a standing order);
- Implementing Colorado Senate Bill 21-123 (Concerning expanding the Canadian prescription drug importation program); and
- New and revised rules are recommended by the Board and stakeholders to provide clarity and a general cleanup of the rules.
To register in advance, go to Webinar Registration. Written comments should be sent by June 10th to – dora_dpo_rulemaking@state.co.us.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
The Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services issued a notice of a proposal to reimburse COVID-19 vaccine administration and monoclonal antibody treatment at the Medicare rate, effective July 1, 2021. Comments are due June 25, 2021. Contact Sara Albertson; FSSA, Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning; 317-233-4455; spacomment@fssa.in.gov
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy released a response to the Governor’s new Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued on May 27, extending much of the pharmacy practice regulatory relief. The suspension of regulatory provisions identified in the Proclamation is effective through June 26, 2021, unless otherwise extended or terminated by Gov. Kim Reynolds (R). Please note the suspension of Iowa Code § 155A.32 to allow a pharmacist to engage in therapeutic drug product substitution, according to Board guidance, should not be expected to be further extended.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
Effective May 30, due to the enactment of HB 135 pharmacists may administer certain injectable maintenance medications. The bill was sponsored by Del. Karen Lewis Young (D) and specifically includes drugs for psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, contraception, and vitamins. NACDS assisted in the efforts of both the Maryland Pharmacists Association and the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores in supporting this measure.
Also in Maryland, Gov. Hogan (R) signed SB 537, a bill that requires pharmacists to inform patients of lower-cost alternative drugs if the information is readily available. It will also permit pharmacists to interchange a less expensive brand-name drug that is therapeutically equivalent to the prescribed drug under certain conditions. The bill will be effective October 1, 2021; however, the Board of Pharmacy is required to promulgate regulations for certain provisions of the legislation.
Also in Maryland, the Board of Pharmacy recently shared that they will be reaching out to about 1200 pharmacists in Maryland who need to register with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). To register, click here. For further information about registering see the Board’s FAQ.
Also in Maryland, the Department of Health has renewed its standing order allowing the dispensing of naloxone without a prescription. The order will remain in effect until June 1, 2023.
Lastly in Maryland, the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores (MACDS) is seeking a pharmacist to serve on the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition Scope of Practice and Reimbursement Task Force. You can review the minutes from their most recent monthly meeting here. Please contact Jill McCormack if you are interested in participating.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
Gov. Michael Parson (R) may soon call a special session to address one critical piece of the budget, the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) or provider tax extension. FRA is a key funding mechanism for the Missouri Medicaid program for pharmacy, hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulance districts. Failure to extend these provider taxes will create a multi-billion dollar shortfall in Medicaid funding when the new federal fiscal year begins on October 1, 2021.
Also in Missouri: before adjournment, the legislature finally passed SB 63, a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) bill, making it the 50th state to adopt a statewide program.
Lastly in Missouri, unfortunately, although a PBM reform bill HB 834 by Rep. Dale Wright (R) did pass the House 126-8, it failed to advance in the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
Before the adjournment of the biennial session on May 31, legislators passed four bills NACDS and the Retail Association of Nevada promoted that expand pharmacists’ scope of practice and mandate public and private payor reimbursement for services rendered.
- SB 425 by Sen. James Settelmeyer (R) authorizes pharmacists to provide PEP/PrEP and recognizes pharmacists as health care providers mandating payment by both public & private payors.
- SB 190 by Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro (D) allows pharmacists to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives under BOP protocol,
- SB 229 by Sen. Julia Ratti (D) expands collaborative practice agreements and recognizes pharmacists as health care providers so they can be paid.
- AB 178 by Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy (R) authorizes payment for a fill or refill of a 30-day supply of a prescription during a declared disaster or state of emergency.
Also in Nevada, unfortunately, AB 177 by the Assistant Majority Leader Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez-Thompson (D) that NACDS opposed was sent to the Governor. As originally filed, the bill required a pharmacy to provide a second prescription label on the vial in any language the patient requests. As a result of efforts by the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN), the bill was amended to require only a second label be attached to the vial translating the directions for use. RAN also negotiated liability protections to be added for both pharmacies and pharmacists who follow the rules.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New Mexico
The Board of Pharmacy amended regulations under 16.19.26 NMAC to establish standards for pharmacist prescribing of protocol formulary dangerous drugs and address prescribing of dangerous drugs in conjunction with point-of-care testing. The rule also revises the definition of “hormonal contraception drug therapy” to include formulary products delineated in the written contraception protocol, including emergency contraception. In addition, the rule clarifies requirements for reporting vaccine administration. The rule is effective May 31, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.