Alabama
Please find attached the Alabama Medicaid ALERT for pharmacy billing of the COVID-19 vaccine administration (you can also find the ALERT here).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Florida
The Division of Disease Control published an emergency rule to adopt regulations under FAC 64DER20-44 to authorize redistribution of the COVID-19 vaccine between vaccine providers within the state. The rule specifies that providers must receive approval from the Florida Vaccines for Children and Adults Program and requires tracking of vaccine redistribution between enrolled providers. The rule is effective December 17, 2020 and expires March 17, 2021.
Also in Florida. The Board of Pharmacy published a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-33 to establish a rule regarding the international export pharmacy permit and to develop and incorporate an application. Comment due date is not specified.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a provider notice with billing and reimbursement for pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccination. Please visit the above link for additional information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Iowa
The Department of Public Health has added new documents to its COVID-19 website pertaining to pharmacy, including billing and reimbursement information for administering the COVID-19 vaccination and updates to the statewide standing order as of December 30.
Also in Iowa. the Department of Human Services issued a final rule amending regulations to allow automatic prescription drug refills, with participation in such a program being voluntary and opt-in only, on a drug-by-drug basis, and to establish standards. The rule is effective on March 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Kentucky
The Board of Pharmacy published an emergency rule to allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacist interns to order and to administer vaccinations to children between the ages of three and 17 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to comply with federal standards under the PREP Act. A hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2021, via teleconference and written comments are due February 28, 2021. The rule became effective November 23 and expires August 20, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maryland
Gov. Hogan (R) issued an Executive Order (EO) on January 5 requiring providers to report the administration of COVID-19 vaccines within 24 hours. The EO states that employers of providers share joint and several responsibilities for compliance with the order and includes penalties for non-compliance. Please visit the above link for more details on the Executive Order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
Earlier this year, Governor Charlie Baker (R) signed into law SB 2984 which among other things, recognizes pharmacists as health care providers. Please visit the above link for bill language.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (R) signed into law SB 920, which provides regulatory relief through the remaining course of the state emergency declaration. Provisions include emergency refills, therapeutic interchange, and remote supervision of technicians and other staff. Most of these provisions were lost previously when Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Orders either lapsed or were invalidated by the State Supreme Court.
Also in Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a bulletin with coverage and reimbursement information for pharmacies administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit the above link for more details on the bulletin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an Executive Order allowing out-of-state pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccinations during the peacetime emergency. Please visit the above link for more details on the Executive Order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.