Gov. Jared Polis (D) is planning to convene a special session of the Legislature after the Thanksgiving holiday to address COVID relief.
Also in Colorado. On November 19, the Board of Pharmacy approved emergency rules effective immediately allowing pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and immunizations (Rule 19). The Board also unanimously supported a motion for permanent rulemaking at their January 2021 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy has released a couple of final rules regarding pharmacist test and treat certification and pharmacists/laboratory tests. Summaries for the rules are below with links to access each.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a notice with information for Critical Access Pharmacies (CAP) that missed the June 30 self-attestation deadline for the enhanced dispensing fee. To receive enhanced dispensing fees for the current fiscal year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, a CAP must self-attest via the MEDI system between July 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020 to meeting the State Plan CAP criteria. CAPs that completed the attestation process after July 1, 2020, and are currently not receiving the enhanced dispensing fee, can expect to start receiving the correct CAP dispensing fee by December 15, 2020. Once the update is complete, CAPs that are not receiving the enhanced dispensing fee may void and rebill affected claims for dates of service back to July 1, 2020. Questions may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Public Health issued a new COVID-19 Vaccination Issue Brief on November 17. Topics include vaccine provider enrollment clarifications, vaccine assumptions, and Immunization Registry Information System information. Healthcare provider questions regarding COVID-19 vaccine can be directed to the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or emailed to COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Social Services’ MOHealthNet issued an updated set of COVID testing and specimen codes as of November 9. Please visit the above link for additional information.
Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a statement regarding pharmacy technicians and HHS expanded vaccination authority. All of the Board’s COVID-related updates can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Effective December 1, 2020, fee-for-service and Managed Medicaid will implement a 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day limit. This limit will not apply to Medicaid patients who are receiving hospice, palliative care, or treatment for cancer.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) indicated that she will be calling a Legislative special session focused on aid families and businesses impacted by COVID.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Proposed rule of the Medical Board would amend regulations under 21 NCAC 32B and 32M to establish a coronavirus (Covid-19) restricted drug list and standards for physicians or physician assistants and nurse practitioners to prescribe restricted drugs for the treatment of Covid-19. The rule also would remove two drugs from the restricted drug list that is currently in effect under a temporary rule. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2021, via teleconference. Comments are due Jan. 15, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced an enrollment deadline of November 25 for Phase 1A Vaccinators. Those unable to complete the process by the deadline, but intending to vaccinate during Phase 1A, should email DHS by November 25.
Also in Wisconsin, DHS is holding weekly webinars for health care providers about the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Program. The webinars are Tuesdays, 9:00-9:30 am. Please email your questions ahead of time to dhscovidvaccinator@wi.gov.
Also in Wisconsin. The Pharmacy Examining Board reminds pharmacies that rules adopted on June 4, 2020, to amend Phar 7 become effective on January 1, 2021. Please see this adoption order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.