In The States – Page 283 – Weekly news about states

South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) plans to transition its pharmacy reimbursement methodology to include an average acquisition cost (AAC) component. Per SCDHHS, the goal of this transition is to ensure that pharmacy reimbursement rates are responsive to drug pricing fluctuations in the South Carolina market. To support the development and maintenance of AAC rates, SCDHHS has contracted with Mercer Government Health Consulting to establish and maintain the AAC program. Starting September 2020, pharmacy providers will receive a survey requesting copies of pharmacy invoice records to be sent to SCDHHS. Per SCDHHS, this survey will allow the agency to measure the drug acquisition costs incurred by Healthy Connections Medicaid pharmacy providers. A pharmacy stakeholder information session to discuss the AAC survey process and project timeline will be held via webinar Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 3 p.m. (EST). Providers and stakeholders can register for the webinar here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Michael Angeloni2020-08-21T08:36:00-04:00August 21, 2020|South Carolina|

Texas

To advance our 2021 legislative agenda, NACDS and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores continue to schedule virtual meetings with lawmakers, advocating for increased access to immunizations (including the future COVID-19 vaccine), expanded pharmacists scope of practice, and fair Medicaid reimbursement. In support of these initiatives, NACDS and pharmacists from HEB and Walgreens that live and work key districts recently met with Senator Kelly Hancock (R) (Chair of the Business and Commerce Committee), Representative Geanie Morrison (R), Representative Julie Johnson (D), Representative John Kuempel (R), and Representative Eddie Lucio III (D).

Also in Texas. On September 15^th , the Health and Human Service Commission Vendor Drug Program will extend the non-preferred prior authorization duration for macrolides from 30 days to 90 days for people with a diagnosis of Gastroparesis, Cerebral Palsy Gastroparesis, or GERD Gastrostomy complications. Managed Care Organizations are required to comply with this PDL prior authorization criteria, including duration. More information can be found here.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-21T08:34:05-04:00August 21, 2020|Texas|

California

The Department of Managed Health Care amended regulations under 28 CCR 1300.67 to clarify when health care service plans must cover diagnostic testing for COVID-19 and specified how quickly testing must be provided for employees, and the process for reimbursement. The emergency rule will expire on January 13, 2021.

Also in California. The Public Health Director Sonia Angell abruptly resigned amid a major data glitch affecting hundreds of thousands of COVID -19 test records, which has hampered counties’ response to the virus. The California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE) currently has a backlog of 250,000 to 300,000 records.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:49:40-04:00August 14, 2020|California|

Colorado

Concerned about pharmacies’ capacity to provide flu vaccines this fall during a time when the health care system is stressed due to COVID, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is asking pharmacies to complete a readiness survey by Monday, August 17, 2020. This survey is intended to gather information from pharmacies about their capacity to provide influenza vaccine for the 2020/2021 influenza season.

Also in Colorado. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Insurance adopted an emergency rule establishing coverage and cost-sharing requirements for claims related to testing and treatment of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The rule also adds requirements for access to prescription drugs during the COVID-19 public health emergency allowing covered persons to obtain refills of up to 90 days of prescription drugs before the scheduled refill date so that covered persons are ensured an adequate supply of medications. Pursuant to the rule, carriers shall not apply a different cost-sharing amount for an early refill of a prescription. The rule expires on November 15, 2020.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:48:22-04:00August 14, 2020|Colorado|

Kentucky

The Board of Pharmacy has published a final rule amending regulations under 201 KAR 2 to update the responsibilities of pharmacists and pharmacist interns under supervision. The rule also removes references to “immediate” supervision and clarifies language. The rule was effective July 3.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:47:20-04:00August 14, 2020|Kentucky|

Louisiana

Medicaid open enrollment for Healthy Louisiana, the Medicaid managed care program, begins on October 15, 2020, and runs through November 30, 2020. During this time, beneficiaries have an opportunity to choose a new health plan or remain with their current plan.

Also in Louisiana. On August 13, the Board of Pharmacy discussed NACDS supported proposed rules regarding technician ratios and technicians administering immunizations.

Also in Louisiana. The Department of Health issued an informational bulletin summarizing temporary changes in provider policies and managed care practices. This bulletin is to inform all providers rendering services to Louisiana Medicaid members, including members of all Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) on issues including but not limited to, Laboratory Testing of Suspected Patients, Laboratory Testing using High Throughput Technology, Testing and Treatment Coverage, and COVID-19 Counseling and Evaluation and Management Services.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:46:19-04:00August 14, 2020|Louisiana|

Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health has released a bulletin that added the NCPDP-recommended billing code to its approved codes for billing for COVID-19 specimen collection. Details on the bulletin can be found here.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:44:57-04:00August 14, 2020|Maryland|

Mississippi

The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule that amends regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article IV to change the number of required continuing education hours that a licensed pharmacist must take that address opioid abuse to two hours. Comments on these proposed changes are due August 21, 2020.

Also in Mississippi. The Board of Pharmacy also issued a proposed rule that amends regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article VII, to require a pharmacist in charge to be physically present at a facility for at least 50% of the time or 20 hours per week. The rule also would require that a permit for a pharmacy becomes inactive if an application for a new pharmacist in charge is not submitted within 15 days. Comments to the proposed changes are due August 21, 2020.

Lastly in Mississippi. The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule to adopt regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article XLVIII to establish standards and procedures for delivering pharmacy services through a telehealth system that monitors the dispensing of prescription drugs and provides for related drug use review and patient counseling services by an electronic method including audio, video, still image capture, and store and forward. Comments are due August 21, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:43:24-04:00August 14, 2020|Mississippi|

Nevada

The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule to amend regulations under NAC 453 adding certain substances to schedule I; providing that certain drug products that contain CBD are not a controlled substance; removing certain drug products that contain CBD from the list of controlled substances on Schedule V, and providing other matters properly relating thereto. Comments on these proposed changes will be accepted but no due date has been specified by the state.

Also in Nevada. On August 6, the legislature adjourned the 6-day special session. Only 11 bills were passed, most notably a bill expanding access to mail-in ballots for the November general election, providing limited liability protections from COVID for businesses, and certain government entities and non-profit organizations.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-08-14T10:42:08-04:00August 14, 2020|Nevada|