Georgia

The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner issued a proposed rule to amend regulations under GAC 120-2-97 to increase the annual filing fee for licensed pharmacy benefits managers from $400 to $1,000. The rule would also require pharmacy benefits managers to file with the office all methodologies used in determining multi-source generic drug pricing, a statement identifying affiliate pharmacies, and reports and other information required by statute. Also, the rule would impose penalties and increase existing penalty amounts. A hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2020, in Atlanta.

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

2020-11-13T09:09:19-05:00November 13, 2020|Georgia|

Iowa

The Department of Human Services published the findings from a recent Cost of Dispensing Study. The report reflects the mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid volume, was $10.38 per prescription for all pharmacies including specialty pharmacies, up from $10.07. The current dispensing fee of $10.07 will remain in place until additional state funding is appropriated by the legislature. A state plan amendment would also be required if funding is approved and the increase would be prospective following CMS approval of the state plan amendment. The report can be found on the COD website.

Also in Iowa. The Board of Pharmacy published a response to HHS Guidance Related to the Administration of Immunizations and COVID-19 Tests. More information can be found here.

Also in Iowa. The Department of Public Health issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Information Brief and is regularly adding materials to its main web COVID-19 Vaccine Information web page. Please visit the above links for more information.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

2020-11-13T09:08:18-05:00November 13, 2020|Iowa|

Kansas

The Kansas Association of Chain Drug Stores (KACDS) met to determine 2021 Legislative issues, including point-of-care testing, private insurers reimbursing for pharmacy services, telepharmacy, and seven-day initial fill legislation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2020-11-13T09:05:34-05:00November 13, 2020|Kansas|

Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed into law HB 6293, legislation authorizing pharmacies to order a laboratory test that is classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as moderate or high complexity for the purposes of administering COVID-19 testing services. The law became effective November 5 and expires on June 30, 2021.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

2020-11-13T09:04:18-05:00November 13, 2020|Michigan|

Missouri

The regulation to implement a pharmacist’s authority to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy products went into effect on October 30. The statute was enacted in 2019 from SB 514 led by pharmacist Senator David Sater, who recently retired from elected office due to term limits. More information can be found at the above links.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

2020-11-13T08:59:38-05:00November 13, 2020|Missouri|

South Carolina

The Board of Pharmacy issued a notice to announce an amendment to update guidance regarding the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Third Amendment that temporarily expands pharmacists’ and pharmacy interns’ ability to order and/or administer childhood vaccinations and COVID vaccines that have been authorized by the FDA to people aged three to 18, provided they comply with the applicable requirements. The guidance also addresses other topics under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act as they relate to state law, including an October 20 federal guidance on coverage for qualified pharmacy technicians and state-authorized pharmacy interns for childhood vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and testing.

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

2020-11-13T08:58:38-05:00November 13, 2020|South Carolina|

Tennessee

The Department of Health issued a proposed rule that would adopt regulations under RRT 1200-10-04 to establish a process for waiver of the electronic prescription mandate. The rule would allow a prescriber who is unable to comply with the electronic prescription requirement for any controlled-substance prescription to petition for a waiver, establish criteria for consideration, specify the waiver duration, and address the circumstances where electronic prescribing is not available. The rule also would address prescriptions to be dispensed out-of-state. A hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2021, in Nashville. Comment due date is not specified.

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

2020-11-13T08:57:02-05:00November 13, 2020|Tennessee|

Wisconsin

The State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program is now enrolling providers. By enrolling in the COVID-19 Vaccine program, vaccinators will be approved to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin once a safe and effective vaccine is made available. Enrollment is open to all providers that will vaccinate against COVID-19, including pharmacies. The Department of Health Services urges providers to register as soon as possible, especially if they plan to vaccinate priority populations such as health care workers, essential workers, or people 65+ years.  There is also a Frequently Asked Questions publication.

Also in Wisconsin. The Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program awarded a nearly $2 million grant to the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The ePDMP was developed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services and will be operated by the Controlled Substance Board. The funding will be used for infrastructure enhancements to increase security, user satisfaction, and adoption.

Also in Wisconsin. NACDS submitted comments in support of a proposed waiver that would include coverage of vaccinations in the SeniorCare program. Comments can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

2020-11-13T08:55:49-05:00November 13, 2020|Wisconsin|

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