In The States – Page 284 – Weekly news about states

Alabama

All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The new expiration date is the earlier of December 31, 2020, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERT and notices related to the health emergency is available on the Agency’s COVID-19 page.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:40:17-05:00November 6, 2020|Alabama|

Arkansas

The Department of Insurance released a commissioned study on pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) spread pricing, clawbacks, and reimbursements for administering the pharmacy benefit in Arkansas’ Medicaid managed care programs and the Arkansas Works commercial plans.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:39:18-05:00November 6, 2020|Arkansas|

California

An emergency rulemaking allowing pharmacists to independently furnish HIV Preexposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis was extended to February 26, 2021. The Notice of Approval and the text of CCR section 1747 are posted on the Approved Regulations page.

Also in California. The Remote Processing (BPC section 4071.1(a)) expired on October 31. Although the broad waiver is expiring, pharmacies may request that the Board issue a site-specific waiver. Information on how to request a Pharmacy Law Waiver can be found here.

Also in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released two NEW Medi-Cal Rx Subscription Services, for you to share with your respective interested parties: Please see the below resources for additional information.

California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal Rx) – NCPDP Standard Payer Sheet, Version 1.0, dated October 22
Medi-Cal Rx List of Covered Enteral Nutrition Products, effective January 1, 2021.

Also in California. The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee will be holding an informational hearing on November 17, 2020, to discuss “Safeguarding Our Frontline Workers During COVID-19: The Need for Robust Workplace Health and Safety Protections”. More details on the meeting and access to listen to the meeting can be found here.

Lastly, in California. The Department of Managed Health Care published a notice to remind health plans and their delegated entities to exercise maximum flexibility in covering and reimbursing for the acquisition and administration of vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:37:45-05:00November 6, 2020|California|

Colorado

The Board of Pharmacy will meet virtually on November 19, 2020. On the agenda will be a discussion on pharmacy technicians administering immunizations.

Also in Colorado. The Medical Board will be considering a proposed rule on the electronic prescribing law NACDS supported two years ago that will be implemented on July 1, 2021, defining “temporary technological failure,” “temporary electrical failure,” and “economic hardship” for purposes of the statutory exceptions. A virtual hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2020.

Also in Colorado. The PEP/PrEP final rule adopted by the Board of Pharmacy earlier this year allowing pharmacists to distribute HIV infection prevention medications to patients will become effective on November 14, 2020.

Lastly in Colorado. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform (COPRRR) released the 2020 Board of Pharmacy sunset report which provides recommendations to legislators for the 2021 session. NACDS and the Colorado Retail Council provided extensive joint written comments and held multiple meetings with staff to provide input.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:36:39-05:00November 6, 2020|Colorado|

District of Columbia

The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) is offering two virtual Managed Care Organization (MCO) Pharmacy Provider Forums where they will share best practices to serve patients. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2020, at 1 pm and November 20, 2020, at 10 am. Online registration is required.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:35:37-05:00November 6, 2020|District of Columbia|

Florida

The Florida Board of Pharmacy released a notice of intention to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-28 to revise standards regarding the required content of labels and labeling of medicinal drugs. Comment due date is not specified.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:34:43-05:00November 6, 2020|Florida|

Louisiana

An emergency rule previously adopted by the Board to temporarily suspend renewal fees for various licenses, certificates, permits, and the registrations expiration date was extended until February 24, 2021.

Also in Louisiana. The Board of Pharmacy will be holding a hearing on November 25, 2020, on a proposed rule that would establish standards for licensure of pharmacy benefit managers engaged in certain activities. The rule would establish procedures for board review of applications for the initial issuance of the permit, the renewal of the permit, applications for the reinstatement of disciplined permits, and the permanent closure of a permit.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:33:39-05:00November 6, 2020|Louisiana|

Nevada

The Board of Pharmacy has announced that it has scheduled a special videoconference board meeting on November 10, 2020. Additionally, the Board will consider at their December Board meeting rules (Notice) that would remove administrative restrictions on pharmacies, pharmacists, and off-site pharmaceutical providers.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:32:36-05:00November 6, 2020|Nevada|

New Mexico

On October 30, the Board of Pharmacy issued an order confirming the October 20 HHS guidance allowing Qualified Pharmacy Technician Childhood and COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and COVID-19 Testing. The Board also noted that there is no change to pharmacist prescriptive authority which currently allows pharmacists to vaccinate any age.

Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health held a webinar providing information on the state’s distribution plan and informing that all pharmacies and pharmacists must register as COVID vaccine providers. More information can be found here.

Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health is moving forward with the implementation of the Wholesale Drug Importation Bill, SB-1, that that the Governor signed into law earlier this year. A proposed rule would establish standards to ensure compliance with tracking and tracing requirements and prohibit the distribution, dispensing, and sale of imported drugs outside the state. The rule will be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services for federal approval. Comments are due by December 1, 2020, and a virtual hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2020.

Also in New Mexico. The Board of Pharmacy approved rules effective April 1, 2021, mandating the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.

Lastly in New Mexico. The COVID Vaccines Planning Group is asking pharmacists/pharmacies interested in administering COVID vaccines to complete a brief on-line survey by November 13, 2020, that will help evaluate pharmacies’ ability and interest in collaborating with the state in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. All pharmacies interested in becoming COVID-19 vaccine providers must enroll on the state’s portal. If you have questions, contact Courtney Lovato at courtney.lovato@state.nm.us. Please complete the survey by November 13, 2020.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-11-06T12:31:30-05:00November 6, 2020|New Mexico|