In The States – Page 291 – Weekly news about states

Pennsylvania

SB 1210, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R), which originally allowed pharmacists to order and administer COVID point-of-care tests by exempting them from the PA Lab Act’s lab experience requirement, was amended and reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The amendment, drafted by NACDS, would expand the bill to include all CLIA-waived tests. The amendment passed 7-4 on a party line vote, but the bill as amended was adopted unanimously. Further action is expected the week of October 19, 2020, when the Senate returns to session. The Department of Health opposed the bill, which drove the party-line vote on the amendment. NACDS has been working jointly with PACDS on the ground in Harrisburg to pass this bill before the Legislature adjourns Sine Die sometime in November.

Also in PA. Legislation that would require pharmacy technicians to register in Pennsylvania is advancing, after previous versions of the bill failed to make it past the finish line in previous years. HB 770 passed the House in May of 2019, but just last week passed the Senate Consumer Protection and Licensure Committee and received first consideration in the Senate. The bill is viewed by many as a necessary precursor for any future consideration of advanced duties for technicians. The bill is supported by PACDS.

Also in PA. The Department of Human Services issued a Medicaid Bulletin providing notice that the Department will pay pharmacies for the collection of specimens by pharmacists for COVID-19 testing effective October 1.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:10:43-04:00October 9, 2020|Pennsylvania|

South Carolina

South Carolina House Bill 4663, was signed by Governor McMaster (R) on September 28. The bill authorizes pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations to persons under 12. Such vaccines must be administered according to protocol issued by the Board of Medical Examiners upon recommendation of the Joint Pharmacist Administered Vaccines Committee. The bill requires the Committee to submit its initial recommendation to the Board within three months of this measure’s effective date, which will be October 18, 2020.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:08:54-04:00October 9, 2020|South Carolina|

South Dakota

The Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule regarding the licensing and oversight of pharmacists, pharmacy interns, registered pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies, including central fill pharmacies. The rule is effective October 12, 2020.

Also in South Dakota. The Board of Pharmacy has published revised policy statements on pharmacist testing for COVID-19 and for transferring prescriptions. Please use the above links for more information.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:07:56-04:00October 9, 2020|South Dakota|

Texas

NACDS and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores submitted three joint letters to the House Select Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs providing extensive comments on all three issues: (1) primary drivers of increased health care costs in Texas, (2) opportunities to better coordinate how public dollars are spent on health care, and (3) identify emerging and proven delivery system improvements and sustainable financing models that could reduce the cost of health care.

Also in Texas. The Board of Pharmacy, partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division, is hosting a virtual opioid symposium on both October 11 and 12, 2020. For information about speakers, program details, and registration information, visit here. The symposium offers three (3) hours (0.3 CEUs) of CE approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for license renewal. This program may be counted toward the requirement of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances as outlined by Board rule 295.8 for pharmacists and toward Texas-specific pharmacy laws or rules for pharmacy technicians per Board rule 297.8

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:06:58-04:00October 9, 2020|Texas|

Virginia

The Department of Health (VDH) has asked NACDS to share their COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent form with members. Members who wish or plan to receive the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine through the VDH must fill out and submit this form. If you are planning to receive the vaccine directly from the CDC, you do not need to file the form with VDH. The letter is also available on the VDH Resources for Health Care Professionals web page. As of now, one form is required for each location, however, VDH is looking into whether they can accept a spreadsheet for multiple locations. According to VDH, the physician and physician license number fields should be filled out with the pharmacy location name and pharmacy license number.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:05:53-04:00October 9, 2020|Virginia|

Washington

On October 7, The DEA in coordination with HHS, held a virtual webinar titled, “Supporting Healthcare Professionals during the Pandemic.” Topics discussed included drugs of abuse and trends, COVID 19 guidance, telemedicine, updates on fraud and robberies, and an overview of DEA requirements regarding the handling of controlled substances according to Federal regulations.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:03:57-04:00October 9, 2020|Washington|

Wisconsin

ForwardHealth issued an update that includes information about brand medically necessary drugs and brand before generic drugs effective October 1.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-10-09T08:02:45-04:00October 9, 2020|Wisconsin|

California

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently held a webinar to explain the new Medi-Cal quarter surveys to establish a Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost (MAIC) program for multi-source generic drug reimbursement. The surveys will be sent to the corporate contact for each chain, not to the pharmacy. MAIC rates will be published by December 1, 2020, and effective January 1, 2021. The meeting was recorded and the slide deck is available on Mercer’s Medi-Cal Rx Website. The webinar recording can be accessed by using the following password: h5#moJC^

Also in California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued guidance to clarify clinical lab licensure requirements for pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians performing COVID-19 testing under the provisions of waivers issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

Also in California. DHCS held a Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum sharing information related to the transition of pharmacy services reimbursement from managed care to Fee-For-Service effective January 1, 2021. Notably, there is now a Med-Cal Rx website that contains a link for pharmacy providers to “register” for the Medi-Cal Rx provider portal. This portal allows for pharmacies to try out the new system and get more detailed information on training and important information going forward. To register for the provider portal, please go to the secure portal. Pharmacies should also register for the Medi-Cal Rx subscription service. More information on the forum can be found here.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-09-25T12:55:52-04:00September 25, 2020|California|

Connecticut

The Connecticut Insurance Department met with NACDS to discuss the issue of pharmaceutical drug pricing in the state. The Department indicated that they also held calls with drug wholesalers, drug manufacturers, health plans, independent pharmacies, and the PBMs. No legislation proposal was discussed on the call.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Angeloni2020-09-25T12:54:31-04:00September 25, 2020|Connecticut|