Arkansas

In response to Secretary Azar’s PREP Act declaration, the Board of Pharmacy has posted a statement listing under which conditions pharmacists and pharmacist-interns acting under the supervision of a pharmacist are allowed to order and administer immunizations to children 3-18 years of age.

Also in Arkansas. The Department of Human Services adopted a final rule amending the medical assistance regulations and the Medicaid state plan to add coverage for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, effective August 1. The rule also revises the agency provider for physicians, outpatient behavioral health services, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, hospitals, nurse practitioners, and rural health clinics, effective September 1, 2020.

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

2020-09-11T13:34:46-04:00September 11, 2020|Arkansas|

Colorado

The Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance, adopted an emergency rule effective August 14 through December 12, 2020, that requires carriers to reimburse providers for medically necessary covered health care services provided through telehealth during the coronavirus public health emergency. The rule replaces the April 3 emergency rule (20-E-05) and requires telehealth services to be reimbursed at rates no lower than in-person services, in compliance with state behavioral health parity laws, and without specific requirements or limitations on the technologies used. Also, the rule requires carriers to allow covered persons who do not have established relationships with specific providers to receive medically necessary health care services via telehealth from those providers. Finally, the rule prohibits carriers from imposing additional certification, location, or training requirements; requires carriers to notify providers of any instructions necessary to facilitate billing for telehealth, and requires carriers to cover telehealth services provided by nonparticipating providers if their own providers can’t provide such services).

Also in Colorado. NACDS and the Colorado Retail Council participated in a meeting with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to discuss their progress in developing the Colorado Drug Importation Program. The General Assembly passed legislation in 2019 (SB19-005) that allows the state to establish a program allowing the wholesale importation of prescription drugs from Canada for resale to Colorado residents as an attempt to reign in the high cost of drugs. More information can be found here and here.

Also in Colorado. The Board of Pharmacy adopted several new rules that went into effect on August 30, 2020. These rules provide clarity on the suspended and modified rules related to the COVID pandemic.

Lastly, in Colorado. On September 17, 2020, at 8:45 AM MT, the Board of Pharmacy will host a webinar and will be accepting comments on a proposed rule that would add provisions on the distribution of drugs by other outlet pharmacies, the provision of HIV infection prevention medications to patients, and requirements for prescription orders for controlled substances. The rule would also update references to federal standards. To participate, Register Here. Draft rules can be found here.

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

2020-09-11T13:33:14-04:00September 11, 2020|Colorado|

Iowa

The Department of Human Services issued an Informational Letter outlining Medicaid flexibilities in response to the Derecho disaster. Flexibilities outlined in the letter pertain to prior authorization, early refills, and telehealth.

Also in Iowa. The Department of Human Services announced another delay of the effective date of a final rule that amends regulations under 441 IAC 78 and 79 regarding covered prescription and nonprescription outpatient drug policies. The rule revises the list of covered nonprescription drugs, the quantities of prescribed drugs, refill requirements, drug reimbursement methodology, and credits for returned unit dose drugs not consumed. In addition, the rule addresses prior authorization limitations on medication-assisted treatment. The rule was scheduled to be effective February 12 and was delayed to August 11 except for provisions relating to automatic prescription refills, which will take effect in 2021.

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

2020-09-11T13:37:10-04:00September 11, 2020|Iowa|

Louisiana

The Department of Health Bureau of Health Service Financing announced that effective September 15, 2020, both the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will cover select Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adult vaccines for beneficiaries over the age of 18. According to the Department, adult vaccines are reimbursed when administered by a pharmacist with the “Authority to Administer” authorized by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. The announcement states that Louisiana Medicaid enrolled pharmacies will be reimbursed for the ingredient cost and administration fee when billing adult vaccines administered by a pharmacist. The FFS administration fee for adult vaccines is $15.22 for the first injection, then $9.13 for each additional injection with the same date of service. The FFS administration fee for a nasal vaccine is $10.80.  More information can be found here.

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

2020-09-11T13:25:16-04:00September 11, 2020|Louisiana|

Michigan

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Bureau of Professional Licensing has filed a Request for Rulemaking pertaining to Central Fill Pharmacies. NACDS will share additional information as it becomes available.

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

2020-09-11T13:23:33-04:00September 11, 2020|Michigan|

Missouri

The Board of pharmacy has released two final rules to adopt amendments to sections 20 CSR 2220-6  and  20 CSR 2150-5. Both final rules establish requirements for pharmacist training, prescribing and patient care activities, and patient medical records. Both final rules are effective on October 30, 2020.

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

2020-09-11T13:38:42-04:00September 11, 2020|Missouri|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services has posted a proposed rule to amend regulations under 172 NAC 131 and 134 to update requirements for wholesale drug distributors, including incorporating federal standards for license applications and engaging in wholesale drug distribution. The rule would also update requirements for delegated dispensing permits, including revising staffing requirements. A hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2020, in Lincoln.

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

2020-09-11T13:19:56-04:00September 11, 2020|Nebraska|

Nevada

After six months of engagement, NACDS has secured broad support from the Nevada Department of Health, Gov. Steve Sisolak’s (D) office, and the Board of Pharmacy regarding authority to allow technician immunizations. On September 3 the Board adopted a proposed rule allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations under the direct and immediate supervision of a pharmacist if he or she has met the training and continuing education requirements. Additionally, due to the lengthy rulemaking process which can take up to 4-6 months, the Board also approved the adoption of emergency rules including these same provisions and authority that  appear to go into effect before the end of September.

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

2020-09-11T13:17:37-04:00September 11, 2020|Nevada|

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