The Board of Pharmacy published its February 2025 newsletter, including a reminder of the importance of required self-audits during inspections by the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and an update on compounding operating standards
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Legislation that would require Medicaid to hire a single PBM to manage the pharmacy benefit has advanced. Both HB 2610 and SB 875 passed their respective chambers and advanced significantly in the opposite chamber. They are now poised to go to the Conference Committee to work out the remaining details, including the implementation date. NACDS cautions that the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has been resistant to the legislation, though Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has not officially taken a stance. We will continue to work with in-state partners and members over the next month to advocate for the bill or bills to become law.
Also in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) issued Executive Order 45 on February 16, declaring a state of emergency due to winter weather and flooding. In response, the Board of Pharmacy has implemented emergency waivers. They will remain in effect for the duration of Executive Order 45, which is effective for 30 days from February 10, unless sooner amended or rescinded. Existing emergency regulations plus those implemented because of the declaration waivers are as follows:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Key legislative deadlines for legislation to advance this session: On or before February 21st, all bills filed in the house of origin must be passed by the Policy committee. Next Friday, February 28th is the deadline for all bills filed in the house of origin with a fiscal note to be approved by the fiscal committee.
Also in Washington, HB 1502 and its companion SB 5513, legislation expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases, was not heard by the Policy committee because lawmakers wanted to the Sunrise Review process to proceed. A public hearing will be held on May 14, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On February 5, the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee approved SB 1214 – Test and Treat by a 5-2 vote. NACDS submitted a letter of support in advance of the committee hearing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts, monthly bulletin, and weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy shared the California Health Alert Network message related to “Emergency Assistance for Those Impacted by the Wildfires.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Florida Pharmacy Association is hosting an upcoming ACPE–approved conference on February 22-23 via Zoom, focused exclusively on Women’s Health and care for these patients. Register here!
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
NACDS sponsored the Indiana Pharmacists Legislative Day, where over 350 pharmacists, students and technicians gathered at the Statehouse to engage in advocacy for the profession. The priority legislative issues included securing fairer reimbursement for dispensing, PBM reforms and reimbursement for services. The advocates also promoted bills securing authority for pharmacists to provide “test and treat” services and substance use disorder treatments; lowering the vaccination age from 11 years and allowing administration of any FDA-approved vaccines if operating under a physician protocol or health commissioner standing order; allowing nationally certified technicians the ability to perform any task delegated to them by a supervising pharmacist that does not require the training or judgment of a pharmacist, including receipt of verbal orders and final product verification; and 340B protections.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
This week, both the House Commerce Subcommittee and the Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee recommended passage of HSB 99 and SSB 1074, respectively. These companion bills relate to PBMs, pharmacies and prescriptions drugs. Among the various provisions includes patient choice of pharmacy. Also, a PBM shall not deny a pharmacy or pharmacist the right to participate as a contract provider if the pharmacy or pharmacist agrees to the terms and requirements of the plan. Additionally, a PBM shall not require a person, as a condition of payment or reimbursement, to purchase pharmacy services exclusively through a mail order pharmacy. Finally, the bill prohibits a PBM from reimbursing a pharmacy in an amount less than the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) or the Iowa average acquisition cost for a prescription on the date the prescription is administered or dispensed, and the PBM also must reimburse the pharmacy or pharmacist a professional dispensing fee in an amount not less than the pharmacy dispensing fee published in the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise provider fee schedule on the date the prescription is administered or dispensed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Stakeholder Council will hold its virtual monthly meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 2pm. The agenda and other meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council page of the PDAB’s website prior to the scheduled meeting. Registration is necessary to attend. The PDAB’s website has more information about upcoming and previous meetings and related documents and presentation materials.
Also in Maryland, The Senate Finance Committee will hear SB 438 on Wed. Feb 12. The bill would establish a pharmacy reimbursement rate floor in the Medical Managed Care Program. NACDS is coordinating with members and in-state partners on supportive testimony.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.