The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) posted a notice of intent to submit an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under section 1115 of the Social Security Act seeking a five-year extension of the current waiver authorities for the substance use disorder and serious mental illness demonstrations. The current demonstration is authorized through December 31, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Board of Trustees received notice from Kate Gainer that she intends to step down as CEO, effective June 2025. Plans are underway to hire a search firm and appoint a search committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health (LDH) Medicaid updated the immunization fee schedules reflecting coverage of the influenza vaccines for recipients of all ages and changes related to Vaccines for Children (VFC).
Also in Louisiana, the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP) reported on the November special session on tax reforms that adjourned sine die on November 22. Unfortunately, the attempt to exempt prescription drugs from local sales tax was not successful. The local sales tax collectors claimed their revenue losses from not taxing prescriptions would be much higher than what the state forecasted. Legislators were hesitant to approve the sales tax exemption with such varying estimates of the revenue losses.
Also in Louisiana, LARP attended the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting and shared this update on regulations:
(1) Legislative Proposal 2025-A ~ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Record Retention (Draft #1)- Approved
(2) Regulatory Proposal 2024-G ~ Pharmacist-in-Charge Requirements (Draft #2)- Approved
(3) Regulatory Proposal 2024-H ~ Emergency Drug Kit (EDK) Permit (Draft #1)- Approved
(4) Regulatory Proposal 2024-I ~ Marijuana Pharmacy (Draft #1)- Approved
(5) Regulatory Proposal 2025-J ~ Pharmacy Technician Certificate Qualifications (Draft #1)- Approved
Finally in Louisiana, effective January 1, 2025, Louisiana Medicaid is implementing changes to the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL). Most of the brand drugs that were previously preferred over the generic versions will be moved to a non-preferred status. Revlimid® brand will remain co-preferred with the generic version.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting on December 5. The agenda included regular business and limited delegation orders that expire at the end of the year.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the agenda for the next Stakeholder Council meeting on December 16 at 2:00 pm. You must register for the meeting to receive the log-in information. More information about the Stakeholder Council and the PDAB are available through their webpage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy issued the following notices:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health released the first-ever state mandated financial report on the 340B Drug Pricing Program. As a follow up, Drug Channels published an article summarizing the report’s highlights.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy amended rule 20 CSR 2220-4.010 governing new Board fees, that took effective on October 30.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Medicaid has contracted with Myers and Stauffer LC to perform a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey. The due date for the cost of dispensing survey will be January 29, 2025. All providers are encouraged to participate. The cost of dispensing survey tool and instructional letters are available online.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board posted the November 12 draft meeting minutes. The next meeting will be on January 14, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.