Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed HB (House Bill) 2582 (Chapter 123), legislation permitting pharmacists to enter into collaborative practice agreements with a state-licensed certified nurse midwife or a physician assistant.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
A draft emergency rule by the Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain that would require reimbursement for pharmacies for prescription drug or device services at a rate that is no less than 110% of the current National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) plus a $10.50 dispensing fee for all generic and branded drug transactions or services has hit a roadblock.
Also in Arkansas, the next meeting of the Board of Pharmacy is on June 4 and 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the “Pharmacy Provider Dispensing Fee Self-Attestation.” This will be the final opportunity to attest for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. All attestations must be received by May 31 to be accepted. Attestations will not be accepted after closing on May 31; no exceptions.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
Also in California, NACDS and the California Community Pharmacy Coalition, a project of the California Retailers Association, testified before the California Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee in support of SB 1365, legislation expanding the pharmacist to pharmacy technician ratio to 1:6. The bill was amended changing the ratio from 1:6 to 1:4 and passed out of committee.
Also in California, NACDS submitted a support letter for SB 966, PBM reform legislation to the Senate Appropriations Committee in advance of the hearing scheduled for May 13. SB 966 includes provisions that would prohibit the use of “spread pricing”. The bill would also provide other vital reforms, including requiring 100% pass-through of manufacturer rebates to plan sponsors to keep patient premiums low, prohibiting the steering of patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies, and requires PBMs to obtain a license to operate in the state.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed modifications to the following:
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has released a Notice of Proposed Action to amend Article 4.5, add Articles 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8, and repeal Article 7 of Title 16, Division 17, of the California Code of Regulations related to Compounded Drug Preparations. The Board will accept comments on the proposed text through June 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rerevised SB24-209, legislation filed by the Colorado Retail Council that chain pharmacies support, would expand pharmacy technician duties. The bill was amended and passed by the Senate Health Committee by a vote of 7-2. The bill advanced to the Senate floor for a vote on April 30 and passed the Senate on May 1. It was amended in the House Committee on May 2 and passed a third reading in the House on May 5.
Also in Colorado, SB24-168, legislation providing reimbursement for the use of telehealth remote monitoring for outpatient services for certain Medicaid members, passed the Senate on April 24 and was assigned to the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Finally in Colorado, HB24-1438, legislation concerning the implementation of certain affordable prescription drug programs, passed the House on April 24 and was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed HB 159 into law. The measure allows a pharmacist to screen an adult for HIV exposure and advise the adult to seek medical consultation from a physician and allows a certified pharmacist to order and dispense PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) drugs under a written collaborative practice agreement between the pharmacist and a licensed physician.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed two pieces of legislation impacting NACDS’ priorities, legislation increasing technician ratios at closed door pharmacies (HB 1072) and expansion of the standing order from the Commissioner to include post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus to be distributed by pharmacists (HB 1028). Both became effective upon signature.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
HB 2553, legislation expanding pharmacists’ immunization authority for minors was transmitted to Gov. Josh Green (D) on May 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed the following bills:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Now that Kansas pharmacists are recognized in state statute as providers, starting on June 1, all KanCare (Medicaid) vaccine billing, including flu shots, will be under the new provider designation “Non-Physician/Pharmacist.” The benefit of medical billing is that vaccine administration is billed at Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) rate of $14.20 instead of $10.50.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.