In The States – Page 304 – Weekly news about states

Oklahoma

The Insurance Department published a notice to announce an update to Insurance Bulletin LH 2020-02, dated March 17 and April 29, directing health insurers to take certain actions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. The bulletin was rescinded June 30, except for specified provisions regarding telehealth/telemedicine services, electronic signatures, timeframes for utilization review, accesses to diagnosis and treatment without preauthorization requirements, waiver of cost-sharing requirements, extended grace periods, and reasonable measures to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-23T13:12:49-04:00July 23, 2020|Oklahoma|

Texas

An Emergency Rule issued on March 20 limiting the dispensing of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and other similar drugs expired on July 17. The Board of Pharmacy does not intend to reissue this emergency rule as it was only meant to prevent the stockpiling of the drugs and to ensure that reasonable quantities were available for all patients that require therapy with the drugs, including patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The expired language can be found here and guidance issued during the rule’s effective dates here.

Also in Texas. NACDS participated in the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Council virtual meeting on July 20. The PMP vendor Appriss provided data on the number of users, queries, integration, and recent enhancements to the system.

Also in Texas. To stay connected with legislators, NACDS, along with our in-state partner, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, and chain pharmacists from HEB and Brookshire met virtually with Brenham State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and her staff. During the meeting, discussions focused on several priority issues, including pharmacy staffing, COVID testing, and expanding access to all FDA-authorized immunizations to anyone 7 years and older without a prescription but under a protocol.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-23T13:11:24-04:00July 23, 2020|Texas|

Florida

The Board of Pharmacy has released a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-30 to clarify disciplinary guidelines, the range of penalties, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances for pharmacy professionals. Comments will be accepted but a due date is not specified.

Also in Florida. The Board of Pharmacy released a notice announcing its intentions to amend regulations under FAC 64B16-27 to clarify standards for the supervision of pharmacy technicians, including supervising pharmacist responsibilities and requirements for delegation. Comments will be accepted but a due date is not specified.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:07:28-04:00July 16, 2020|Florida|

Michigan

Culminating several years of effort by NACDS and the Michigan Retailers Association, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed into law e-prescribing legislation (HB 4217, SB 248, and SB 254) as Public Acts 134-136 of 2020. The law applies to all drugs, not just controlled substances, and will become effective on October 1, 2021.

Also in Michigan. The broad regulatory waivers afforded to pharmacists and pharmacies under Executive Order 2020-126 were drastically reduced with Executive Order 2020-152, effective on July 15. The following flexibilities are no longer in effect:

60-day emergency supply refills of non-controlled maintenance medication
Pharmacists may temporarily operate a pharmacy in an area not designated on the pharmacy license, but they may not prepare sterile drug products beyond low-risk preparations, as defined by United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, for immediate inpatient administration in such temporary facilities
Dispensing/administering drugs as needed to treat COVID-19
Substitutions of therapeutically equivalent medication for a medication subject to critical shortages without the authorization of a prescriber
Supervision of pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff remotely (unless licensed as a tele-pharmacy under Michigan law)
Allowing out-of-state pharmacies and wholesale distributors holding a license, certificate, or other permit in good standing issued by another state to do business in this state

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:06:21-04:00July 16, 2020|Michigan|

Mississippi

The Division of Medicaid issued a final rule that amends regulations under Title 23, Part 209, Chapters 1 and 2, to clarify requirements for beneficiary signatures for durable medical equipment and/or medical supplies delivered during a national or statewide emergency. During a national or statewide emergency, a signature is not required and the provider must document the emergency and confirmation of delivery by an alternate means including, but not limited to: (1) telephone, (2) text message, or (3) other electronic communication. The rule is effective on August 1, 2020.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:05:00-04:00July 16, 2020|Mississippi|

Missouri

The Board of Pharmacy will host a “Lunch with the Chief Inspector” webinar on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 12 pm CST, featuring MOHealthNet Director of Pharmacy Josh Moore, PharmD.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:04:07-04:00July 16, 2020|Missouri|

Nebraska

The Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPA) is looking for member pharmacists to run for its elected Board of Directors. The deadline to submit candidacy is July 17. For more information, contact NPA Chief Executive Office Marcia Mueting.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:03:10-04:00July 16, 2020|Nebraska|

New York

Medicaid held a pharmacy stakeholder group meeting to discuss the transition of pharmacy benefits from Managed Care back to fee-for-service which is to be finalized by April 1, 2021. The state anticipates a savings of $87.5 million (state share) for SFY 2021-22 which will be achieved through increased rebates to the state, 340B savings, and other efficiencies by eliminating Medicaid Managed Care plans/PBMs which have margins in process now. Medicaid will host pharmacy stakeholder meetings through this transition process.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:02:05-04:00July 16, 2020|New York|

North Carolina

SB 808, sponsored by Senator Harry Brown (R) has been signed by Governor Roy Cooper (D). The bill was effective upon signature and makes appropriations for the implementation of the Medicaid Transformation in the state of North Carolina. The bill also verifies Departmental receipts for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to implement the measure and also appropriates such money from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Health benefits to be utilized for Medicaid and NC Health Choice programs to assist with projects related to Medicaid managed care.

Also in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) issued a Statewide Standing Order for Diagnostic COVID-19 Testing. State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson issued a statewide standing order for COVID-19 diagnostic testing as well as a temporary order and associated guidance that, among other things, requires all healthcare providers ordering or conducting COVID-19 diagnostic tests to report all results, positive or negative. NC DHHS also issued patient guidance for isolation and quarantine while waiting for, and after receiving, COVID-19 diagnostic testing results. Additional details and links can be found here.

Also in North Carolina. A qualifying military-trained or military-spouse pharmacist license or pharmacy technician applicant is exempt from the initial application fee. The state has posted FAQs that provide more detail.

Also in North Carolina. The Board of Pharmacy has posted a reminder to all pharmacy and DME permit holders that NABP E-Profile numbers will be required for 2021 renewal. Board Rule .1615 requires all pharmacy and DME permit applicants and holders to obtain and report an e-Profile number issued by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a condition of permit issuance or renewal. Details and instructions may be found here.

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

Michael Angeloni2020-07-16T09:00:22-04:00July 16, 2020|North Carolina|