NACDS submitted comments to the Arkansas Department of Human Services in support of a Medicaid state plan amendment to increase payment rates for pharmacies and other vaccine providers. Given that appropriate Medicaid vaccine payment rates are key to ensuring access to vaccine services that are vital to public health goals, NACDS comments commended the state for pursuing this rate increase.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Finance announced that the state’s revenue decline, estimating late last week that the overall budget deficit is approximately $54.3 billion.
Also in California... On May 12th, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced efforts to expand the state’s ability to provide more COVID-19 testing, including using pharmacists to test. For pharmacists to help, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) issued the following DCA waiver DCA-20-14 Restrictions on Pharmacists Ordering and Collecting Specimens for COVID-19 Tests.
Also in California... Having received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) request for multiple Section 1135 flexibilities related to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), new guidance was issued. To the extent applicable, the following modifications also apply to CHIP through the duration of the public health emergency:
Also in California... NACDS participated in the Zoom Board meeting on May 7th where the following actions were taken.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-22-0 to specify requirements for dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances during the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency upon receiving oral authorization from the prescribing practitioner. The rule is effective April 1, 2020 and shall be effective for the duration of the emergency or a period of not more than 120 days, whichever is shorter.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-10-0 to specify the conditions under which chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, or mefloquine may be dispensed or distributed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule specifies that the substances cannot be dispensed unless the prescription or practitioner drug order includes a diagnosis and establishes a limit of 14 day supplies with no refill. The rule is effective March 27, 2020 and expires July 25, 2020.
Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under GAC 480-15-0 to establish standards for temporary pharmacy technician registration during the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency. The rule is effective April 1, 2020 and shall be effective for the duration of the emergency or a period of not more than 120 days, whichever is shorter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
NACDS and the Louisiana Retailers Association submitted a joint letter to the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force charged with addressing health disparities. In our letter, we described how pharmacies and pharmacists can help increase access to care and improve health equity for minority and vulnerable populations throughout the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Effective May 11, 2020, providers – whether medical or pharmacy – are prohibited from collecting co-payments from Medicaid beneficiaries. For more pharmacy specific information, please click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Missouri Board of Pharmacy webinar originally scheduled for March 26th has been rescheduled to May 21, at 12:00 pm. Attendees must re-register for the new date here. The webinar will feature Chief Inspector Tom Glenski and Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Administrator Michael Boeger.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Nebraska Board of Pharmacy is seeking a pharmacist to replace a member whose term expires November 30, 2020. Information about Board service can be found here.
Also in Nebraska... Nebraska Medicaid issued a provider bulletin regarding the suspension of copays for all services and medicines effective May 1st.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
On May 6th, the Board of Pharmacy updated is waiver temporarily authorizing registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists, and pharmaceutical technicians to perform COVID-19. The guidance can be accessed here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Emergency rule of the Medical Board adopts regulations under 21 NCAC 32B to establish the restricted drug list during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule also establishes standards for pharmacists to receive and document oral prescriptions for restricted drugs. The rule is effective April 6, 2020 and expires June 5, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.