In The States – Page 341 – Weekly news about states

New Mexico

In mid-May, the Human Services Department (HSD) announced its intention to raise certain Medicaid provider payment rates effective Monday, July 1, as part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) focus on healthcare. NACDS is seeking comments from chain members by Friday, June 7 on a draft letter outlining our concerns, objecting to the tiered professional dispensing fee and asking that all pharmacies receive the $2 dispensing fee increase under the Centennial Care Program.

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

Michael Angeloni2019-06-06T15:13:51-04:00June 6, 2019|New Mexico|

North Carolina

HB 388, sponsored by Rep. Donna McDowell White (R), was signed by Gov. Roy Cooper (D). Effective Tuesday, October 1, this measure stipulates that an immunizing pharmacist may administer serogroup B meningococcal, human papillomavirus and hepatitis A vaccines to persons at least 18 years of age. It also lowers the age for influenza vaccinations to 10 years.

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

Michael Angeloni2019-06-06T15:12:26-04:00June 6, 2019|North Carolina|

Oklahoma

Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed into law SB 848, limiting Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions for acute pain to a seven-day supply.

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

Michael Angeloni2019-06-06T15:10:55-04:00June 6, 2019|Oklahoma|

Texas

The legislature adjourned its biennial session on May 27. Prior to adjournment, the following bills of interest to chain pharmacies were sent to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to sign into law. The governor has until Sunday, June 16 to decide whether to sign or veto a bill, or let it become law without his signature. Unless otherwise specified, the effective date is Sunday, September 1.

HB 3284, legislation providing a six-month extension to the September 1, 2019 effective date passed last session that requires both prescribers and dispensers check the PMP for certain controlled substances on or after Sunday, March 1, 2020. The bill also requires veterinarians check the PMP, establishes an advisory committee and compels law enforcement to obtain a subpoena, warrant or other court order to access the PMP.
HB 3496, legislation NACDS successfully amended excluding non-publicly traded grocery store pharmacies from certain requirements to disclose certain financial information of pharmacy ownership.
HB 2088, legislation NACDS successfully amended that requires pharmacies, when dispensing Schedule IIs, to provide written notice on how to properly dispose of medications with certain exemptions.
SB 1056, legislation clarifying that a physician may delegate to a pharmacist the ability to modify the patient’s drug therapy under a physician protocol.

Also in Texas… Other bills of interest to chain pharmacies that have been signed by Gov. Abbott recently include the following:

HB 3441, legislation ensuring payment parity for pharmacists providing the same service as other providers.
HB 1757, legislation recognizing pharmacists as providers in the Insurance Code.

Also in Texas… With hurricane season in effect, the Health and Human Services Commission has prepared resources to keep Texans healthy and safe in the event of a natural disaster.

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

Michael Angeloni2019-06-06T15:09:24-04:00June 6, 2019|Texas|

Maryland

The Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy, published the following rules effective May 20, 2019.

Final rule amends regulations under COMAR 10.34.09 to eliminate the administrative fee for board reviews of pharmacy technician training programs that include a didactic portion identical to an already approved program.
Final rule amends, adopts and repeals regulations under COMAR 10.34.30 to codify existing policies concerning changes of name, ownership or location for permitted pharmacies and wholesale distributions facilities. The rule also allows the board to close an incomplete application after one year.
Final rule amends regulations under COMAR 10.34.05 to require pharmacy permit holders to report a significant loss of controlled substances in addition to the requirement to report thefts.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Angeloni2019-05-29T14:15:23-04:00May 29, 2019|Maryland|

Texas

HB 2174 has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for signature. The legislation requires e-prescribing for Schedule II-V controlled substances prescriptions effective January 1, 2021, with exceptions consistent with NACDS’ model legislation. Additionally, for the treatment of acute pain, a practitioner may not issue a prescription for an opioid in an amount that exceeds a 10-day supply or provide for a refill of an opioid.

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

Michael Angeloni2019-05-29T14:14:12-04:00May 29, 2019|Texas|

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed into law HF 766, which, among its provisions, includes appropriations for health and human services. The Act codifies pharmacy reimbursement at Average Acquisition Cost (AAC) and establishes a professional dispensing fee of $10.07 for the fiscal year beginning Monday, July 1. Also, this reimbursement methodology serves as a rate floor for Medicaid managed care.

Also in Iowa… The Board of Pharmacy issued a press release to remind pharmacy stakeholders about revised rules for the Prescription Monitoring Program that took effect on May 15. Changes include policies pertaining to reporting elements, delegation and registration. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Tiffany and Sharon Smith.

Also in Iowa… Gov. Reynolds also signed into law SF 563, which requires Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to submit an annual report to the Iowa Insurance Commissioner. The report must include information such as the administrative fees collected and rebates received that the PBM does not pass on to its customer health plans.

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

Karen White2019-05-22T14:00:50-04:00May 23, 2019|Iowa|

Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly (D) vetoed the funding in the state budget bill for KTRACs, the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. She cited the $705,000 that would be transferred from the Medical Program Fees would have to be backfilled by the State General Fund. The Board of Pharmacy will likely receive a federal grant to cover this expense. If not, the governor will work with the Board of Pharmacy on alternative non-State General Fund options.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Karen White2019-05-23T14:22:25-04:00May 23, 2019|Kansas|

Michigan

Kate Massey has been appointed Medicaid Director and will begin serving on Friday, June 7. Her most recent role was chief executive officer of Magellan Complete Care of Virginia. Ms. Massey also has worked in leadership roles for Kaiser Permanente and Amerigroup.

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

Karen White2019-05-22T13:53:58-04:00May 23, 2019|Michigan|