Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed LB 556 into law pertaining to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). The law adds new reporting requirements that are specific to the state’s PDMP, which runs through the state’s health information exchange. Although effective May 1, the Nebraska Health Information Initiative (NeHII) and Department of Health and Human Services are allowing additional time for compliance and will continue to use ASAP 4.2 in the meantime. NACDS and the Nebraska Pharmacist Association worked with NeHII to address member concerns throughout the legislative process. Questions can be directed to PDMP Program Director Kevin Borcher at 402-290-2635.

Also in Nebraska… Gov. Ricketts signed into law LB 316 pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) effective April 24. The law prevents a PBM or health plan from prohibiting or penalizing a pharmacist or contracted pharmacy from sharing information regarding a drug’s cost, price or copay, or from discussing or selling a more affordable alternative to a covered individual. Additionally, the law prevents an insurer from requiring a covered individual receiving a drug from paying an amount that exceeds the lesser of the copayment, deductible or coinsurance for such prescription drug or an amount any individual would pay for that medication if paid in cash.

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