Arkansas
SB 174, legislation NACDS promoted, mandating e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions, was signed into law by Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) and is now Act 447.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wyoming
On February 28, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed into law SF 47, requiring mandatory e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions on and after Friday, January 1, 2021, and including provisions to permit the Board of Pharmacy to provide exemptions from the requirements for emergencies and technical failures by rule and regulation. Among the various provisions, this newly enacted law also includes continuing education requirements for prescribers and pharmacists. Pharmacists who are registered to dispense controlled substances will be required to complete one hour of CE every two years related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Washington
Second Substitute HB 1331, Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) opioid legislation, is headed for the House floor with amendments mandating e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions by Friday, January 1, 2021. The bill still has to pass the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Effective Monday, March 18, Medicaid paper exceptional claims will no longer be accepted. Providers must submit an exceptional claim, along with the required Exceptional Claim Form, electronically via the newly redesigned Florida Medicaid Secure Web Portal under the Claims panel. Providers are encouraged to review the Electronic Exceptional Claim Submission Quick Reference Guide.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
NACDS-backed SB 174, which mandates e-prescribing of controlled substance prescriptions and passed the Senate last week, was approved by the House and sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) to sign into law, effective Friday, January 1, 2021. Thanks to the sponsors of the legislation, Sen. Kim Hammer (R) and Rep. Justin Boyd (R), and the governor’s drug czar, Kirk Lane, who was instrumental in getting this legislation passed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
Although SB 5446, the stand-alone e-prescribing bill did not make it through the first cut-off and will not advance, NACDS and partners will continue to work to add e-prescribing amendments onto HB 1331 / SB 5380, companion bills related to opioid use disorder treatment, prevention and related services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Commission is seeking input on their latest draft specialty drug list for the first quarter of 2019. Comments must be submitted by Friday, March 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
HB 231, legislation expanding pharmacist’s administration of vaccines to those seven years of age and older for all CDC-recommended vaccines, passed the House 64-29. The bill has been referred to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety and scheduled for a hearing on Monday, March 11.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Missouri
A recent newsletter from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs contains information about implementing legislation enacted last year pertaining to seven-day opioid supply limit, plus information about requesting authorization to install a drop box for taking back drugs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.