Following several policy victories over the last few years, pharmacy should have a clear runway to increase children’s vaccine rates in the Commonwealth. First, effective June 1, 2024, Medicaid FFS (Fee-For-Service) implemented a new policy to allow pharmacies to bill the program for vaccines. Second, last year Medicaid adopted a final rule that removed the VFC (Vaccines for Children) enrollment requirement. This change allows providers to bill Medicaid for children’s vaccines regardless of VFC participation. Lastly, HB 274 of 2024 was signed into law, lowering the age floor. Effective July 15, 2024, pharmacies will be permitted to administer any vaccine to children 5 years of age and older (lowered from age 9 years).

Also in Kentucky, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following rules for public comment, due to the Board by August 31. They are also scheduled for a public hearing on August 28. If you have comments, please send them to Jill McCormack by August 5.

• 201 KAR 2:210. This amendment re-orders the sections of the regulation and adds sections and definitions regarding the regulation of automated filling systems and final product verification.
• 201 KAR 2:480, Telework and Electronic Supervision for Remote Prescription Processing. New Regulation. Adds KRS 315.020(5) to authorize order entry, order entry verification and drug regimen review as tasks that can be performed outside of the permitted space of the pharmacy. It also provides minimum requirements for pharmacies engaged in remote prescription processing conducted via telework and establishes rules for electronic supervision.

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