Per a recent newsletter, effective June 21, the Medicaid policy for first fill of narcotic prescriptions changed from a 14-day supply to a 7-day supply. This change was made as an effort to align with the PQA Opioid Core Measure set.
Also in North Dakota… The Department of Human Services announced the recent redesign of its website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a notice to Medicaid pharmacy providers on May 25 regarding the requirement that prescribers (including those administering immunizations) register with the OHA by Saturday, September 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced the appointment of a new president and five new members to the State Board of Pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Dr. Karen Smith, the Department of Public Health’s Director and State Health Officer, issued a naloxone standing order to counter the effects of opioid overdose. The order allows organizations that cannot prescribe naloxone to distribute it to those who are at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose and to other persons in a position to assist during an opioid-related overdose. The order also authorizes the administration of naloxone to assist a person experiencing or suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose by a family member, friend or other person who has received training from an opioid overdose prevention and treatment training program. Entities can apply for the standing order online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On June 6, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed into law HB 18-1313 that clarifies that a licensed and qualified pharmacist may serve as a practitioner and prescribe over-the-counter medication pursuant to a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement. The law is effective Wednesday, August 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced that he will be convening a third special session for 2018 on Monday, June 18 through Wednesday, June 27 aimed at fully funding higher education.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Legislative amendments made during the 2018 Legislative Session provided a variety of new flexibilities to the Division of Medicaid, including the removal of the statutory cap on physician visits per year and prescription drugs per month. As the agency explores these possibilities, Medicaid-enrolled providers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders should be aware the current DOM policy remains in place and will not change Sunday, July 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
NACDS reminds members operating in Nebraska that LB 931, legislation enacted in April with provisions pertaining to opioid prescription limitations and positive identification of persons taking receipt of dispensed opioid prescriptions, will become effective Thursday, July 19.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
This week, the Senate passed S.1043D/A2857D (companion bills) permitting pharmacy interns to administer all authorized vaccines in the state. It will now go to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for his signature.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.