Last week, the House of Delegates passed SB 369, legislation that updates the state’s generic dispensing law to clarify that when a pharmacist substitutes a generic drug for a brand name drug, the patient pays only the cost of the substituted drug. The legislation would not apply to an individual who has insurance coverage. It is now eligible to be sent to Gov. Jim Justice (R) for signature.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed into law HB 1137 effective Monday, July 1. Among its provisions, the measure prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from collecting cost-sharing in a great amount than the covered individual would pay for the drug. It also prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from retroactively adjusting a pharmacy claim unless it is a result of an audit or a technical billing error.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed into law LB 442, facilitating medication synchronization, a priority issue for NACDS’ members
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
On March 6, NACDS testified at the Senate Seniors, Families and Children Committee in support of SB 262, legislation that would require e-prescribing of all drugs consistent with NACDS’ model legislation. Discussion continues among legislators and other concerned stakeholders about potential amendments.
HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, passed the House of Representatives. The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, was amended with a clarification to one of the exemptions, was favorably reported and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Gov. Kim Reynolds(R) appointed Kathy Stone, PharmD, and Dane Nealson, CPhT, to the Board of Pharmacy. Dane Nealson is the first technician to serve on the Board. Lawyer Joan Skogstrom was also reappointed.
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy delayed the effective date for its final rulesamending minimum requirements for participation in statewide protocols. The rules are now effective Wednesday, May 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
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.
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.
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.