Louisiana
On January 7, 2019, the Dr. Barbara Gee, Secretary of the Department of Health, issued a standing order for naloxone.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oklahoma
Effective January 7, 2019, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority implemented Phase 1 of a daily Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) limit for SoonerCare (Medicaid) pharmacy claims. It covers both short-acting and long-acting opioid formulations. Opioid MME daily totals exceeding 240 will require prior authorization (PA) with patient-specific, clinically significant reasoning why the member requires more than 240 MME per day.* This limit will gradually decrease over a six-month period, allowing providers to develop and implement tapering plans for appropriate patients. The end goal is a target of 100 MME or less.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wisconsin
The State Senate recently approved four appointees to the Pharmacy Examining Board. Franklin “Rocky” LaDien was reappointed to a second term, ending in 2020. Philip J. Trapskin was reappointed to a second term, ending in 2021. Cathy J. Winters was reappointed to a second term, ending in 2021. John Weitekamp was appointed to his first term, ending in 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Oregon
Joe Schnabel, PharmD, RPh, BCPS, a former Board of Pharmacy member, has been named as the new executive director of the Board of Pharmacy. Dr. Schnabel comes from Salem Hospital where he has worked for over 30 years, most recently serving as the director of pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
Effective January 1, 2019, pharmacists are able to prescribe certain contraceptives to patients and be reimbursed under Medicaid and the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Board of Pharmacy has published online guidance on complying with the law and the required patient screening forms
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Kansas
Former State Sen. Vicki Schmidt (R), a pharmacist, will be sworn in Monday, January 14, as the state’s Commissioner of Insurance. The Commissioner-Elect is strong in her belief that more pharmacists should run for public office.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
The Board of Pharmacy published a final rule amending Regulation 7 to revise requirements for transferring prescriptions between pharmacies and dispensing Schedule II controlled substances prescriptions. The rule allows individuals other than pharmacists to transfer prescriptions, allows electronic prescription transfers and requires transfer of controlled substances to follow federal standards. The rule also clarifies that licensees may not dispense a quantity of a Schedule II controlled substance that exceeds the prescriber’s authority to prescribe. In addition, the rule clarifies language regarding partial filling of Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions. The rule took effect on January 1, 2019.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Georgia
NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy on proposed rules that would implement a 2012 law allowing central prescription filling. NACDS commended the Board for pursuing this rulemaking initiative and asked the Board to clarify certain administrative requirements to ensure that the rule is workable for pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPA) is seeking member pharmacists to serve on its 2019 Legislative Committee, Education Committee and Third-Party Advisory Committee. To volunteer, please contact NPA Chief Executive Officer Joni Cover by Friday, December 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.