In The States – Page 37 – Weekly news about states

Alaska

The Board of Pharmacy proposes to adopt regulation changes dealing with closure of a pharmacy and examination requirements for licensure. Written comments are due April 10.

Also in Alaska, both pharmacy’s patient freedom of pharmacy choice bills are moving forward in both houses but are facing stiff opposition. SB 121 was heard in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on March 20. HB 226 is pending in the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:12:24-04:00March 21, 2024|Alaska|

Arizona

On March 6, upon reconsideration, the Senate failed to pass SB 1085 by one vote. This bill would have authorized pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza, COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses and to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist.

Also in Arizona, this week, the Department of Health Services (ADHS) launched a naloxone campaign aimed at combating the state’s opioid overdose crisis. This multi-media campaign features stories from a diverse group of Arizonans whose lives were impacted by naloxone, connects those with substance use disorder to support resources, and demonstrates how to use naloxone to save lives. The FDA-approved injectable and nasal spray formulations are available over the counter, at pharmacies, community-based distribution programs, and through local health departments, making it possible for the public to also utilize naloxone to save lives. The ADHS encourages individuals to get it without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:11:45-04:00March 21, 2024|Arizona|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. 

Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for March 8-14 (March 15)
Medi-Cal Rx Claim and Prior Authorization Request Submission Outage (March 14)
Adalimumab biosimilar HADLIMA™ (adalimumab-bwwd) Added to Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List on March 1, 2024 (March 8)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for March 1-7 (March 8)

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:   

Finally in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed Tyler Sadwith as State Medicaid Director at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). This is a long-awaited appointment to fill the second half of former Medicaid Director Jacey Cooper’s position. As a reminder, Sarah Brooks was appointed in December as Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs at DHCS. Before that, Jacey Cooper held that position and the State Medicaid Director role. Her role was bifurcated and now Tyler Sadwith holds the Medicaid Director role and Sarah Brooks maintains the Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs position.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:11:07-04:00March 21, 2024|California|

Delaware

On March 26, the Board of Pharmacy will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 am; virtual participation is available. The Legislative Committee will be meeting immediately prior to the Board meeting and discussing pharmacist’s “right to refuse” and flavoring prescriptions.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:10:20-04:00March 21, 2024|Delaware|

Florida

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) scheduled a hearing for Rule 59G-1.010, F.A.C., Definitions on April 3 from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

LOCATION:

Agency for Health Care Administration
   2727 Mahan Drive
    Building 3
    Tallahassee, FL 32308

A virtual option or call-in number will not be available for this meeting.

Official notice of the meeting published in Vol. 50/No. 50, of the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) on March 12, 2024. A copy of the notice may be found at: www.flrules.org

Please note that a preliminary draft of the reference material, if available, will be posted prior to the workshop on the AHCA Rules web page.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:09:51-04:00March 21, 2024|Florida|

Idaho

On March 18, Gov. Grad Little (R) signed HB 527,legislation putting into statute the current practices of pharmacy that were either part of rule or standard procedures, but not codified. This will give stability to the changes that have helped to expand access to pharmacy services in the state. 

Also in Idaho, HB 596, related to PBM (Pharmacy benefit managers) reform, was amended, and passed the Senate. It has been referred to the House Health & Welfare Committee for concurrence. This legislation would add new definitions; outline requirements that make contracts with pharmacies transparent and fair; require PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) to provide transparent pricing on drugs and require PBMs (Pharmacy benefit managers) to report to the Department of Insurance in a transparent way. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:09:13-04:00March 21, 2024|Idaho|

Kansas

The Board of Pharmacy is seeking pharmacist feedback by March 29 on the pharmacist’s use of the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Committee’s adopted 2023 Statewide Protocols for Influenza, Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Also in Kansas, the Board of Pharmacy reminded pharmacies that prescriptions should only be reported to K-TRACS after they are sold and picked up by the patient, mailed or sent out for delivery. Prescriptions that are filled but not yet sold or are placed on hold for future pickup should not be reported to K-TRACS until they have been sold and picked up by the patient. Information about submitting void and revised records is available in the K-TRACS Dispenser Guide for use by software vendors.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:08:41-04:00March 21, 2024|Kansas|

Kentucky

MedImpact recently issued communications to pharmacies regarding the State of Emergency Override and opportunities to reverse claims affected by the migration of Medicaid fee–for–service claims.

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

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:08:15-04:00March 21, 2024|Kentucky|

Louisiana

Two new final rules were published in the March 20 Louisiana Register, effective immediately. The PMP rule streamlines the CDS (controlled dangerous substance) license reinstatement process, updates the facility CDS license change of ownership procedures, and adds a new subsection to address changes to CDS license status. The Pharmacist Application rule removes the requirement to submit an application for initial pharmacist licensure to the Board at least 30 days prior to any examination.

Also in Louisiana, the 2024 regular session of the Louisiana legislature convened on March 11. The Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacies and NACDS’ top priority this session is to advance a PEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, filed by Rep. Wayne McMahen (R). The bill has been referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2024-03-21T12:07:32-04:00March 21, 2024|Louisiana|