In The States – Page 370 – Weekly news about states

Pennsylvania

The Wolf Administration’s Opioid Command Center sent a letter to pharmacies regarding its Stop Overdoses in PA: Get Help Now outreach campaign that will take place the week of December 10. Specifically, they want pharmacies to be aware they may see an increase in the number of persons seeking naloxone and request that pharmacies adjust stock accordingly. Additionally, they ask pharmacies to educate pharmacists on the Department of Health’s standing order.

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

Karen White2018-11-16T08:39:49-05:00November 8, 2018|Pennsylvania|

California

Pharmacies installing or discontinuing drug take-back collection receptacles can now electronically notify the Board of Pharmacy. Requirements for drug take-back services, including collection receptacles and mail-back envelopes, are in California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Article 9.1.

Also in California…The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced plans to implement a new Medi-Cal fee-for-service cost-based reimbursement methodology in late 2018. After system implementation, DHCS intends to make retroactive adjustments for all claims with dates of service between April 1, 2017, and the date of system implementation.

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

Karen White2018-11-07T09:44:43-05:00November 1, 2018|California|

Idaho

The Idaho Immunization Coalition is conducting an educational adult immunization workshop on Wednesday, December 5 for healthcare professionals that will offer Continuing Education credits. This is a great opportunity for pharmacists and immunizing pharmacy technicians to attend an interdisciplinary event that delivers a clear message advocating for adult immunizations. Pharmacies have seen an increased role in providing adult immunizations and this workshop will discuss some of the common barriers encountered in the community setting. Additional information and online registration are available now.

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

Karen White2018-11-07T09:41:59-05:00November 1, 2018|Idaho|

Iowa

CMS approved the State Plan Amendment (SPA) to increase the professional dispensing fee from $10.02 to $10.07 effective November 1. State statute requires a cost of dispensing survey every two years. $10.07 reflects the results of the 2018 survey. More information can be found in the Department of Human Services’ Informational Letter No. 1959-MC-FFS.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Karen White2018-11-07T09:38:32-05:00November 1, 2018|Iowa|

Louisiana

Effective October 24, Medicaid fee-for-service set a quantity limit on epinephrine injections at four boxes of two syringes (eight syringes total) per rolling 365 days. The Department of Health also announced that due to the current shortage of certain products, the prior authorizations will be automatically approved.

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

Karen White2018-11-07T09:35:28-05:00November 1, 2018|Louisiana|

Texas

On October 30, NACDS, in partnership with seven pharmacy groups in Texas, hosted a Pharmacy Advocacy Training Day at the Capitol. The purpose of the meeting was to educate pharmacists on how to discuss issues with legislators and staff. The Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy Allison Benz welcomed the 65 chain and independent pharmacists, encouraging them to be active in their various associations, and to engage both at the Capitol and the Board of Pharmacy meetings. A Senior Advisor for Gov. Greg Abbott (R) applauded the pharmacy groups for coming to the Capitol united on certain issues. Media pundits from the Quorum Report and Texas Tribune shared insights on Texas politics and the Speaker of the House’s race. Rep. Donna Howard (D) and Rep. Drew Darby’s (R) Chief of Staff offered advice on how to present issues to legislators and staff. Prior to the afternoon group meetings scheduled with 78 legislative offices, pharmacists engaged in role playing activities to hone their skills.

Also in Texas…The Health and Human Services Commission Vendor Drug Program (VDP) announced that they expanded the age range for optional coverage of the flu vaccine through the pharmacy benefit as of October 19. With this change, plans have the option to allow pharmacies to bill for flu vaccines provided to beneficiaries ages seven years and older in a pharmacy setting.

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

Karen White2018-11-07T09:31:19-05:00November 1, 2018|Texas|

Alabama

Effective Thursday, November 1, the Medicaid Agency will begin implementing limits on short-acting opiates for opioid naíve recipients. Details are available on the website. Also, the override form and criteria have been posted. Additionally, prescribers and pharmacists may access the printable Recipient Information Sheet online.

Karen White2018-10-26T10:33:51-04:00October 25, 2018|Alabama|

Georgia

Gov. Nathan Deal (R) called a special session of the legislature on Tuesday, November 13 to take immediate action and lead the way in spurring economic recovery after the heavy damage caused by Hurricane Michael.

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

Karen White2018-10-26T10:31:46-04:00October 25, 2018|Georgia|

Kansas

The Board of Pharmacy’s Technician Task Force will submit language to the Board recommending increasing the current 3:1 pharmacy technician to pharmacist ratio to 6:1 provided half the technicians are certified.

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

Karen White2018-10-26T10:28:45-04:00October 25, 2018|Kansas|