New York
NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, announced updates to the Preferred Drug List. These changes were effective May 29.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Oklahoma
SB 232, legislation that will allow pharmacists to screen and treat for minor ailments and other conditions, dispense hormonal contraceptives without a prescription and increase the pharmacy technician ratio from two to three, was sent to a House/Senate conference committee on May 28 to work out the differences. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn its regular session by 5:00 pm on May 31.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the May 2024 newsletter with updates on the 2024 legislative session and rulemaking.
Also in Oregon, Emma Sandoe, PhD, MPH, has been appointed as the permanent director of Oregon’s Medicaid program, effective July 24. Since 2019, Dr. Sandoe has served in North Carolina’s Medicaid program most recently as the Deputy Director of Medicaid Policy.
Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking licensed pharmacists, physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to serve as subject matter experts (SMEs) for the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee. The board utilizes SMEs to develop and revise protocols in the Protocol Compendium per OAR 855-115-0345. SMEs will be selected using an application process to ensure representation of diverse practice settings. If you would like to serve as a SME for the PHPFAC, please complete the online form by June 5; scroll down the webpage to access the online volunteer form. Individuals selected will receive confirmation by June 21. Note: Current SMEs, please complete and submit the form so that the board has your current contact information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will cover, for a limited time, imported benzathine benzylpenicillin (Extencilline) for use in outpatient medical drug claims when billed with HCPCS code J0561 and at an outpatient pharmacy (point-of-sale). This policy change to provide temporary coverage is to address the ongoing shortage of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension). A letter with important prescribing information for Extencilline has been provided to healthcare providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Despite strong opposition from employer groups and insurance brokers speaking out against any PBM enforcement, new proposed rules by the Department of Commerce and Insurance which will enact Public Chapter 998 and allow Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to audit PBMs were approved by the Government Operations joint committee and will take effect on June 25, 2024. Thank you to Tennessee Pharmacy Association (TPA) CEO Anthony Pudlo, who testified before the Joint Government Operations Committee in support of these rules.
Also in Tennessee, if you would you like to serve on TPA’s new Specialty Pharmacy Committee, please complete this form to express your interest. The Committee Chair will make committee appointments in the coming weeks, so please respond soon.
Finally in Tennessee, TPA is looking for Champion Advocates across the state to build relationships with their elected officials and help identify physicians who may advocate for the pharmacy profession. Sign up to become a TPA Champion Advocate!
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
On May 28, Texans returned to the polls for runoff elections to decide which Democratic and Republican nominees will be on the November ballot as several races failed to receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary election in March. There were eight US Congressional races, one of which is too close to call with only an 8-vote difference between the two Republican candidates vying for CD 35. In the State Senate, there were two open seats due to one retirement and one running for another office. The State House of Representatives will look much different in 2025, with nine incumbents losing in the March primaries, and seven more incumbents losing their runoffs on May 28. Of the eight Republican incumbents forced into a runoff, only Speaker Dade Phelan (R) and Dr. Gary VanDeaver (R) won their races. The chair of the House Public Health Committee and good friend of pharmacy, Stephanie Klick (R), lost her race.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) issued Executive Order 2024-03 “Protecting Reproductive Freedom Through Increased Access to Contraception.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
This week, SB 966 (Wiener) passed the Senate floor with a vote 39-0-1. SB 966 includes provisions that would prohibit the use of “spread pricing”. The bill would also provide other vital reforms, including requiring 100% pass-through of manufacturer rebates to plan sponsors to keep patient premiums low, prohibiting the steering of patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies and requiring PBMs to obtain a license to operate in the state.
Also in California, SB 1365, legislation increasing the pharmacist to pharmacy technician to 1:4, was placed on the suspense file by the Senate Appropriations Committee and, subsequently, held in committee.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alert and weekly report on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
Also in California, as a reminder, this will be the final opportunity to attest for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. For details, review “Pharmacy Provider Dispensing Fee Self-Attestation”. All attestations must be received by May 31 to be accepted. Attestations will not be accepted after closing on May 31; there are no exceptions.
Also in California, the Medi-Cal Rx Diagnosis Crosswalk Navigation, video and the Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement – Implementation of Reject Code 80 video have been published.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed HB 7072, the Tax Package for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The package provides $1.07 billion dollars in tax relief and includes several sales tax holidays that provide Floridians with substantial sales tax relief.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.