Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has extended the deadline for the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) survey. The survey is being used to gather information about concerns, challenges, impacts, and opportunities related to the UPL process in Oregon. If you have not yet submitted a response, please do so by May 31. You can access the survey at the following location: https://mslc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39ijG1FM8LzFDMy
Please send any questions to the project team at PDAB@DCHB.Oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
On May 17, CMS approved Tennessee’s request to amend its Medicaid section 1115 demonstration, “TennCare III.” This amendment significantly changes its coverage and benefits, including eligibility for parents and caretaker relatives, introducing a new benefit to cover diapers for infants under the pharmacy benefit, enhancing home and community-based services (HCBS) focusing on employment supports and more. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association will work closely with TennCare leadership as the diaper program logistics are finalized.
Also in Tennessee, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association invites pharmacy teams to learn about the Department of Health (TDH) Health Trailblazers Initiative, a program aimed at enhancing the well-being of adult and perinatal populations by fostering vaccine confidence in clinical settings. This initiative seeks to build a collaborative network of healthcare providers dedicated to improving immunization practices and outcomes. Register now to join an informational session on May 28 from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm CT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
NACDS attended the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute’s Healthcare Policy Summit in Austin. Led by Republican Senators Pete Flores and Kelly Hancock and Representatives James Frank and Dr. Tom Oliverson, the program focused on exploring how to best expand the scope of practice for medical professionals to increase access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services for all Texans. Panelists Kevin Host with Walmart, Jay Bueche with HEB and Samatha Pickering with Walgreens, educated lawmakers and regulators on the value of pharmacists and pharmacies. A second panel addressed what steps legislators need to take to ease the regulatory burdens that drive up costs for consumers and employers.
Pictured left to right – Sen. Pete Flores (R), NACDS Chairman of the Board Kevin Host and Texas Rep. Dr. Tom Oliverson
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
On May 22, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The agenda included a legislative update, license review and an election for a new vice chair. The rules revisions the board has been working on will be sent soon to the Interagency Committee on Administrative Rules. The next meeting will be held June 24.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Alabama
The 2024 Legislative Session has adjourned. A Legislative Study Group is being developed over the summer to address the PBM issues in Alabama.
Also in Alabama, as a reminder, federal regulations require states to conduct a fingerprint-based criminal background check on providers or any person with five percent or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider who meets any of the criteria listed in the ALERT pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 455.450.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
HB 226D, comprehensive legislation pharmacies supported to ensure patient choice of pharmacy, improve transparency and accountability in pharmacy benefit management and enhance the standards for pharmaceutical care across the state, passed the legislature and was sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) to sign into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted its recent newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
On May 10, the Legislature adjourned its fiscal session sine die after adopting a $6.3 billion state budget.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Servies posted this alert "Medi-Cal Rx Provider Portal Troubleshooting and Support". Visit the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal to see a historical listing of alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletins.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the May 2024 issue of The Script.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 8.
Also in Colorado, SB24-168, legislation that requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to provide coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to Medicaid patients, passed both houses and will be sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law.
Finally in Colorado, HCPF's Substance Use Disorder Stakeholder newsletter has been posted online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Indiana
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) published the Monthly Medicaid Financial Report webpage to provide transparency and information about expenditure, enrollment, and funding data of the Indiana Medicaid program.
Also in Indiana, the Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued updates approved by the Drug Utilization Board in April.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid posted the following:
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2564-MC-FFS Avastin® (bevacizumab) Billing
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2575-MC-FFS Updated Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Codes
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2576-MC-FFS New Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program Codes
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2579-MC-FFS-D Change of Ownership (CHOW)
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2584-MC-FFS Pharmacy Cost of Dispensing Survey 2024
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2586-MC-FFS-D June 2024 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
The Board of Pharmacy's May newsletter is available online.
Also in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) reappointed Erick Axcell, PharmD, and Andy Truong, PharmD, to the Board of Pharmacy for an additional four-year term.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) requested the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) start a new project that will span six months, ending September 30, 2024, requiring each MCO to thoroughly review and make corrections to their network reporting to eliminate inaccurate or outdated information.
Also in Louisiana, the May 14 issue of Pharmacy Facts announced that beginning July 1, 2024, Louisiana Medicaid is revising the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL), shifting both brand and generic versions of these drugs to preferred status. With the implementation of the new PDL, prescribing providers are advised to note "brand name necessary" on prescriptions where they want to ensure pharmacies fill their prescriptions with brand name drugs. Absent this notation, individual pharmacists will make the decision on whether to fill the prescription with brand or generic drugs. The new PDL will be posted online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Missouri
MO HealthNet completed the annual review of the pharmacy preferred drug list and utilization management edits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its upcoming meeting on May 20.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Hampshire
On May 15, 2024, the New Hampshire Senate Committee on Health considered HB 1365, a bill relative to the substitution of biological products by pharmacies. The bill intends to allow for the substitution by a pharmacist of an interchangeable biological product for another interchangeable biological product. HB 1365 had been previously approved by the House. NACDS will remain engaged on this legislation.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
On May 15, 2024, the State Department of Health held its monthly NYRx, the Medicaid pharmacy benefit program, call for stakeholders in the pharmacy community. The agenda included a wrap up of the state budget, update to over-the-counter COVID-19 testing and pharmacy claims edit.
On May 15, 2024, A9729, a bill related to shared pharmacy services, was approved by the Assembly. Under the bill, "shared pharmacy services" means a system that allows a registered pharmacist or a registered pharmacy, pursuant to a request from another registered pharmacist or pharmacy to process or fill a prescription or order, pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Education. The bill now moves to the Senate where we expect action. NACDS will continue to advocate for the bill's passage.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Oregon
NACDS submitted comments to Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) urging it to consider NACDS reimbursement principles in any upper payment limits (UPL) methodology established by the PDAB. The letter urged the Board to ensure that pharmacies be paid no less than the UPL in addition to a professional dispensing fee. The Board has circulated a survey to pharmacies in the state requesting feedback on the UPL methodology and will be conducting a series of meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the feedback from the surveys.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 10 as required by South Carolina law. Per the sine die resolution, bills with conference committees appointed can meet to work on conference reports. NACDS' priority legislation, H. 3988 (PREP (Pre exposure Prophylaxis) codification) was amended in the Seante, but the House did not concur with Senate changes, sending the bill to conference committee. Assigned Conferees are Senators Cromer, Martin and Hutto and Representatives Mark Smith, Davis, and W. Jones.
Also in South Carolina, on May 8, the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) announced it will implement a single, state-directed pharmacy benefit preferred drug list (PDL) for all providers enrolled in the Healthy Connections Medicaid program. This change, which was announced in Medicaid bulletin MB# 24-016, is effective July 1, 2024.
As announced in MB# 24-016, SCDHHS will host two live provider training webinars on May 22 from 7:30 am-9:00 am and from 12:30 pm -2:00 pm. These provider training sessions will be geared toward prescribers and dispensers. The training will include subject matter expert panelists to answer questions about the transition to the single PDL.
Providers can register for the training webinars at this registration link. Providers can submit questions about the transition to the single PDL when registering for one of the webinars.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The Board of Pharmacy met on May 7 and provided several key regulatory insights:
- BOP CE (Continuing Education) Violations Policy has been updated on the website and will be effective July 1, 2024. The new policy clarifies disciplinary action procedures, including signing an Agreed Citation if found to be in violation of the policy.
- BOP has granted its Executive Director the authority to issue waivers for the rule requiring out-of-state pharmacists to be licensed for 12 months before being eligible for a state license.
- Licensing fees will increase across the board as the BOP works to resolve its budget.
- BOP will use the NABP form for conducting GAP analysis during compounding facility inspections. The updated form will be under "Applications" on the BOP website.
- BOP Town Hall on compounding rules will be August 21. A virtual meeting link will be created, and the public can also attend in-person at 665 Mainstream Drive in Nashville.
The next BOP Rules Review meeting will be held on June 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm CT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
NACDS met with Rep. Stephanie Klick (R), Chair of the House Public Health Committee, in her Ft. Worth district. The meeting in her district was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with Chair Klick thanking her for her leadership and support in promoting patient access to healthcare services. (Photo: Left to right: Mary Staples, NACDS – Cody Cribb & Stephanie McConnell, Walgreens – Texas State Rep. Stephanie Klick – Jill Lester & Jeff Loesch, Kroger).
Also in Texas, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores held a pharmacy advocacy training program and its quarterly meeting prioritizing chain pharmacy's 2025 legislative agenda.
Finally in Texas, Speaker Dade Phelan (R) announced the 2024 Interim Charges for the House of Representatives.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy posted its May 2024 newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) is extending the April 27 implementation of the Pharmacy Point of Sale (POS) Replacement system. The new targeted go live date is June 8.
Also in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) revised its Ancillary Utilization Plans and the Administration of Drugs and Devices guidance document to include pharmacy assistants with a technician in training endorsement that are enrolled in a commission-approved Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
The Executive Administrator of the Board of Pharmacy, Michael Bowles, provided additional guidance on the new regulations on Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) requirements, Indian Health Service (IHS) pharmacies and self-inspection forms.
- Self-inspection forms no longer need to be submitted to the board for renewals of pharmacies or any other facility type. Self-inspections still need to occur, but the form should be maintained at your pharmacy/facility and made available to the board upon request. The attestation mentioned in the regulation below is on the renewal applications.
12 AAC 52.300. LICENSE AND REGISTRATION RENEWAL.
(a) Pharmacy, remote pharmacy, wholesale drug distributor, outsourcing facility, third-party logistics provider, manufacturer, pharmacist, pharmacy technician and drug room licenses must be renewed biennially on or before a date set by the department.
(b) An applicant for renewal of a pharmacy, wholesale drug distributor, outsourcing facility, third-party logistics provider, manufacturer or drug room license must submit on or before the license expiration date
(3) an attestation that a self-inspection of the premises using the form provided by the department was completed within the last two years or since the last time the license was initially issued; the applicant must retain the self-inspection and make it available to the board upon request for the duration of the licensing period in which it was completed.
- The PIC of an Alaska licensed pharmacy located outside of Alaska is required to be licensed in Alaska and have an active Alaska Pharmacist license. This must be the actual PIC of the pharmacy, not a separate staff pharmacist/owner/etc. designated by the pharmacy as “the Alaska PIC.”
- Pharmacies under the IHS that hold an Alaska Pharmacy license must have an active Alaska Pharmacist license. The IHS exemption currently in place through May 18 does not extend to the PIC.
12 AAC 52.020. PHARMACY LICENSE.
(a) An applicant for a pharmacy license shall submit the items required in (b) of this section for review and approval by the executive administrator. An application that does not clearly demonstrate qualifications for licensure must be reviewed and approved by the board.
(b) An applicant for a pharmacy license shall submit
(1) a complete notarized application on a form provided by the department that includes
(F) the name, active Alaska license number and contact information for the pharmacist-in-charge.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.