In The States – Page 43 – Weekly news about states

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.

Erica Joyner2024-05-24T10:40:57-04:00May 24, 2024|Tennessee|

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.

Erica Joyner2024-05-24T10:39:58-04:00May 24, 2024|Texas|

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’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Erica Joyner2024-05-24T10:38:57-04:00May 24, 2024|Vermont|

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.

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:07:20-04:00May 16, 2024|Alabama|

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.

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:06:53-04:00May 16, 2024|Alaska|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy posted its recent newsletter.

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

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:06:25-04:00May 16, 2024|Arizona|

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.

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:05:57-04:00May 16, 2024|Arkansas|

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.

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:04:49-04:00May 16, 2024|California|

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.

Michael Silber2024-05-16T16:04:12-04:00May 16, 2024|Colorado|