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Hawaii

On March 5, HB 2553, legislation expanding pharmacists' immunization authority for minors, passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate. 

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

March 8, 2024|Hawaii|

Illinois

Sent a notice to inform providers that, due to the continued prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is extending its coverage for Synagis (palivizumab) through March 31, 2024. This applies to customers covered under Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) or a managed care plan. Providers should contact the appropriate managed care plan for approval guidance.  

Due to the security breach and subsequent system outage at Change Healthcare, HFS' Pharmacy Benefits Management System (PBMS) for the FFS program, providers are unable to obtain prior approval. Providers billing on the 837 Professional claim format may submit their claims for Synagis without prior approval. Pharmacies are encouraged, in good faith, to continue to provide this medication as needed. Once the system is operational, HFS will make pharmacies whole and assist with claim submissions and provide any necessary overrides.  

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, or the appropriate managed care plan.  

Also in Illinois, HFS would like to thank our pharmacy partners who have been working tirelessly to ensure Medicaid customers receive their necessary medications. During this system outage, medications, including medications that normally require prior authorization, will not be subject to a post approval process. HFS will pay all clean claims submitted once the PBMS system is operational. Prescriptions filled in good faith will be paid in full as soon as the issue is resolved. HFS cannot provide an estimate on when the system issue will be resolved. 

We want to reiterate that pharmacies should continue to check eligibility, which they can do by checking one of the following resources: 

  • MEDI – www.myhfs.illinois.gov  
  • AVRS – 800-846-1461 
  • Recipient Eligibility Verification (REV) System 
  • During business hours, calling 800-252-8942 or 877-782-5565 Option 7 

Additionally, pharmacists should take particular care to consult with their patients regarding their current medications, and health and medication history to reduce the risk of adverse events.   

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565. 

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

March 8, 2024|Illinois|

Idaho

HB 527 passed the House and was assigned to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee where it was reported out of committee with “Do Pass Recommendation.” If enacted, this bill puts 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. 

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

March 8, 2024|Idaho|

Louisiana

A HIVPEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, was pre-filed by State Rep. Wayne McMahan (R). The bill is modeled after the 2023 Arkansas law (Act 314). 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued an Informational Bulletin 24-3:  updating the immunization fee schedule. 

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

March 8, 2024|Louisiana|

Maryland

The Maryland House and Government Operations Committee Subcommittee on Insurance and Pharmaceuticals met this week and advanced an amended version of HB 76, a bill that would expand pharmacists’ ability to immunize children. The negotiated amendment to the bill would allow pharmacies to provide COVID, flu and any vaccine available because of a public health emergency to children aged 3 and older, as well as all ACIP-recommended vaccines and travel vaccines to children 7 years of age and older. The bill was reported out of subcommittee with 3 negative votes. It now goes to the full House. 

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

March 8, 2024|Maryland|

New York

On March 5th, the NYRx Clinical Call Center reported that they are experiencing higher than normal call and fax volume. Prescribers should not send duplicate prior authorization (PA) requests to NYRx. Prescribers may experience a higher volume of requests for PA, but only one submission is necessary. Pharmacies should only request one PA for each member for each drug. Duplicate requests slow down the processing time at the NYRx Clinical Call Center. For more information, refer to NYRx Notice to Providers: Duplicate Prior Authorization Requests. To review how to submit a PA to NYRx, refer to the NYRx Prior Authorization Submission Guide. 

Enhancements have been made to the NYRx clinical criteria system editing. The clinical criteria have not changed and should be reviewed on the NYRx Preferred Drug List prior to obtaining a PA. Preferred products should be prescribed when clinically appropriate. In most cases, preferred products will not require a PA when prescribed according to FDA (FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION) labeling. To review NYRx preferred products only, refer to the NYRx Preferred Drug Quick List. 

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

March 8, 2024|New York|

Missouri

The House Health & Mental Health Committee held a hearing Monday on PBM reform legislation, HB 1627 by Rep. Dale Wright. More than 40 pharmacists showed up at the Capitol to voice their support. The theme of the day was “Enough is enough” with PBM abuses. Go to the Missouri Pharmacy Association’s (MPA) website for more information.

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

March 8, 2024|Missouri|

Oregon

On March 4, the Board of Pharmacy issued this temporary rule notice: 

This revised protocol permits pharmacists to provide an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose to adults ages 65 years and older in alignment with the recent recommendation of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP). 

Also on Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following temporary rule notice:  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently repealed the following rules at the Special February 23, 2024, Board Meeting: OAR 855-019-0270, OAR 855-019-0280, OAR 855-019-0290 and OAR 855-025-0024 related to Pharmacist/COPT/PT Administration of Vaccines (Effective February 29, 2024)  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rule at the February 2024 Board Meeting: OAR 855-115-0150 Pharmacist- Prohibited Practices (Effective March 1, 2024). Please note this rulemaking removes "Diagnosis" from the list of prohibited practices. 

Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the draft agenda for its next meeting on March 20. Please register in advance of the meeting.

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

March 8, 2024|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

The Board of Pharmacy’s proposed pharmacy technician registration regs were published on March 2 and are now before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the designated standing committees of the PA House and Senate for consideration. Comments are due to IRRC by April 1; after reviewing IRRC will provide any comments back to the BOP (Board of Pharmacy) by May 1. Members may submit comments to Jill McCormack by March 20.

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

March 8, 2024|Pennsylvania|

Tennessee

The Tennessee House Government Operations Committee met and voted on proposed Board of Pharmacy rules packets as the last step in the approval process. Several presented rules were approved, including those for the provision of ivermectin and accommodations for visually impaired patients, but the Committee disapproved the proposed rule 1140-07 Sterile Compounding. Rules pertaining to complying with USP recommendations will not be enforceable by TN inspectors on March 14 as originally anticipated; however, federal agencies still require compliance. TPA is working closely with the Department of Health on this issue and will share more details as they become available.

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

March 8, 2024|Tennessee|

Texas

Texas was one of 15 states who held their primary election contest on Super Tuesday. The ballot included President, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House seats, Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals Justices, district attorney's and sheriffs, all 150 Members of the Texas House of Representatives and 15 State Senate seats. The House races were dominated the headlines with border, school choice/vouchers, and the Articles of Impeachment that were brought by the Republican-controlled House against the sitting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Nine incumbents lost their seats, and nine incumbents are facing a primary runoff on May 28th.nIn fact, for the first time in more than 50 years, the Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan (R) has been forced into a runoff election. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) selected Gainwell Technologies as the pharmacy benefit administrator for the Texas Vendor Drug (VDP) Program. For pharmacies: 

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

March 8, 2024|Texas|

Utah

Effective February 25, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services adopted a rule implementing immunization requirements of Title 53G, Chapter 9. Part 3 Immunization Requirements. It establishes minimum immunization requirements for attendance at a public, private, elementary, or secondary school through grade 12, nursery school or kindergarten, licensed day care center, childcare facility, family home care or Head Start program in this state. Of note, pharmacists are among the licensed health care providers who may verify the administration of vaccines on any immunization record. (Utah State Bulletin 2024-03-01, p.92)

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

March 8, 2024|Utah|

Washington

Prior to the March 7th adjournment date, pharmacies priority legislation, the PBM reform bill E2SSB 5213, passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee (D) to be signed into law. 

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

March 8, 2024|Washington|

Wyoming

This week, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed HB 25, legislation requiring health insurers to respond to state inquiries within 60 days and prohibiting health insurers, including PBMs, from denying Medicaid payments, including a failure to obtain required prior authorization. 

Also in Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed an Executive Order creating the Wyoming Healthcare Workforce Task Force, a continuation of efforts to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in Wyoming and to look to the future needs of the state. Among its duties, the Task Force will develop recommendations to streamline the healthcare licensing process and develop strategies to better support Wyoming students pursuing healthcare certification and degree programs. The Wyoming Healthcare Task Force will include representatives from Wyoming healthcare licensing boards, including the Board of Pharmacy; the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges; Wyoming health insurance payors; state agency leadership; the Governor's office and other non-governmental and industry organizations.  

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

March 8, 2024|Wyoming|

Alabama

HB 238 (The FAIR Meds Act) was introduced in the House this week. The goal of this legislation is fairness and access. Please register with the VoterVoice Action Center to join the effort and keep up with the latest calls to action. 

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

March 1, 2024|Alabama|

Alaska

In advance of hearings in both the House Health and Social Services Committee on February 27 and the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on February 28, NACDS submitted a letter in support of HB 226/SB 121, broad PBM reform legislation.

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

March 1, 2024|Alaska|

Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) and the Department of Human Services announced the state will use $30 million from the American Rescue Fund Plan Act funds to improve mental health and substance abuse services.

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

March 1, 2024|Arkansas|

California

The Department of Public Health (CDPH) released its inaugural "California State of Public Health Report". The 2024 Summary Report utilizes multiple health measures and data sources to highlight major trends and disparities in health outcomes across the state. Although there have been major improvements in health and well-being over the past 20 years, California continues to strive to address issues through a myriad of initiatives including intervention at the earliest stages of life; prevention, especially primary prevention; upstream strategies to improve social determinants that create healthy conditions for all, with a priority focus on advancing health equity; and strengthening public health readiness and resiliency in the face of emerging threats and challenges such as climate change.  

Also in California, the Department of Public Health issued a summary report on the work of the AB 1341 Workgroup, created by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after he vetoed the bill in 2022. With a focus on the state's youth, this report summarizes policy recommendations from academic and medical experts related to educating and safeguarding the public against the potential risks associated with the use of dietary supplements for weight loss and over the counter (OTC) diet pills. It is unknown how this report may impact weight loss supplement legislation currently under consideration by the state legislature.   

Also in California, last week, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), State Board of Pharmacy President Seung Oh, and Department of Managed Health Care Director Mary Watanabe acted to reaffirm an individual's rights to contraceptive care in the state. Among the actions taken were alerts to all California pharmacies reminding them of their obligation under California law to provide minors access to emergency contraception and alerts to all State Board of Pharmacy licensees reminding licensees of their obligations under state law to provide minors with the ability to access emergency contraception without a prescription or parental consent.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed modifications to amend section 1760 of Title 16, Division 17, Article 5 of the state's Code of Regulations related to disciplinary guidelines; see details below. The 45-day comment period ends on April 12. To view all documents associated with the Board's proposed regulatory actions and other pending regulations, visit the board's "Pending Regulations" webpage.   

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted an alert, "National System Outage Impacting Prescription Drug Claims". (February 23) 

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

March 1, 2024|California|

Colorado

HB24-1045, legislation pharmacies support that expands access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), provides funding for startup and training in select locations and ensures fair payment for the medical services provided, passed the House Health and Human Services Committee, and was referred the House Finance Committee for a hearing on March 7. 

Also in Colorado, the state submitted an amended Canadian drug importation application to the FDA (FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION) this week which included a scaled-back list of twenty-four drugs it plans to import at a lower cost, including the new blockbuster weight loss drugs. 

Finally, the Colorado Pharmacists Society had a great turnout at the Day at the Capitol on February 28 to promote pro-pharmacy, patient care legislation. 

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

March 1, 2024|Colorado|

Georgia

The Board of Pharmacy released its latest newsletter which includes information regarding CE (continuing education) requirements for pharmacy technicians, a GDNA (Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency) update and President Michael Azzolin’s outgoing message.

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

March 1, 2024|Georgia|

Idaho

This week, HB 596, related to PBM reform, was reported out of the House Health and Welfare Committee with a “Do Pass Recommendation”. 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 to report to the Department of Insurance in a transparent way. 

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

March 1, 2024|Idaho|

Indiana

The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued Bulletin 202419 on adjustments and reprocessing claims for COVID-19 vaccines and administration codes.

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

March 1, 2024|Indiana|
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