In The States – Page 45 – Weekly news about states

Indiana

As the session nears the end, there are several key dates to keep in mind. All Senate bills must pass the House committees by February 27, and all House bills must pass the Senate committees by February 29.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:33:49-05:00February 23, 2024|Indiana|

Iowa

The Board of Pharmacy published ARC 7632C as a Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 10, “Controlled Substances”. The proposed amendments would temporarily add nine substances to Schedule I and one substance to Schedule IV of the Iowa Controlled Substances Act in response to similar scheduling action taken by the DEA. Comments may be submitted until 4:30 pm on March 12.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:33:18-05:00February 23, 2024|Iowa|

Maine

On February 22, MaineCare announced it is experiencing intermittent network issues processing claims due to Change Healthcare network interruption. As a result, if a pharmacy experiences issues with claims, MaineCare advises to follow routine offline claims processing procedures.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:32:51-05:00February 23, 2024|Maine|

Massachusetts

The Board of Pharmacy updated its standing order regarding Naloxone. Pharmacists and other pharmacy licensees may administer naloxone to someone appearing to be experiencing an opioid-related overdose and will not be subject to criminal or civil liability or any professional disciplinary action in accordance with state law.

Also in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health (DPH) proposed changes to 105 CMR 222 which regulates the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS). The changes will:

Expand the application of the MIIS regulations to also cover authorized recipients of the information transmitted through the system in addition to health care providers. DPH is authorized to designate other appropriate users of the MIIS.
Shorten the time timeframe for healthcare providers to report all new immunizations through the system from 7 days to within 72 hours (3 days) of immunization administration.
Add the following new information about the recipient that must be transmitted: the recipient’s sex, gender, race, ethnicity and preferred language.
Authorize an immunization recipient’s legally authorized representative to object to the sharing of a patient’s immunization information.
Add a definition of “Authorized Recipient” to include an individual or agency that the DPH may release immunization information to for specified purposes without further consent from immunization recipients or their legal authorized representatives. An authorized recipient may not access the MIIS until they register as an authorized user.
Authorize the Department to enter into collaborative agreements with other states for the purposes of exchanging immunization information.

Comment deadline is March 15.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:32:19-05:00February 23, 2024|Massachusetts|

Michigan

Legislation introduced last week as HB 5435 and HB 5436 would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal birth control to patients. The companion bill would require insurers to reimburse pharmacies for the prescription and consultation or other ancillary services including testing. It also requires that the insurer allow the pharmacy to bill the items and services under a service code at adjudication of the prescription claim.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:31:40-05:00February 23, 2024|Michigan|

Minnesota

The Senate Health Committee held a hearing on SF 1176 this week. The bill would update the state’s Pharmacy Practice Act to match the PREP Act’s immunization authority for pharmacists and technicians and clarify pharmacists’ ability to order CLIA-waived tests. Although the medical community testified in opposition, the committee appeared supportive of the bill and held it over for potential inclusion in the health omnibus bill package. A recording of the hearing is available online.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:31:01-05:00February 23, 2024|Minnesota|

Nebraska

The following bills are scheduled for hearing in the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee on February 27:

LB 990: legislation banning PBMs from restricting an enrollee’s ability to choose how a retail community pharmacy may dispense or deliver prescription drugs and clarifies that “reasonable terms” between PBMs and specialty pharmacies cannot exceed reporting requirements and performance requirements that are required for a nationally recognized independent accrediting organization among its various provisions.
LB 1232: legislation banning PBMs from reimbursing pharmacists or pharmacies for a drug at a lower rate than the cost required to dispense the drug.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:30:27-05:00February 23, 2024|Nebraska|

New Mexico

On behalf of our members operating pharmacies throughout the state, NACDS sent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) a letter regarding our concerns with HB 165 that was sent to her to be signed into law.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:29:49-05:00February 23, 2024|New Mexico|

New York

On February 21, NYRx, the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, held its monthly pharmacy sector meeting. On the agenda were the following:

AIDS Institute – HCV (hepatitis C virus) drugs & test to treat model.
1. DOH (Department of Health) asked the following of pharmacies:
  1. Does your pharmacy stock hepatitis C medications? How long does it take to get in stock?
  2. How can we get medications in the client’s hands more quickly?
  3. How can providers build collaborations with their local pharmacies to ensure timely access to hepatitis C medications?
  4. How have you worked with hepatitis C providers in your community?
  5. Feedback can be shared with Colleen Flanigan (colleen.flanigan@health.ny.gov)

OMIG (Office of the Medicaid Inspector General) Pharmacy Audit Protocols.
1. OMIG utilizes a stakeholder process for updated regulations that includes feedback from DOH and professional associations. OMIG reviews and considers all comments that are submitted before issuing a revised protocol set.
2. Bill Schwarz with OMIG added that updated protocols are in development. Feedback may be shared at information@omig.ny.gov.

Bureau of Medical Review – Incontinence Supplies.
1. Incontinence products claims have doubled since 2019 and require a valid diagnosis code that directly relates to incontinence for reimbursement.
2. Incontinence products info can be found in the DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies) Procedure Manual.
3. Starting in April, the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Procedure Manual will be updated with a separate pharmacy manual. DMPOS Procedure Manual will contain everything that Managed Care Plans are still responsible for.
4. Questions: OHIPMedPA@health.ny.gov (1-800-342-3005)

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

Michael Silber2024-02-23T10:29:18-05:00February 23, 2024|New York|