Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy is meeting online on February 15. Anyone wanting to attend the Zoom meeting must register. Here are the agenda and public meeting packet.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
On January 30, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services recommended SB 1085 "do pass" with a vote of 6-1. This bill would authorize pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza, COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses and to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist. It also prohibits a health insurer from denying reimbursement for any test, screening or treatment that is within the scope of the pharmacist's license and would be covered, if otherwise performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced a state’s revenue surplus of $231.2 million at the end of January 2024.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
On February 6, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 339 (Chapter 1, Statutes of 2024), which broadens existing pharmacist authority to provide HIV prevention services and secures payment for the provision of pharmacy-provided HIV prevention services. This was the first bill of the year to be signed by the governor.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- State of Emergency Override Activation: Submission Clarification Code 13 (February 8)
- Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal Prior Authorization Submission Outage (February 7)
- Error Notification: Omission of the Prior Authorization Form for Notice of Action Letters Mailed Between November 26, 2023, and December 26, 2023 (February 5)
- Rite Aid Closure in Needles, CA (February 2)
- State of Emergency Override Activation: Submission Clarification Code 13 (February 2)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 26-February 1 (February 2)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
This notice serves to inform providers that Medicaid coverage for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, for pregnant customers, 32-36 weeks, will end January 31, 2024, in accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.
To prevent and protect high risk children from RSV at the tail-end of the season, coverage for monoclonal antibodies, Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) and Synagis (Palivizumab), will be continued at least until the end of February this year with plans to reevaluate RSV incidence and hospitalizations before coverage is ended.
Abrysvo or Arexvy will remain available for Medicaid customers aged 60 years and over through the pharmacy point-of-sale and medical billing without a prior authorization.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 for fee-for-service (FFS) claims or the appropriate managed care organization (MCO).
Also in Illinois, the Department of Health and Family Services will review the following classes for the April 11 Drug and Therapeutics (D and T) Advisory Board meeting:
- Antiasthmatics-Adrenergic Combination Inhalers
- Antiasthmatics-Anticholinergic Inhalers
- Antiasthmatics-Beta Adrenergic Inhalers
- Antiasthmatics-Steroid Inhalers
All clinical and financial submissions are due to the Department by 3:00 pm CST on March 21. Submissions should be sent to: HFS.SupplementalRebaleProgram@illinois.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
More than 200 pharmacists, students and pharmacy technicians participated in the Indiana Pharmacy Association's annual Legislative Day at the Capitol that NACDS sponsored. Attendees were briefed on the priority issues before their meetings with state legislators.
Also in Indiana, HB 1327 passed the House by a vote of 93-4 and was referred to the Senate for further action.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations began reimbursing pharmacies for blood clotting factor products administered in an outpatient setting as a pharmacy benefit on February 1, 2024.
Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy's quarterly meeting is in Baton Rouge on February 20 and 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
This week, the House unanimously passed HB 274, a bill that would allow pharmacies to administer ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) vaccines to children aged 5 years and older. The bill also removes the current vaccine prescription requirement for children. The Kentucky Medical Association stood down following negotiations that raised the age from 3 years to 5 years. The bill now goes to the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) updated instructions for pharmacies to file PBM complaints on its PBM website. As a reminder, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Licensure and Regulation Act, PA 11 of 2022, took effect on January 1, 2024. This law introduces new licensing obligations and regulatory standards for PBMs operating in the state.
Also in Michigan: The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is soliciting comments from the public on the Michigan Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary, which applies to pharmacy claims paid by Medicaid managed care organizations. The public may submit comments on the drugs included or not included on the Common Formulary, new drug products, prior authorization criteria, step therapy criteria and other topics related to drug coverage under the Common Formulary. Comments should be sent to formulary analyst Linda Van Camp by March 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
MO HealthNet, Medicaid, is conducting a survey regarding the implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act's prescription drug monitoring program mandate.
Also in Missouri, pharmacy technician renewals e-mail address and address changes should be submitted to the Board by February 15. Submit either online, by fax (573-526-3464) or by email to https://pr.mo.gov/pharmacists-coa.asp. Name changes require a copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree or driver's license.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services uploaded the February 7 COVID-19 Provider Meeting Recording. The next call will be held on March 6 at 12:00 noon (Central).
Join from the meeting link:
https://sonvideo.webex.com/sonvideo/j.php?MTID=mc307e2dda218d1060adfed7f454cfc16
Join by phone:
408-418-9388 (access code: 2480 661 3098 )
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
On February 6, the Department of Financial Services posted updated, proposed regulations on PBMs. NACDS is reviewing the regulations and will get analysis out to members as soon as possible.
Also in New York, NACDS will be participating in the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State lobby day on February 13 in Albany. On the agenda is advocacy for test and treat legislation, budget sections that impact Medicaid reporting, inspector general audit rules and other scope expansion.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
On February 1, 2024, the Board of Pharmacy proposed Notice of Text for new administrative rules concerning emergency closures of pharmacies due to staffing shortages or other issues. Please see Pages 972-973 (PDF Pages 22-23) of the North Carolina Register, Volume 38, Issue 15. The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy will hold a Public Hearing on March 12 at 9:30 am at the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and will accept written comments until April 1. Written comments may be submitted to Jay Campbell, 6015 Farrington Rd Ste 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 or by email to ncboprulemaking@ncbop.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The 2nd Regular Session of the 59th Legislature convened at 12:00 noon on February 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the agenda for its next meeting on February 21. Ozempic, Trulicity and Shingrix are listed on the agenda for affordability review. Please register in advance of the meeting.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its special board meeting on February 23.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
SB 1000, legislation to strengthen and further regulate Medicaid Managed Care PBMs was introduced by Senators Judy Ward (R) and Tina Tartaglione (D). The legislation got further momentum this week when Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) delivered his budget address and expressed the need to further regulate PBMs: "Drug companies keep raising prices, but we often don't know why, because the middlemen negotiating those drug prices between your health insurance company and drug manufacturers don't have to report enough information to the Insurance Department. Those middlemen are called Pharmacy Benefit Managers – or PBMs – and they have made record profits on the backs of Pennsylvanians. It's time to reform the operation of PBMs. We're doing our part – we need legislation to go further." NACDS assisted in-state partners in drafting the bill and is working with them to advance it.
Also in Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services (DHS) issued MA Bulletin 01-24-03, updating the prior authorization process for opioid use disorder treatments.
Finally in Pennsylvania, the state released an urgent bulletin stating that the Pharmacy Naloxone Copay Assistance program has been suspended due to funding issues but also indicated that it is seeking a solution.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a May 4 special election to serve the remainder of former Sen. John Whitmire's (D) term.
Also in Texas, the Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board held a meeting on February 9.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
The Department of Health (DOH) contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey to evaluate the cost of dispensing prescription medications in the state. The DOH scheduled a webinar on February 9 at 10:30 am AKST to discuss dispensing cost survey objectives and solicit feedback on the survey tool. If you are interested in participating, contact Matt Hill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
This week, NACDS submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services for SB 1085, authorizing pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza, COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses and to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist. It also prohibits a health insurer from denying reimbursement for any test, screening or treatment that is within the scope of the pharmacist's license and would be covered, if otherwise performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
AB 82, legislation establishing an age limit on select dietary supplements for weight loss or over-the-counter diet pills with penalties for violation, passed the Assembly. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health to develop a notice that retail establishments must post.
Also in California, NACDS submitted a letter of support to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) urging enactment of California SB 339, which broadens existing pharmacist authority to provide HIV prevention services and secures payment for the provision of pharmacy-provided HIV prevention services.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for the full board meeting on February 8. The board will discuss and potentially act on proposed rules related to the pharmacist-in-charge designation, the opioid antagonist protocol and continuing education.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- Upcoming Transitions for Medi-Cal Rx Applications (February 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for February (February 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List (February 1)
- Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Reimbursable Physician Administered Drugs (February 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (February 1)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Connecticut
The Commission of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting on January 31. Several licenses and disciplinary actions were considered; no policy decisions were on the agenda.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Delaware
On January 31, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The Board continued the following unfinished business from last year:
- Pharmacists Dispensing and Administering Contraceptives Regulation Draft Update
- Pharmacists Well-Being Index
- Board of Pharmacy Act Revisions
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Hawaii
On January 31, the House Committee on Health and Homelessness recommended that HB 2553, legislation relate to expansion of pharmacist immunization authority, be passed with amendments by a vote of 7-1. The bill would also expand the authority of pharmacy interns and technicians under the supervision of a pharmacist to administer vaccinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) submitted a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to change the methodology by which HFS will reimburse providers for costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
The next PBM Monitoring Advisory Council meeting, on which NACDS has a designated seat in statute, will be meeting on February 7 at 10:30 am at the Department of Insurance offices in Baton Rouge.
Also in Louisiana, the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Council, on which NACDS has a designated seat in statute, will be meeting February 7 at 1:30 pm at the Board of Pharmacy office.
Finally in Louisiana, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) updated the reimbursement methodology for clotting factor products effective on February 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.