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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
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.
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.