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Kentucky

The Medicaid Advisory Committee approved several motions suggested by the Pharmacy Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), that NACDS serves on, to improve access to pharmacy vaccines in the Medicaid program: 

  • A written communication will be delivered to pharmacies clarifying that, per the rule passed last year, enrollment in VFC (Vaccines for Children) program is not required and claims will be reimbursed. 
  • They will work with PTAC to change policy to allow pharmacies to bill for vaccines in Medicaid FFS (Fee-for-Service).  
  • They will work with PTAC on a statewide protocol for pharmacists to administer HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS) vaccines to increase adolescent vaccination rates. 

Members are encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions on these proposed policy changes with NACDS' Jill McCormack.  

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

January 12, 2024|Kentucky|

Louisiana

On January 7, Gov. Jeff Landry (R) was sworn into office, replacing former Gov. John Bel Edwards (D), who had reached his term limit. Ralph Abraham, MD, a physician, was appointed head of the Louisiana Department of Health. NACDS and our in-state partner, the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP), have requested a meeting. 

Also in Louisiana, the new Legislature elected last Fall was sworn in on January 8. Currently, Republicans hold a supermajority in both Houses. 

Also in Louisiana, NACDS' in-state partner, the Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacies (LARP), submitted a comment letter to the Board of Pharmacy at the December 28, 2023, public hearing raising concerns about a proposed rule on product integrity that implements temperature control measures for shipments of prescription drugs to patients. Specifically, the proposed rule change would require ALL home delivery medications, including room temperature medications, to be sent in temperature-controlled packaging from pharmacies to patients.  

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued an Informational Bulletin 23-22 to Medicaid providers reminding them that RSV vaccines that have been covered since August 3, 2023, must have the correct CPT codes 90380 and 90381.  

Finally in Louisiana, in late December 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the state plan amendment (SPA) to increase the dispensing fee for local pharmacies only from $10.99 to $11.81. The increased fee applies to Medicaid Fee-for-Service pharmacy claims and Medicaid Managed Care local pharmacy claims, retroactive to the date of service of October 1, 2023. 

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

January 12, 2024|Louisiana|

Maine

On January 4, the Maine Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting. The agenda included the following: 

  • Access to HIV Prevention Medications (PL 2021 Ch 265), including PEP and PrEP Protocols 
  • Access to Birth Control by Making Certain Contraception Accessible from a Pharmacist (PL 2023 Ch 115)  
  • Authorize Vaccine Administration by Pharmacy Technicians and Reduce Vaccine Administration Training Requirements for Pharmacists (PL 2023 Ch 245)  
  • Board Rule Chapter Amend Limits on Medication in Vending Machines (PL 2023 Ch 160)  
  • Pharmacists Dispense an Emergency Supply of Chronic Maintenance Drugs (PL 2023 Ch 566) – Update  
  • Telehealth Rulemaking Status – Update  

Also in Maine, on January 11, Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued a State of Emergency declaration. The State of the Civil Emergency will last one week, and the Governor will continue to evaluate its necessity daily. This declaration triggers the hazard pay provision for the City of Portland for those with operations within the city. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

January 12, 2024|Maine|

Maryland

The Board of Pharmacy final rule, COMAR 10.34.34, permitting Technician Product Verification (TPV) has been published and will be effective on January 28, 2024. You can find more details in the latest Board of Pharmacy newsletter. The rule allows TPV in both community and institution-based pharmacies. 

Also in Maryland, the Department of Health announced that, in accordance with Senate Bill 678/House Bill 1151, they will permit Medicaid-enrolled pharmacist providers to bill Maryland Medicaid for professional services rendered within their lawful scope of practice, effective January 1, 2024. They released guidance for MTM (Medication Therapy Management) and Tobacco Cessation services on transmittal # PT 29-24 and transmittal # PT 49-24. Medicaid-enrolled pharmacists can bill Maryland Medicaid using billing and coding information according to the CMS 1500 Billing Instructions (Revised September 2023). For other ordinary questions, please email mdh.pharmacistsprofservices@maryland.gov or visit Pharmacists Professional Services.  

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

January 12, 2024|Maryland|

Massachusetts

The Board of Pharmacy issued the following updates on January 11.  

  • Emergency Contraceptive (EC) Dispensing Report: Any EC dispensed pursuant to the standing order within a calendar year (January 1 – December 31) must be reported using the Annual Emergency Contraception Standing Order Report.  
  • Policy 2024-01 Naloxone Dispensing: Reviews the dispensing of over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone. 
  • Policy 2019-02 Automated Dispensing Device Use: Information for Hospice Inpatient Facility acute use was added.  
  • Policy 2018-01 Permitted Prescription Changes and Additions: Flavoring agent information was added. 
  • 247 CMR 22.00: Monetary Penalties: Draft Regulation.  

The Board also sent a reminder to community pharmacies that the Board regulations require all community pharmacies to provide non-sterile compounding services to their customers. It has come to the Board’s attention that some pharmacies have discontinued their non-sterile compounding services. The Board cited the two regulations below that require this practice to be available; see below. The Board urged any pharmacy that has any questions about these regulations to contact them. The Board is discussing the need for further Board guidance on this issue, which they expect to discuss at a future meeting. 

  • 247 CMR 6.02: Conditions for Continuing Registration and Operation of a Pharmacy or Pharmacy Department 
    • (4) The pharmacy or pharmacy department shall maintain on the premises at all times a sufficient variety and supply of medicinal chemicals and preparations which are necessary to compound and dispense commonly prescribed medications in accordance with the usual needs of the community. 
  • 247 CMR 9.01: Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Pharmacists, Pharmacies and Pharmacy Departments 
    • (16) A pharmacist shall not refuse to compound customary pharmaceutical preparations except upon extenuating circumstances.

Also in Massachusetts, on January 10, the Public Health Council voted to make permanent the current emergency regulations at 105 CMR 700.004 (15) that authorize pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain hormonal contraceptives. The Department of Public Health and the Council did not make any changes to the original emergency regulations. As a result, there will be no change to the current practice in this area.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

January 12, 2024|Massachusetts|

Michigan

The Department of Health and Human Services announced that due to scheduled maintenance, the File Transfer Service (FTS) portal will be unavailable on January 14 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm EST. They asked providers to refrain from submitting electronic files during this outage period. Billing agents or providers with additional questions can email AutomatedBilling@Michigan.gov for further assistance.

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

January 12, 2024|Michigan|

Missouri

Missouri became the final state in the country to implement a statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Its new online system allows healthcare professionals to track patients' drug histories in an electronic database. As per the new law passed two years ago, dentists, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals who dispense controlled substances will now be required to enter patient and prescription information into the database. 

Also in Missouri, the Department of Social Services (DSS) MO HealthNet Provider Bulletin Volume 46 Number 34 confirmed that starting November 29, 2023, authorized pharmacy providers can bill for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of Vaccines for Children (VFC) enrollment or participant age. Retail pharmacies can only bill if the prescribing provider is an enrolled MO HealthNet pharmacist. Other VFC vaccines must still be administered by a VFC provider. 

Finally in Missouri, MO HealthNet made changes to the Preferred Drug Listing for Insulin Agents effective January 9. 

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

January 12, 2024|Missouri|

Montana

On December 22, 2023, the Board of Pharmacy published a final rule (MAR 24-124-80) and adopted New Rule I (ARM 24.174.505, Pharmacist Prescribing: General Requirements) implementing SB (Senate Bill) 112 (Statute: 37-7-106, MCA, Pharmacist Prescribing Authority – exceptions), that allows for independent prescribing authority for pharmacists in limited situations. The new rule was adopted as proposed and became effective December 23, 2023. Additional information will be available soon on the Board’s webpage. 

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

January 12, 2024|Montana|

Nebraska

Effective January 1, 2024, Nebraska Total Care transitioned to Express Scripts as its PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager). Members have been provided with new member ID cards. If a pharmacist needs a member’s specific prescription processing information or other help with a claim, visit the Express Scripts Pharmacist Resource Center. If a pharmacist needs assistance processing a claim, call the Express Scripts Pharmacy Help Desk at 1-833-750-4471 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the Excel file of the fee schedule for Injectables January 1, 2024.  

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

January 12, 2024|Nebraska|

Nevada

The Board of Pharmacy is meeting on January 17-18 in Las Vegas and posted its agenda.  

Also in Nevada, more than 80 new laws went into effect on January 1. 

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

January 12, 2024|Nevada|

New York

NYRx, the New York Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, issued this update regarding the NYRx BLTG (Brand Less Than Generic) Program for Flovent® and Advair®.  

Also in New York, the Board of Pharmacy sent out two updates on January 2:  

  • The online Discontinuance Form discussed at the regular November meeting is now accessible to the public. Directions and further information regarding the online Discontinuance Form can be found online.  
  • The Board has finalized and posted the new Drug Retail Price list online.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

January 12, 2024|New York|

Oklahoma

The state filed a motion with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in PCMA v. Mulready asking the appellate court to stay the lower court’s enforcement of its original decision striking down the state’s PBM law, considering the state’s planned Supreme Court review of the appellate court’s refusal to overturn that lower court decision. While such a request is not often granted, a stay is needed to ensure the state can enforce its PBM laws while it petitions the Supreme Court for further review.

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

January 12, 2024|Oklahoma|

South Carolina

The Legislature convened on January 9. Legislation regarding reimbursement and scope issues that carried over from the 2023 session are expected to be heard during the 2024 session. 

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

January 12, 2024|South Carolina|

Tennessee

The Tennessee Nonresidential Buprenorphine Treatment Guidelines, providing details about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Tennessee, were recently updated following review by the Commissioners of TDMHSAS (Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services) and TDH (Department of Health).  

Also in Tennessee, the Department of Health released an article, "Racial Disparities in Adolescent Flu Immunization Rates," highlighting public health concerns as factors such as socioeconomic status, limited access to health care, mistrust of medical systems and systemic barriers disproportionately affect minority communities and their immunization coverage rates.  

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

January 12, 2024|Tennessee|

Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Mike McKinney, M.D., Golinda Erowele, PharmD, and Tony Schell to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board. McKinney will serve as the Chair of the Board tasked with developing a business plan to provide cost effective drugs and other medical supplies for the public employee sector. 

Also in Texas, the Governor reappointed two chain pharmacists, Rick Fernandez with Walgreens, and Julie Spier with Albertsons Companies to additional 6-year terms to the State Board of Pharmacy. Gov. Abbott also appointed two new members to the Board, Randy Martin, a pharmacist and clinical services manager at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, and public member Garrett Marquis, chief communications officer for the Bank of New York Mellon. 

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) alerted providers that beginning January 1, 2024, the managed care organization Amerigroup, began operating under a new name Wellpoint.  

Finally in Texas, the State Board of Pharmacy updated licensing and renewal fees effective January 1, 2024. Fees for pharmacists and pharmacies have increased, but there was no change to pharmacy technician fees. The Board of Pharmacy also established new fees for remote pharmacies. 

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

January 12, 2024|Texas|

Vermont

On January 11, the Department of Health released the following notice regarding increased RSV cases and its strain on the health system. Reports have been sent to the Department that pregnant patients have been turned away from pharmacies. The Department asked that pharmacies are aware that: 

  • Pregnant individuals are eligible for Abrysvo.  
    • If a particular pharmacy does not have Abrysvo, please refer the pregnant individual to a location that does have it.  
    • We have Immunization Registry (IMR) data showing that pharmacies are administering Abrysvo to women of childbearing age. The IMR does not collect pregnancy status.  
  • Adults 60 years of age and older are eligible and encouraged to receive either Arexvy or Abrysvo vaccine.  
    • IMR data shows that pharmacies are giving doses to older adults.        

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

January 12, 2024|Vermont|

Washington

The legislature convened on January 8. Lawmakers will need to agree to a supplemental budget.

Also in Washington, legislation to expand pharmacists' prescriptive authority was filed in both chambers. HB 2116 by Reps. My-LinhThai (D) and Vandana Slatter (D) was referred to the Health and Wellness Committee, and SB 6019 by Sen. Ron Muzzall (R) was referred to the Senate Health Long-Term Care Committee. 

Also in Washington, SB 5213 by Sen. Patty Kurderer (D), pharmacy's PBM reform bill, was carried over from the 2023 session. 

Also in Washington, in compliance with the Settlement Agreement in the case of National Association of Chain Drug Stores, et al., v. Health Care Authority (Washington State Court of Appeals No. 51489-3-II), the Health Care Authority (HCA) updated the professional dispensing fees for pharmacies and began issuing adjusted dispensing fee payments December 29, 2023. For more information regarding the updated professional dispensing fees for pharmacies and adjusted dispensing fee payments, the HCA provided a FAQ. Questions can be emailed to applehealthpharmacypolicy@hca.wa.gov. 

 Also in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) filed for Emergency Rulemaking to codify in rule the FDA's approval of certain naloxone hydrochloride nasal sprays as over the counter. The rule was effective immediately and will remain in effect for 120 days but will be refiled as needed while permanent rulemaking is in progress. 

Also in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) adopted rules on Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Remote Dispensing Sites implementing SSB 6086 (Chapter 244, Laws of 2020) allowing a pharmacy to extend its pharmacy license to a remote dispensing site where technology is used to dispense medications used for the treatment of OUD or its symptoms, effective January 18. 

Also in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) issued an FAQ in response to questions regarding health care entities (HCEs) and the 72-hour dispensing limitation.  

Finally in Washington, the five-member Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) that was enacted to reduce Rx costs to consumers issued its 2023 Annual Report. 

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

January 12, 2024|Washington|

Alaska

The Board of Pharmacy approved a training resource from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – Alaska Chapter for the prescribing and dispensing of epinephrine. 

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

December 15, 2023|Alaska|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed modifications to the following. To view all documents associated with these proposed regulatory actions and other pending regulations, visit the board’s “Pending Regulations” webpage.  

  • Designation of Pharmacist-in-Charge 
  • Temporary License for Military Spouses 
  • Modified Text 
  • 15-Day Comment Period: December 13, 2023-December 28, 2023 
  • Notice to Consumers 

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed Sarah Brooks, as Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Given the capacity to manage program growth and increased complexity of the programs, moving forward, the Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs and State Medicaid Director will be two separate roles. The Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs will focus on internal program implementation and operations in California’s health care programs, whereas the State Medicaid Director will focus on Medi-Cal policy development and relationships with its external partners, including the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Recruitment efforts are ongoing for a State Medicaid Director. 

Finally in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the launch of a new tool to continue the state’s efforts to fight the ongoing opioid crisis – a comprehensive website with resources for Californians: Opioids.CA.GOV. This website serves as a reliable source of information on prevention, data, treatment and support. Also, Californians can access information related to the state’s use of opioid settlement funds and efforts to hold drug-traffickers accountable.  

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

December 15, 2023|California|

Iowa

The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid posted the following:  

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

December 15, 2023|Iowa|

Louisiana

The Department of Health issued an informational bulletin on tobacco cessation counseling. 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) updated the available options to providers for pursuing resolution of issues with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) and the state's fee-for-service (FFS) claims processor, Gainwell Technologies. Unless explicitly notated, providers should first seek resolution with the MCO or Gainwell directly, prior to engaging LDH or other third parties. 

Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy is soliciting comments and holding a Public Hearing on December 28 on three proposed rule changes: 

  1. Regulatory Project 2023-09 ~ Product Integrity – (temperature control for mail order) 
  2. Regulatory Project 2023-10 ~ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)  
  3. Regulatory Project 2023-11 ~ Pharmacists Application 

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

December 15, 2023|Louisiana|
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