South Carolina
The City of Columbia is launching a pilot program to address food deserts through subsidized delivery of groceries in certain parts of the city to eligible residents. The pilot is limited to Instacart delivery service and those retailers who operate on that platform; however, the goal of the city is to expand the program after the pilot to include more retailers and delivery services. For more information on the program, click here.
Also in South Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services will operate on an updated schedule for Healthy Connections Medicaid claims submission and payments to accommodate the November 2023 state holiday schedule. Due to observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, November 17 at 5:00 pm is the deadline to submit claims for payment date November 24. Payments will run November 20 and electronic remittance advice will be available November 21. Payments will be dated November 24, as usual. The schedule will return to the normal payment cycle on the payment date December 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Effective November 1, BD is the sole preferred manufacturer of insulin syringes and pen needles. Please refer to the OTC list for a list of covered NDCs. The updated OTC list, including covered NDCs, was posted to the Optum Rx TennCare website on November 1, 2023. Please refer to the November Provider Notice and contact TNRxEducation@optum.com with any questions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its November 1-2 Board Meeting. Please note the committee reports, particularly Enforcement & Compounding with respect to legislation recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and the Licensing Committee meeting items, e.g., remote processing, ratio, CLIA-waived tests, and central fill pharmacies.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the alert about the quantity limit restrictions for certain continuous glucose monitoring devices.
- Reminder: Reject Code 76 Point-of-Sale Messaging (October 25)
- Reminder: Quantity Limit Restrictions for Common Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices (October 24)
- Medi-Cal Rx Provider Prior Authorization Submission Processing – System Issue Resolved (October 23)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for October 13-19 (October 20)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (October 20)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Georgia
The House Rural Development Council, chaired by Rep. Gerald Greene (R), met this week, and heard comments from Michael Power, the Senior Director for State Government Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association on PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) and their role in drug spending. A recording of the meeting has been posted online.
Also in Georgia, the Board of Pharmacy has voted to initiate a public comment period for proposed changes to the Remote Prescription Drug Order Processing Rules (Rule 480-36-.01 and Rule 480-36-.07). The changes posted for public comment include the following. These changes will undergo a 30-day public comment period and are expected to be officially approved by the Board in December
- Removing Rule 480-36-.07: This removes the requirement for notifying patients when utilizing remote prescription drug order processing.
- Modifying Rule 480-36-.01: The final sentence that restricted the number of secondary remote entry pharmacists assisting the primary dispensing pharmacy has been struck.
Finally in Georgia, the Board of Pharmacy has provided clarification regarding the administration of the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine. They have confirmed that it can be administered in accordance with the statute, as it is now included in the recent update of the adult immunization schedule appendix.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services is currently offering several new behavioral health courses through its Provider Assistance and Training Hub (PATH). All courses are open for registration in the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center (MTAC) Learning Center. Create or sign into your MTAC account at https://go.uillinois.edu/MTAC to access all available training courses. For training questions, please contact PATH-BH@illinois.edu. For questions about the MTAC Learning Management system, please reach out to omi.training@uillinois.edu.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) is looking to host a statewide Veteran's Day Event November 10-12. Its goal is to give away 1,500-2,000 bags of groceries to Black Veterans throughout the state. To date, they have secured a donation of 500 bags of groceries and are trying to secure 1,000-1,500 additional. They say gift cards would be helpful as well. The groceries would be distributed throughout the state but particularly East St. Louis, Peoria, Champaign, Chicago (south and west sides) and the south suburbs of Chicago/Will County. If you are interested in supporting this event, please contact Tiffany Hightower, the Executive Director of the ILBCF at executivedirector@ilbcf.org or 773-896-6805.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) posted Bulletin # BT2023138 regarding reprocessing claims for certain glucose monitor procedure codes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Massachusetts
On October 26, the Senate unanimously passed SB (Senate Bill) 2480 which will authorize pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevention drugs according to Department of Public Health and FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regulations and guidelines. The patient must prove they are HIV negative. The pharmacists may order an HIV test prior to prescribing and dispensing if the patient cannot provide proof of a negative HIV test. The pharmacist shall notify the patient that they will be required to be seen by a primary care provider to receive subsequent prescriptions for pre-exposure prophylaxis. A pharmacist shall not furnish a 60-day supply of pre-exposure prophylaxis to a single patient more than once every two years. The pharmacist shall notify the patient's primary care provider following the dispensing of the drug and provide the patient with a list of local providers if the patient is not under the care of a provider. This bill will now be referred to the House of Representative for its consideration. As was the case last session, this bill will be referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing from where it can be considered as a stand-alone bill or as part of the debate on a comprehensive healthcare reform bill which we expect to begin in the Senate soon.
The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy posted it's agenda for the November 2 meeting. Three policies are on the agenda as follows:
- Policy 14-02: Board Delegated Review (BDR): The "unknown loss protocol" was removed from the policy since the Board voted for a new "controlled substance loss protocol" at the October meeting. Also added was the ability for BDR to issue a reprimand for the loss of less than #100 units of a Schedule II controlled substance.
- Policy 2021-04: Continuing Education (CE) Requirements for Pharmacists: Details for the required pain management training for collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) pharmacists were added to the CE policy. With this addition, we request that the advisory titled "Pain Management Training for CDTM Pharmacists" be rescinded.
- Policy 2023-01: Compliance Packaging and Reusable Dose Planners: The change to this policy allows Schedule II and III maintenance medications to be placed in multidrug-single-dose compliance packages.
MassHealth posted its October monthly bulletin that announced the start dates for enforcing the ordering, referring, and prescribing (ORP) requirements. Except the information in this bulletin, all information in APB 361 and APB 376 remains in effect. Due to necessary system updates, the start date to enforce the requirement that claims processed by the Pharmacy Online Processing System (POPS) must include a prescriber who is actively enrolled with MassHealth will be delayed. This requirement will be enforced for service dates on or after May 1, 2024. Pharmacies should continue reviewing informational messages related to this requirement to avoid ORP-related denials when enforcement takes effect.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice of proposed policy regarding Documenting Beneficiary Consent Authorizing Automatic Refills of Prescribed Pharmacy Products. Comments are due to MDHHS (Michigan, the Department of Health, and Human Services) (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) on November 7, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
The Department of Health (MDH) has posted updated information regarding the expansion of prescription drug transparency data under Chapter 70 passed in 2023. The law requires wholesalers, PBMs and pharmacies to report pricing data on drugs of significant public interest in 2024. MDH is developing an online reporting portal for the new stream. Pharmacies will be required to register. The department will release draft guidance in late 2023 for public comment, prior to finalizing the guidance in early 2024. The department is also preparing to release the first list of drugs requiring reporting by January 31, 2024. Pharmacies interested in receiving announcements on prescription drug price transparency may subscribe to Prescription Drug Price Transparency updates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Board of Pharmacy distributed its November 6 meeting agenda and the September 18 draft meeting minutes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
The Legislative Commission appointed Interim Committee positions. Senator Fabian Donate (D), the co-Majority Whip as the Chair the Interim Committee on Health and Human Services, and Assemblyman David Orentlicher (D) to serve as Vice-Chair.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
Medicaid posted a COVID-19 vaccine billing guidance for this season. The Medicaid “Pharmacists as Immunizers Fact Sheet” has information on how to bill for vaccines for over and under 19 years of age and a link to the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program. Please be advised that Medicaid does reimburse for the COVID-19 vaccine and administration at Medicaid qualified pharmacies for adults 19 years of age and older. Children under the age of 19 years are vaccinated for COVID-19 and all other ACIP–recommended vaccines at VFC enrolled providers, including their practitioner’s office, public health clinics or, in most areas, their county health department. At this time, pharmacies dually enrolled in Medicaid and VFC may also immunize children between the ages of 3 to under 19 years of age for COVID-19, and ages of 2 to under 19 years for influenza, in accordance with the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act and/or state law.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy issued a public notice of and agenda for its Strategic Planning Meeting scheduled to be held November 8-9, 2023. See agenda for details to participate in the meeting either in-person or virtually.
Also in Oregon, On August 11, 2023, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy voted to permanently adopt, effective March 1, 2024, OAR 855-115-0150(3) Pharmacist: Prohibited Practices. This rule says that pharmacists are not allowed to diagnose patients. The Board adopted this rule because there is no authority in ORS chapter 689 for pharmacists to diagnose and the Board wanted to make sure that pharmacists know this. On September 25, 2023, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy received a petition to repeal OAR 855-115-0150(3) pursuant to OAR 137-001-0070 Petition to Promulgate, Amend, or Repeal Rule; see below for details.
Proposed Amendments: OAR 855-115-0150(3) Pharmacist: Prohibited Practices
Petitioner's proposed amendment:
"Pharmacists must not:"
"(3) Diagnose."
Pursuant to OAR 137-001-0070(3), the Board of Pharmacy is inviting written public comment on the adopted rule, including
(a) Options for achieving the existing rule's substantive goals while reducing the negative economic impact on businesses;
(b) The continued need for the existing rule;
(c) The complexity of the existing rule;
(d) The extent to which the existing rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other state or federal rules and with local government regulations;
(e) The degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the subject area affected by the existing rule, since the agency adopted the rule; and
Written public comments may be submitted to the Board of Pharmacy by email at pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. The public comment period will close on November 15 at 4:30 pm. The board will review the public comments received at the December board meeting and will in writing, within 90 days after receipt of the petition, either deny the petition or initiate rulemaking proceedings pursuant to OAR 137-001-0070(4)(c). If you have any questions, please reach out to the Rules Coordinator, at pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The third special session ends November 7, so lawmakers only have a short window of time to move forward on the Governor's priority legislation on school vouchers and funding, prohibiting private employer COVID mandates and border security. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has hinted at the possibility of a fourth special session if his school vouchers proposal does not pass.
Also in Texas, HEB's Austin Pharmacy and Wellness teams toured NACDS Texas lobbyists through two HEB facilities, educating our team on the operations and healthcare services provided to the local community.
Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Raymond Charles Winter as Inspector General for Texas Health and Human Services, replacing Sylvia Hernandez Kauffman, who served for six years.
Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is hosting an Immunization Webinar on November 8. Topics include influenza programs, adult immunizations, current disease rates and strategies to improve immunization coverage.
Finally in Texas, HHSC's DSHS' announced a $4 million dollar grant to help implement policies and programs to prevent the use of dangerous drugs like fentanyl. The agency will create new tools to analyze the causes and effects of drug poisoning and then use that information to develop science-based strategies to prevent drug use and poisonings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has invited pharmacy stakeholders to participate in a webinar on October 30 regarding the upcoming implementation of a system to reimburse pharmacies for clinical services as mandated by the passage of HB (House Bill) 1538 of 2023. DMAS also released the presentation from the previous workgroup meeting. DMAS intends to reimburse pharmacies for all the services added to pharmacy scope of practice over the last several legislative sessions, including immunizations and test & treat. DMAS is specifically interested in guidance from pharmacies as they build the claims system. NACDS suggests that members share the invite with staff with expertise in this area.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
Since the settlement and dismissal of our six-year-old lawsuit against the State of Washington for its below cost dispensing fees, NACDS, NCPA (National Community Pharmacists Association) and the Washington State Pharmacy Association have been monitoring the state's compliance with its obligations. In terms of the state's obligation to pursue a cost of dispensing study, the state issued a "work request" for a vendor to do the study on September 19, with the deadline for responses due October 21. The cost of dispensing study is supposed to start November 1. In terms of the retroactive payments to pharmacies for April 2017 through June 2023, the state reports that the process is in place and payments should be starting very soon. As for implementing the adjusted dispensing fees effective July 2023, the state needs CMS' approval of the state plan amendment (SPA) pending before CMS with those new dispensing fees first. The state anticipates such approval to be forthcoming.
Also in Washington, the State Department of Health Office of Health Professions is hosting a Vaccine Fatigue Webinar on November 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Board of Pharmacy announced renewals for pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns and facilities are open as of September 15 and are due December 31, 2023. Visit our website to renew and find more information.
Also in Alabama, at the last Joint Committee meeting, both Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medical Examiners discussed the topic of Test to Treat in community pharmacies. Both Boards decided to begin the Rule-making process to amend our Rule to allow for Test to Treat under certain conditions. To learn more about what conditions must be met before beginning Test to Treat, you can view the drafted language on the website.
Furthermore, the Boards will also soon be reviewing a test-to-treat protocol that was approved at the last Joint Committee meeting. You can view the draft test-to-treat protocol here. For more information, reach out to anolen@albop.com
The emergency rule 680-X-2-.49-.01ER Remote Work by Pharmacists is currently in place until October 29, 2023. The permanent rule is effective November 13, 2023.
Finally in Alabama, please see the most recent Alabama Medicaid ALERT related to resuming the cumulative MME (morphine milligram equivalents) phase-down edits, effective November 1, 2023. This will be the first MME phase-down since the end of the PHE (Public Health Emergency).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt regulation changes dealing with adding a retired status pharmacist license and implementing additional statutory changes to AS 08.80 under Chapter 15, SLA 2023 (HB (House Bill) 112). Written Comments should be submitted to RegulationsAndPublicComment@alaska.gov by November 16, 2023
- Notice of Proposed Regulations (Available at midnight)
- Proposed Regulations
- Proposed Regulations FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Also in Alaska, the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development – Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing is proposing to remove all language referencing registrations and to add retired status pharmacist license fee. Written Comments should be submitted to RegulationsAndPublicComment@alaska.gov by November 16, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed two bills, supported by NACDS, including AB (Assembly Bill) 1341 (Chapter 276, Statutes of 2023), legislation permitting pharmacists to provide COVID-19 medication as well as offer broader options for substance use disorder treatments as specified in the bill, and AB 317 (Chapter 322, Statutes of 2023), legislation helping to support patient access to essential healthcare services provided by pharmacists by requiring healthcare service plans that cover care that is otherwise within pharmacists' scope of practice to reimbursement pharmacy providers for delivering those services.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB (Senate Bill) 786 (Chapter 414, Statues of 2023), legislation related to 340B, prohibiting PBMs from discriminating against a covered entity or its pharmacy in connection with dispensing a drug subject to federal pricing requirements or prevent a covered entity from retaining the benefit of discounted drug pricing for those drugs.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 1286 (Chapter 470, Statutes of 2023), legislation sponsored by the Board of Pharmacy and opposed by NACDS and for which we urged him to veto because the legislation that would impose arbitrary staffing limits and impede pharmacies' ability to optimize the use of pharmacy technicians to assist with technical duties that do not require a pharmacist's professional judgement. This bill authorizes a pharmacy technician under the direct supervision and control of a pharmacist to prepare and administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, prepare, and administer epinephrine, perform specimen collection for specified tests, receive prescription transfers and accept clarification on prescriptions. The bill would prohibit a pharmacy with only one pharmacist from having more than one pharmacy technician performing these additionally authorized tasks unless the pharmacy has scheduled another pharmacy technician to assist the pharmacist with performing the nondiscretionary tasks currently authorized under existing law.
Among the other provisions, the bill requires a pharmacist-in-charge or pharmacist on duty to immediately notify store management of any conditions that present an immediate risk of death, illness or irreparable harm to patients, personnel or pharmacy staff and requires store management to take immediate and reasonable steps to address and resolve those conditions. If those conditions are not resolved within 24 hours, it requires the pharmacist-in-charge or pharmacist on duty to notify the Board of Pharmacy. The board's executive officer may choose to issue a cease-and-desist order, upon a reasonable belief that conditions within a pharmacy exist that present an immediate risk of death, illness or irreparable harm to patients, personnel, or pharmacy staff. Also in the bill, a chain community pharmacy, having 75 or more stores in California under the same ownership, must always be staffed with at least one clerk or pharmacy technician fully dedicated to performing pharmacy-related services with defined exceptions. Additionally, the bill requires a licensed community pharmacy to report all medication errors to an entity approved by the board.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed AB 782, legislation that would have excluded reconstitution of a drug pursuant to a manufacturer's directions, tablet splitting or crushing, capsule opening or the addition of a flavoring agent from the Pharmacy Law's definition of compounding.
Also in California, on October 16, the Board of Pharmacy released the following message:
Today this the start of National Pharmacy week, and the California State Board of Pharmacy would like to take this time to thank all pharmacy personnel for your hard work and professionalism to your patients.
Each job plays an important part in providing the highest quality of care. According to recent statistics, more than 90% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy, making your care accessible to millions of people.
Thank you for your commitment to patient care and safety.
Thank you!
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the postponed implementation date for Reject Code 80; see alert for details. DHCS (Department of Health Care Services) anticipates Reject Code 80 will be reinstated before the end of 2023. They have initiated efforts to more precisely communicate the diagnosis requirements that will be reinstated and will provide a 30-day notice prior to this reinstatement. Also, as a reminder, on November 10, Medi-Cal Rx will proceed with the reinstatement of the Enteral Nutrition transition policy for members ages 22 years and older and the Brand Medically Necessary (BMN) PA (prior authorization) requirements will also be reinstated on November 10.
- Reject Code 80 (Diagnosis) – Implementation Date Postponed (October 17)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for October 6-12 (October 13)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (October 13)
- 30-day Countdown: Phase IV, Lift 4: End of Transition Policy (October 10)
- Effective October 13, 2023, Medi-Cal Rx Will Reinstate Quantity Restriction Edits (October 6)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for September 29-October 5 (October 6)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (October 6)
Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
- 2023 HCPCS Quarter 4 Update
- EFT Security Updates for Provider Change Requests
- 2024 Managed Care Plan Transition
- October 2023 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- October 2023 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- 2023-2024 Commercialized COVID-19 Vaccines Medi-Cal Policy Update
- Implementation Delay for 2023 HCPCS Quarter 4 Update
- 2024 ICD-10-CM/PCS Codes Update
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) announces that it is soliciting comments from providers which it will consider as part of the re-procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. (See Section 409.966(3)(a)(8), F.S.)
The Invitations to Negotiate (ITNs) and information about the re-procurement, including anticipated timelines and instructions for submission of provider comments, can be found on the Department of Management Services' Vendor Bid System at: MyFloridaMarket Place Vendor Information Portal.
Key dates to note are:
October 27, 2023: Anticipated Posting of ITN (invitation to negotiate) Respondent Names for Provider Comment
November 9, 2023: Deadline for Receipt of Provider Comments, due by 5:00 PM
The reference number for the SMMC program ITN is AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) ITN 010-22/23.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
Effective October 1, 2023, due to the increased prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), providers may submit prior approval requests for Synagis (palivizumab). This applies to customers covered under Medicaid fee-for-service or a managed care plan. Providers should contact the appropriate managed care plan for approval guidance. For fee-for-service customers, providers must complete the Drug Authorization Request Form for Synagis and fax it to the Pharmacy Unit at 217-524-7264. Approval for the early dosing will be provided for those customers who meet the Department's Synagis Prior Approval Criteria.
For both fee-for-service and managed care customers, the approval period for the dose will be effective through February 29, 2024. The Department will continue to monitor for necessary changes. This is a temporary deviation from the usual Synagis guidelines, and the Department will continue to monitor RSV prevalence and respond accordingly.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, or to the appropriate managed care plan.
Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is notifying all pharmacies of billing instructions for the new commercial COVID-19 vaccines now in circulation. These instructions apply to the fee-for-service program only.
As HFS is still finalizing programming for the administration fee for the COVID vaccine, pharmacies cannot use "MA" in the Professional Service Code Field, nor add the administration fee until the new programming is complete. Pharmacies can still provide COVID-19 vaccinations and submit claims to HFS for reimbursement for the cost of the vaccination plus a dispensing fee as they would for other vaccinations that do not pay an administration fee.
Once the programming is complete, pharmacies can then void and rebill for services rendered to receive the full payment including the applicable administration fee.
A provider notice will be sent to pharmacies once programming is complete and pharmacies can bill for the administration fee. The void and rebill process to receive full payment for claims that were submitted without receiving the administration fee can commence at that time.
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.
Indiana
Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued Bulletin 2023132 announcing COVID-19 vaccine pharmacy benefit updates for 2023-2024 season.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid posted the following:
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2515-MC-FFS RE: Clarification of Billing COVID-19 Vaccines and Administration, effectively immediately.
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2507-MC-FFS RE: Request for Proposal (RFP) for Adolescent Health Pilot Projects, effective September 20, 2023
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2505-MC-FFS RE: Electronic Data Interchange Support Services (EDISS) Registration, effective immediately
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2510-MC RE: Reimbursement for Pharmacy Point-of-Care Testing – Influenza and Streptococcus A, effective immediately.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
The Board of Pharmacy is reminding pharmacy technicians to act on the following items:
- Technician Registrations – Technicians unable to take or pass the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT certification exam by October 31, 2023, may request a six-month extension at least 30 days before the technician's registration expiration date by completing a Technician Certification Extension Request Form (LA-75).
- Continuing Education (CE) – Technician registrations expiring October 31, 2023, must complete 20 hours of ACPE/Board approved CE between November 1, 2021 – October 31, 2023, before their renewal.
- Renewal – Technician licenses expiring October 31, 2023, can be renewed online. Failing to renew on or before 11:59 PM CST October 31, 2023, will result in the registration being cancelled.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH (Louisiana Department of Health)) Medicaid posted several new provider notices.
- Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Diabetic Supplies on the Preferred Drug List (PDL) for Outpatient Pharmacy Services – Effective October 28, 2023
- Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Counseling for Vaccines – Implementation Postponed to October 28, 2023
- Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccines 2023-2024 Update
- Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Maintenance Medications Professional Dispensing Fee for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) – Implementation Postponed to October 28, 2023
Also in Louisiana, the Single Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) for Managed Care Organizations (MCO) original implementation of October 1 was postponed until October 28, 2023. Magellan Medicaid Administration Inc. will serve as the processor for all Medicaid MCO pharmacy for all six MCOs (Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons, Louisiana Healthcare Connections and United Healthcare). Currently Magellan is only processing test claims. If you would like to submit test claims, please e-mail RxPharmacyTesting@magellanhealth.com your contact's name, phone number, pharmacy National Provider Identifier and Switch information to receive the testing packet.
Finally in Louisiana, two-term Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) triumphed in the Louisiana governor's race in a crowded field with more than a dozen candidates. Landry flipped the seat to the GOP, receiving over 51% of the vote last Saturday in the state's so-called "jungle primary" election where all the candidates in both parties are on the same ballot. Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) was termed limited and could not seek election to a third term. For those state legislative and statewide office races where no one received more 50% of the vote, the top two contenders will face off in the November 18 general election.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
