South Carolina
Beginning this week, having started on February 12, the South Carolina Pharmacy Association’s Professional Affairs Task Force asks that pharmacists track how many hours worked per week for the next four weeks. A survey will be sent out at the end of those four weeks to determine how many hours they were scheduled to work, how many hours were actually worked, the time paid for and how their well-being is based on those results. Please expect the survey during the second week of March. For all questions, please email info@scrx.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Pharmacy technicians who have taken the American Pharmacists Association immunization certificate training program may notice that certificates are set to expire three years after course completion. The Board of Pharmacy has yet to approve rules allowing pharmacy technicians to vaccinate. Under current authority through the PREP Act, technicians must complete two hours of immunization-related continuing education in the licensing period but do not need to retake an immunization training course.
Also in Tennessee, the Department of Health (TDH) issued a news release reminding Tennesseans to "protect themselves and their loved ones against the worst symptoms of viral respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to influenza." TDH urges the public to consult trusted health providers to find the best vaccination options.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Committee Zoom meeting is scheduled for March 28. Additional information will be posted on the website as it becomes available.
Also in Texas, the Health and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) provided information on two diabetes programs:
- Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) is a program at The University of Texas in Houston that educates pregnant women and women with children about living a healthier lifestyle for them and their children. Moms participate in weekly cooking classes, exercise classes, support groups and a bag filled with fresh fruits and vegetables along with healthy recipes.
- Texas Research-to-Policy Collaboration (TX RPC) project by the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living aims to improve the health of Texans by "using Texas research, data and resources to assist legislators in developing effective health policies". TX RCP supports Texas legislators by providing state-level data and research on current health issues, and by establishing partnerships between researchers and state policymakers.
Finally in Texas, the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and administratively linked to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), will hold its next meeting on February 29 and posted its agenda.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy posted the February 2024 newsletter with the following items:
- Required Electronic CS [Controlled Substances] Prescriptions
- What You Need to Know About the Pharmacy Technician Trainee License
- Reminder: Common Violations with Utah Pharmacy Inspections
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Virginia
Karen Shelton, MD, Virginia State Health Commissioner, distributed a clinician letter this week updating practitioners on several issues including:
- Increase in Mpox Cases in Virginia
- Stay Alert for Measles
- Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
Several bills of interest to pharmacies passed their house of origin before the February 13 crossover deadline, and now must pass the policy committee by February 21.
- E2SSB 5213, legislation addressing PBMs' predatory practices, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee (HHCWC) at 1:30 pm on February 20.
- SB 5982 updates vaccine laws to include all FDA-approved immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was heard in the HHCWC on February 14 and is scheduled for an Executive Session on February 16.
- ESB 6095, a bill that establishes clear authority for the Secretary of Health to issue standing orders, is scheduled for a hearing in the HHCWC on February 16.
Also in Washington, members interested in registering support for these bills should use this link.
Finally in Washington, the second Washington State Pharmacy Association's Pharmacy Legislative Day at the Capitol, sponsored by NACDS, is on February 19.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
Members should make plans to attend this workgroup meeting either in person at the Board of Pharmacy office or virtually. The meeting will delve into Alabama Administrative Code 680-X-2-.14, which defines the roles and duties of pharmacy technicians within the healthcare system. Plan to participate in the discussion and share ideas, as this will have big implications for the profession in the state.
February 19, 2024, 6:30 pm
Alabama Board of Pharmacy
111 Village Street
Hoover, AL 35242
or virtually: https://albop.com/board-meetings/
Also in Alabama, the Alabama Pharmacy Association is currently accepting nominations for the chain designated seat on the Board of Pharmacy. Please submit nominations to Louise Jones by email at LJones@aparx.org or by fax to 334-271-5423. All nominations must include the name, place of employment and contact information for both the nominee and nominator. All nominations must be received no later than March 31.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
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.