Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania RH Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Uncategorized Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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.

October 27, 2023|Washington|

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.

October 20, 2023|Alabama|

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 

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.

October 20, 2023|Alaska|

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. 

Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following: 

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

October 20, 2023|California|

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.

October 20, 2023|Florida|

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.

October 20, 2023|Illinois|

Iowa

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

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

October 20, 2023|Iowa|

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.

October 20, 2023|Kansas|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH (Louisiana Department of Health)) Medicaid posted several new provider notices. 

 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.

October 20, 2023|Louisiana|

Maine

The Board of Pharmacy updated its rulemaking for pharmacists to administer vaccines, consistent with Public Law 2023 Chapter 170. On October 6, 2023, the Board issued Written Statement #01-2023 indicating that the Board does not believe rulemaking is necessary before an appropriately licensed and ADV-certified pharmacist is permitted to administer vaccines consistent with the above-stated authorizations.

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

October 20, 2023|Maine|

Massachusetts

On October 19, MassHealth updated a previous notice that outlined the upcoming discontinuation of brand Flovent products and several associated changes to MassHealth's coverage of inhaled respiratory agents. To facilitate transition from Flovent products to alternative inhalers, MassHealth has removed the PA (prior authorization) requirement from Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate inhalation powder) earlier than anticipated. Claims for Arnuity Ellipta processed through the Pharmacy Online Processing System (POPS) will be paid without PA beginning October 19, 2023. The MassHealth Drug List will be updated to reflect this change in PA status on December 4, 2023. 

The previously approved emergency regulations for pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraceptives were not published in the Friday, October 13 register by the Massachusetts Secretary of State. The next publishing date will be October 27, at which time they are expected to be published and will become effective upon publication. In the meantime, the Board of Pharmacy is developing a circular letter which will deal with all the operations issues regarding these regulations, including training and the screening risk assessment tools. These regulations come straight from the law that was signed as part of the Fiscal Year 23 Annual State Budget.  

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

October 20, 2023|Massachusetts|

Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has received calls regarding denials and prior authorization requirements on stimulants due to the shortages. Many of these can be handled by the pharmacy by calling the prior authorization (PA) call center at 1-800-395-7961. Please try the PA call center before involving the provider or turning the patient away. The DPHHS is approving short term prior authorization to mitigate some of the issues caused by these shortages. If you have questions, please contact Dani Feist, Pharmacy and Home Infusion Program Officer at 406–444–2738.

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

October 20, 2023|Montana|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services issued Provider Bulletin 23-26 announcing changes to the Coverage and Payment of Adult Vaccines effective October 1, 2023. 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the next COVID-19 Provider call will be held on November 1 at noon (Central); see details below to join the call. Also, the recording from October 4 COVID-19 Provider call has been posted. 

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)   

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the 471-000-540 Medicaid Practitioners Fee Schedule for Injectables (October 1, 2023). 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the draft minutes from the September 12 Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board Meeting. The next DUR Board Meeting will be held on November 14. 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the iServe Nebraska Portal's new integrated benefit application that will make it easier for Nebraskans to apply for Medicaid and Economic Assistance benefit programs. Nebraskans can apply for benefits such as food, heat, electricity, healthcare, childcare, and other essential needs at the same time using the single, online iServe Nebraska application. 

Also in Nebraska, Gov. Jim Pillen (R) approved emergency regulations related to the Let Them Grow Act. Please note the requirements for picking up prescribed medications from a pharmacy. For both puberty blocking drug prescriptions and cross-sex hormone prescriptions for a patient who has not reached the age of majority, these prescribed medications picked up from a pharmacy are required to be picked up by the patient's parent, legal guardian, or the patient if the patient is an emancipated minor. Additionally, these prescriptions must identify the drugs being prescribed are for the treatment of gender nonconformity or gender dysphoria. The process to implement final regulations for LB 574 will proceed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The anticipated public hearing date is November 28; a draft of the proposed final regulations will be posted at least 30 days prior to that hearing. 

Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the final draft of regulations for the Let Them Grow Act. A public hearing will be held on November 28 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Lancaster Event Center – Lincoln Room at 4100 N 84th St., Lincoln, NE 68507. People interested are encouraged to provide written comments via mail, fax, or email, no later than 11:59 PM on the day of the hearing. Comments may be faxed to 402-742-2382, emailed to dhhs.regulations@nebraska.gov or mailed to: DHHS Legal Services, PO Box 95026, Lincoln NE 68509-5026. Additional information can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the DHHS website. 

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

October 20, 2023|Nebraska|

New York

NACDS submitted a comment letter in support of the Proposed Rule published in the State Register by the Department of Financial Services on August 16, 2023, related to Definitions, Licensing of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Contracting with Network Pharmacies, Acquisition of PBMs, Consumer Protections and Audits 

The Department of Health (NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health)) reported an update to the State Plan Amendment (SPA) allowing reimbursement for Medicaid covered professional services included within the pharmacist / pharmacy intern scope of practice and provided by a pharmacist / intern. For instance, once the new law on oral contraception is effective, this will apply to pharmacists dispensed oral contraception. Also, according to NYSDOH, the reimbursement will be provided to pharmacies, not to pharmacists per the New York SPA 23-0037: "This amendment proposes to allow pharmacists and pharmacy interns to provide Medicaid covered services to the limits of their scope of practice. We conducted our review of your submittal according to statutory requirements in Title XIX of the Social Security Act. This letter is to inform you that New York Medicaid SPA 23-0037 was approved on August 24, 2023, with an effective date of April 1, 2023." 

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

October 20, 2023|New York|

North Carolina

IMMUNIZING PHARMACISTS' AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER COVID-19 AND FLU VACCINES TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS. With flu and COVID vaccine season upon us, several pharmacists have reached out to Board staff about immunizing pharmacist authority to administer flu and COVID vaccine to pediatric patients. With all the recent changes to North Carolina law and PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act declarations, it can be confusing. Here is the skinny on flu and COVID vaccine authority: 

  1. PREP Act declarations authorizing pharmacists to administer flu and COVID vaccine to patients aged 3 years and older are still in effect and will be until December 31, 2024. 
  1. State law now allows immunizing pharmacists to administer flu and COVID vaccine to patients aged 7 years and older pursuant to protocol and parental permission. State law allows immunizing pharmacists to administer any ACIP-recommended vaccine to patients 6 and older pursuant to prescription and parental permission. 
  1. So, for flu and COVID – immunizing pharmacists can administer to patients 3 years and older and can do that under their own authority under the PREP Act. Immunizing pharmacists can also use Dr. Tilson's statewide standing order to do this for COVID vaccine (which typically makes billing and recordkeeping easier). These paths are available until December 31, 2024. 
  1. After December 31, 2024, immunizing pharmacists can administer flu and COVID vaccine pursuant to protocol, but only to patients aged 7 years or older, or pursuant to prescription for patients aged 6 years or older. 

For a comprehensive overview of immunizing pharmacist authority, see the FAQ guidance. 

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

October 20, 2023|North Carolina|

Oklahoma

Effective September 1, 2023, pharmacy technicians may administer any vaccine that is approved or licensed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if they have successfully completed an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited training program and have current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification. Also, the pharmacy technician must complete one hour of immunization-related ACPE-accredited or Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy-approved continuing education every year.

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

October 20, 2023|Oklahoma|

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the October 2023 Board Meeting effective October 17, 2023, unless otherwise noted:  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy announced the agency's new director, Jamal Fox. Fox has more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Fox will start his new role with the agency beginning October 25. 

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

October 20, 2023|Oregon|

Rhode Island

Please see the most recent Provider Update for Medicaid. All provider updates may also be found here.  

Also in Rhode Island, effective October 1, 2023, Katie Beckett recipients will now be enrolled in a managed care organization for Case Management Services only. Case Management services are provided by CEDARR Center Providers. All other services will still be reimbursed through Medicaid fee for service.  

When checking eligibility on the Healthcare Portal (HCP) you will see the following (see sample picture below): 

  1. A new row under Benefit Plan Details – Katie Beckett Case Management
  2. A new row under Managed Care Details – Displays the name and dates of the Managed Care Plan the recipient is enrolled in. 

If you are a CEDARR provider and the recipient is enrolled in the Katie Beckett case management program, then you must bill your services to the managed care plan on file. All other providers will continue to bill Medicaid Fee for Service. 

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

October 20, 2023|Rhode Island|

South Dakota

The Board of Pharmacy posted their October 2023 Newsletter including the following sections: 

  • South Dakota Board Welcomes Newly Registered Pharmacists and Pharmacies 
  • DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act) Interoperability Standards Delayed Until November 2024 
  • USP Compounding Chapters Update 
  • Does a Pharmacy Need to be Licensed to Ship Medications to Other States? 
  • The Board Has a New Website
  • The Board Will Propose a Bill to Increase License Fees in the 2024 Session 
  • DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Issues Multiple Guidance Documents in Recent Months 
  • PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) Update 
  • Board Meeting Dates, Board of Pharmacy Members and Board of Pharmacy Staff Directory 

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

October 20, 2023|South Dakota|

Tennessee

To assist prescribers and providers, prior authorization (PA) requirements can be bypassed for certain medications when specific medical conditions exist. Those specific medications and diagnoses can be found here. Prescribers are encouraged to include the applicable diagnosis code on written prescriptions for inclusion on the electronic pharmacy claim. The submitted claim should include a Diagnosis Code Qualifier (Field # 492-WE) of "02," indicating ICD-10, as well as the appropriate Diagnosis Code (Field # 424-DO).  

If you have any questions, contact the OptumRx Pharmacy Supports Center at 866-434-5520 or tnrxeducation@optum.com. 

Also in Tennessee, the October 31 Drug Utilization Committee (DUR) Board meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Please Click Here or Phone number: +1 952-222-7450 Phone Conference ID: 857 579 147# 

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

October 20, 2023|Tennessee|

Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called lawmakers back to Austin this week for a third 30-day special session to advance border security measures, address school choice/vouchers and education savings accounts and tackle private employer COVID vaccine mandates.  

Also in Texas, prior to the third special session, State Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar (R) announced a certification revenue estimate (CRE) for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 biennium projecting a Rainy-Day Fund balance of $23.77 billion. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid posted the September 2023 End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage Dashboard. 

Also in Texas, the next quarterly meeting of the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) is on November 7 in Austin. This will be the first meeting with the new Executive Director/Secretary Danny Carroll, PharmD. 

Also in Texas, NACDS submitted comments to the State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) on its strategic plan for fiscal years 2025-29, recommending statutory and regulatory changes to expand upon the temporary flexibilities under the federal PREP Act related to vaccinations and Test & Treat services. NACDS also urged TSBP to eliminate the ratio at a central fill Class A pharmacy and expand telepharmacy services beyond FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers). 

Finally in Texas, the Health, and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid announced several changes in Preferred Drug list status effective on October 16, 2023, needed because of the shortage of several preferred brand name medications. 

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

October 20, 2023|Texas|

Washington

The five-member Prescription Affordability Board (PDAB) held its first hybrid meeting on October 20.  

Also in Washington, the State Chief Science Officer Dr Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett signed an updated statewide standing order to dispense naloxone. 

Also in Washington, the Department of Health (DOH) Immunization Division is hosting a COVID-19 and RSV Vaccine Updates Webinar (online registration) on Tuesday, October 24 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Pacific. Topics will include COVID-19 vaccine updates and RSV vaccine recommendations for older adults and pregnant persons, as well as recommendations for infants. The online seminar will be recorded. 

Finally in Washington, the Health Care Authority's Health Care Cost Transparency Board met on October 18. 

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

October 20, 2023|Washington|

Alaska

Effective July 15, 2023, there is no longer a requirement for facilities or pharmacies to submit an application for changes to ownership, location or names.

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

October 6, 2023|Alaska|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy’s final rule to permanently authorize pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the delegation and supervision of a pharmacist was published in the Arizona Administrative Register, Volume 29, Issue 38 (see pages 2191-2195) with an effective date of September 6, 2023.

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

October 6, 2023|Arizona|
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