In The States – Page 60 – Weekly news about states

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.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:52:09-05:00January 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.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:51:39-05:00January 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.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:50:50-05:00January 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.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:50:09-05:00January 12, 2024|Nevada|

New Mexico

The legislature will convene its 30-day short session on January 16.

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

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:49:28-05:00January 12, 2024|New Mexico|

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’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:48:41-05:00January 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.

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:47:23-05:00January 12, 2024|Oklahoma|

Oregon

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted a draft agenda for the January 17 meeting. Board calendar and materials from past meetings are also available online.

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

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:46:46-05:00January 12, 2024|Oregon|

Rhode Island

Please see the most recent Medicaid Provider Update (January 2024). All provider updates dated back to 2019 are available online.

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

Michael Silber2024-01-12T11:46:07-05:00January 12, 2024|Rhode Island|