Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted its January 2024 Newsletter. See the “Compliance Corner” for important, timely updates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
SB 339, legislation expanding pharmacist authority to furnish preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and providing payment for PrEP and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) services, passed both chambers and will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
Also in California, the California Pharmacists Association is sponsoring SB 966, related to PBM reform, and sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D). Among the various provisions, the bill would require PBMs to obtain a license from the State Board of Pharmacy and file annual reports with the Board. The Board, in turn, will provide annual reports to the Legislature based on information submitted by PBM licensees. Also, the bill prohibits spread pricing in future contracts and includes provisions related to calculating a patient’s cost sharing amount.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 12-18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Idaho
The Division of Career and Technical Education posted the Idaho Pharmacy Technician Critically Survey seeking input from industry representatives about what is most important for an entry-level employee to know or be able to do. The information will be used to develop program standards for high school pharmacy technician programs in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The State Veterinary Medical Association asked NACDS to remind members that veterinarians have an exemption from the state’s e-prescribing law for the next two years. Please see HB 1358/Public Act 103-0563 (Section 311.6 (b-5, 10).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
SB 192, broad healthcare legislation that includes a provision allowing pharmacy personnel to provide any immunization recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to patients 11 years of age and older under a physician protocol, was referred to the Committee on Health and Provider Services.
Also in Indiana, NACDS sent a support letter for HB 1327, legislation that will provide transparency and audit authority needed to make PBMs accountable to the organizations that hire them. NACDS asked the Committee to reject any amendments that would allow PBMs and Third-Party Administrators to charge a “carve out fee” for not using an affiliate pharmacy owned by or invested in by a PBM or Third Party Administer.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
On January 24, the Insurance Commissioner, Doug Ommen, presented to the Senate Commerce Committee various issues including the Insurance Divisions’ work to regulate PBMs. To date, the Division has received 72,000 complaints and nearly $400,000 has been paid to pharmacies. The Division is currently pursuing additional authorities and policies via HSB 536/SSB 3079.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
MedImpact will host the First Quarter 2024 pharmacy provider online seminar on January 31 from 11:00 am- 12:00 noon. The meeting topic is “provider updates and provider Q & As.” You can use one of the following options to join the online seminar:
- Webinar URL
- Entering Meeting ID In Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 218 939 299 642
Attendee Passcode: omNFva
- Call In (audio only) 1-858-252-2734; passcode138312994# v
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) starts his first term with a Republican supermajority in both houses. The Governor immediately convened an 8-day special session on January 15 to address three issues – congressional redistricting, reconfiguring the Supreme Court and changing the elections system.
Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health announced that effective February 1, the clotting factor reimbursement methodology will change to an average acquisition cost per unit and a dispensing fee per unit dispensed and will be limited to pharmacy claims only.
Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy’s Regulatory Project 2023-02 ~ Temporary Closure of Pharmacy Final Rule went into effect on January 20.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The House Health and Government Operations Committee (HGO) held an informational briefing on January 25 regarding the Department of Health’s (MDH) study of establishing NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) + Fee-for-Service dispensing fee in the Medicaid Managed Care Program. 3 Axis Advisors presented to the Committee, pointing out the elements that MDH’s study did not consider that would impact patient access, costs, and pharmacy viability.
Also in Maryland, on February 1, the House Health and Government Operations Committee will hear testimony on HB 76, a priority bill for pharmacy that would allow the administration of routine childhood vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to children aged 5 years and older. Its companion bill, SB 18, is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on February 13. If any members would like to testify on the pharmacy panel at either hearing, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.