North Carolina
Statewide standing orders issued by Dr. Betsey Tilson, State Health Director, for the administration of nicotine replacement, contraceptives, post-exposure prophylaxis medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, naloxone and COVID related treatments have been updated, organized, and can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy’s temporary new address 3812 N. Santa Fe, Suite 300 in Oklahoma City. All upcoming Board meetings will be held at the new location.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following:
- Division 007 – related to Emergency Registration Designation effective March 30 through September 25.
- Division 007 – related to 91-day Extension after a Declared Health Emergency Ends effective March 29 through September 24.
- Division 110 – related to Supervising Physician Dispensing Outlet fees effective March 31 (permanent).
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for its next meeting scheduled for April 13-15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
Notice from TennCare, 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). Note: A list of the preferred agents and the clinical criteria can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued a reminder notice on the proper destruction and disposal of prescription medications. For dangerous drugs destruction, a TSBP licensed pharmacist is authorized to destroy stock so that it is unfit for human consumption and disposed of in compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.
Also in Texas, TSBP’s COVID website includes a chart comparing the authorizations in the PREP Act amendments with the Texas statutes and rules.
Finally in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) issued the biannual specialty drug list. Members should contact vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us with comments or any questions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is implementing changes to its prescription drug benefits programs to ensure Medicaid patients continue to have access to the medications they need for conditions related to COVID-19. The changes center around copayments, prescription instructions, and approved medication treatments.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) is publishing quarterly updates to many of the Apple Health billing guides and fee schedules, effective April 1, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
Governor Justice (R) has signed two bills aimed at the regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). SB 312 provides legislative approval for Rules promulgated by the Insurance Commission to enact HB 2263 of 2021, landmark legislation that sets a reimbursement floor and provides a level playing field for community pharmacy. HB 4112 provides for pharmacy freedom of choice for specialty drugs, addresses 340B programs and will be effective for policies executed, amended or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of April 30, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by Medicaid through a subsequent alert.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
Since methamphetamine is currently the states’ greatest drug threat, the Department of Human Services (DHS) launched the “Me Over Meth” prevention campaign.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy issued an Amended Waiver: Staffing Ratio of Pharmacists to Intern Pharmacists and General Supervision and Interprofessional Supervision – Immunizations – BPC section 4114.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services issued Stakeholder News that it is still accepting claims for individuals enrolled in the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program. The COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program will end the last day of the calendar month in which the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends. For questions or concerns, please email COVID19Apps@dhcs.ca.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Hawaii
SB (Senate Bill) 3140, legislation requiring the holder of a controlled substances registration to report theft, embezzlement, fraud, or diversion of a controlled substance immediately, is advancing having passed the Senate earlier this month. This week, the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee recommended passage on the Second Reading and referral to Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy published the following final rules effective April 27:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Missouri
MO HealthNet (Medicaid) issued an Opioid Policy update strengthening clinical policies and expanding coverage of non-opioid medications and services to treat chronic pain. MO HealthNet believes in a comprehensive approach to treating and managing pain while also reducing the risk of patient harm, continuing to encourage providers to evaluate non-opioid options to treat patient pain.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed into law LB 767, creating the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act. This act “…establishes the standards and criteria for the licensure and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers….” The effective date is January 1, 2023.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a “Health Alert Network Advisory” about increasing incidence of syphilis in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Mexico
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that she will call a special session April 5th to address taxpayer relief from high gas prices and a spending bill that the Governor vetoed at the end of the regular session.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) announced the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of New York’s section 1115(a) demonstration waiver. This approval is effective from April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2027. In accordance with federal guidelines, the State has 30 days to accept the related Standard Terms and Conditions (STCs), which is an operating agreement between the State and CMS.
The NYSDOH 1115(a) waiver request included a white paper which structured the waiver request proposal around four subsidiary goals:
- Building a more resilient, flexible and integrated delivery system that reduces racial disparities, promotes health equity, and supports the delivery of social care;
- Developing supportive housing and alternatives to institutions for the long-term care population.
- Redesigning and strengthening health and behavioral health system capabilities to provide optimal response to future pandemics and natural disasters; and
- Creating statewide digital health and telehealth infrastructure
The CMS approval letter can be found on the NYS DOH website here.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
North Carolina
Medicaid coverage season for Synagis will end March 31, 2022. Pharmacy providers should not submit point of sale claims with date of service after March 31, 2022, for any prior authorization granted during the eight-month extended coverage season from Aug. 15, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Physician providers should submit an EPSDT request for coverage of Synagis beyond March 31, 2022. More information can be found here.
Also in North Carolina, as indicated in the previously issued standing order, which allows qualified pharmacists’ authority to initiate hormonal contraceptive therapy, immunizing pharmacists “who provide contraception products in accordance with this standing order must also complete North Carolina Hormonal Contraception Training Program.” The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) has produced this training program, which is now available here. The Board of Pharmacy has agreed to fund the training program for up to 6,000 North Carolina resident pharmacists over the next 12 months. NCAP will maintain records of pharmacists who have completed this training. Board staff are adding a “Contraceptive Trained” status button to each pharmacist’s Board of Pharmacy on-line profile. Once that status button is added, pharmacists will be notified and must log on to their Board profile to record their training (just as pharmacists currently update vaccinator status and long-acting injectable trained status).. ard staff will notify pharmacists as soon as this status update option is operational.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Pennsylvania
Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson issued an updated naloxone standing order to include a form of eight milligram naloxone nasal spray. NACDS reminds members that Pennsylvania has a broad program that will reimburse pharmacies for patient copayments for naloxone when the patient is hesitant to pay and any patient with any type of insurance coverage is eligible. For more detail, see the program bulletin and detailed adjudication specifications.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-525-8962.
Tennessee: Renee Williams-Clark has left TennCare as Chief Pharmacy Officer. Lorraine Buerhaus has been named interim CPO. Pharmacists interested in applying for this position can do so here.
Also in Tennessee, The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) will present its free online seminar, “Diversion is a Threat to Patient Safety: Adopting Best Practices for Safe Management of Controlled Substances,“ on April 6, 1-2 pm ET.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Renee Williams-Clark has left TennCare as Chief Pharmacy Officer. Lorraine Buerhaus has been named interim CPO. Pharmacists interested in applying for this position can do so here.
Also in Tennessee, The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) will present its free online seminar, “Diversion is a Threat to Patient Safety: Adopting Best Practices for Safe Management of Controlled Substances,“ on April 6, 1-2 pm ET.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Vermont
The Vermont Office of Boards, Commissions & Public Service announced that there was a vacancy on the Board of Pharmacy. If a Vermont pharmacist is interested in filling the vacant spot the application for filling the new position can be found here. The next Board of Pharmacy meeting is April 27.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Virginia
Two conference committee reports, HB 1323, and SB 672, that would make pharmacists’ and technicians’ immunization and testing authority permanent have been approved by the General Assembly and are Governor Youngkin’s desk. The bills would also allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation medications, adding to the current list of therapies pharmacists can initiate under a Board of Pharmacy protocol. The immunization provisions would be effective upon the expiration of the PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Act declarations. Gov. Youngkin (R) has until midnight on April 11 to approve the bills or let them become law without his signature. NACDS and VACDS (Virginia Association of Chain Drug Stores) were actively involved in the drafting and passage of these bills as part of our Scope of Practice Campaign. We will be reaching out to Gov. Youngkin to urge him to sign these bills and will provide inform
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey (R) has signed SB102 which authorizes an approved pharmacy intern or extern to compound or dispense prescription. Authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to issue a pharmacy intern/extern permit authorizing the pharmacy intern or extern to compound or dispense prescriptions while serving under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Creates a pharmacy intern/extern permit application process that authorizes the collection of a fee and a background check. Immediate direct supervision is defined as at least one pharmacist being always present and available on the premises of the pharmacy for consultation with the intern or extern.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arizona
SB (Senate Bill) 1016, legislation requiring a pharmacist to dispense all prescription orders during a public health state of emergency with certain immunity protections and conditions for refusal to dispense, failed to pass the State Senate with a vote of 14-15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
Prior to adjourning the fiscal session sine die on March 15th, the House of Representatives selected Rep. Matthew Shepherd (R) to serve a third term as Speaker of the House when the 94th General Assembly convenes in January 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.