Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following changes to proposed rules (Regulation project amending sections 12 AAC 52.020 through 12 AAC 52.990). These regulations will take effect on December 28.
Pharmacists
Removal of the transcript requirement
Delegation of examination eligibility approval to the NABP
Authorizes a pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) to serve as a PIC for more than one pharmacy upon a written request to the board
Allows the official License Transfer Application to also serve as a license verification from the reciprocating state
Removes requirement to submit separate verifications of licensure for reciprocity applicants
Clarifies patient counseling requirements
Interns
Expands the criteria to qualify for an internship license by recognizing recent graduates
Extends the duration of the license from two years to five years
Replaces the 1,500 hours education requirement for pharmacist licensure with standardized language
Removes the affidavit of moral character requirement
Technicians
Clarifies pharmacy technician duties
Removes language relating to on-the-job training for the preparation of sterile pharmaceuticals
Pharmacies
Replaces the requirement for pharmacies located outside of the state to submit a certified true copy of the home jurisdiction license with a simple copy
Replaces the inspection report requirement with an attestation that an inspection will be completed
Facilities
Removes the fingerprint and resume requirements for wholesale drug distributors, outsourcing facilities and third-party logistics providers
For wholesale drug distributors, requires a copy of the home jurisdiction license only if the state requires licensure as a wholesale drug distributor
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Adopts by reference the PDMP data dispenser submission guide
Recognizes 3rd party reporting vendors
Defines "appropriate identifier" as the provider's/pharmacist's license number
Clarifies that a provider/pharmacist must submit a zero report when no scheduled II – IV controlled substances are dispensed
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the delay in the planned resumption of retroactive adjustments and recoupment activity in "Recommencement of Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments: Status Update". Also note the MAIC notice regarding rates effective January 1, 2023 in "Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice".
- Recommencement of Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments: Status Update (December 8)
- Medical Supplies Update: Updates to Diabetic Testing Supplies (December 5)
- Monkeypox Vaccine as a Medi-Cal Pharmacy Benefit (December 2)
- 30-Day Countdown – Cal MediConnect Transition to Medicare Medi-Cal Plans (December 2)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for November 18-December 1 (December 2)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (December 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) (December 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (December 1)
- Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice (December 1)
- Now Available: Appendix H – List of Physician Administered Drugs with Reject Code 816 (December 1)
- NCPDP Reject Code 80 and Diagnosis Documentation of Code 1 Restriction: Status Update (November 30)
- Tabloid 40 mg Update (November 21)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for November 11-17 (November 18)
Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
- Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) Health Plan Expansion (December 7)
- CalAIM Mandatory Managed Care Enrollment Transition Phase II (December 7)
- CMC [Cal MediConnect] Plans No Longer Covered in CCI [Coordinated Care Initiative] Counties (December 5)
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California no Longer a Medi-Cal MCP [Managed Care Plan] in San Diego County (December 1)
- January 2023 Medi-Cal Provider Training Webinars (November 30)
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its meeting scheduled for December 14. Please note the discussion and consideration of statutory proposals to establish a requirement for reporting medication errors to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and related to working conditions (see Attachment 2).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
When the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared in January of 2020 in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 ends, everyone enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) was guaranteed to keep their health coverage during the PHE. However, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will take 12 months (14 months including noticing) to complete the renewal process for each of the approximately 1.6 million people currently enrolled. Medicaid members need to pay attention to renewal notices and fill out the necessary forms to make sure they keep their Health First Colorado and CHP+ coverage, if they are still eligible.
Also in Colorado, on December 5, the HCPF sent the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an official proposal to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Delaware
The Office of Controlled Substances announced the 2023 meeting schedule for the Controlled Substance Advisory Committee. Meetings will be held at 9:00 a.m. on January 25, April 26, July 26 and October 25.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
The following flexibilities in response to Hurricane Nicole, expired November 30:
- Waiver of prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services
- Waiver of service limitations to ensure a recipient requiring critical Medicaid services during the storm receives such care
- Temporary postponement of the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review processes
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) posted a provider Bulletin which includes billing guidance for pediatric vaccine counseling and pharmacy reimbursement updates for COVID vaccine administration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Pharmacy Education & Research Foundation (KPERF), the Kentucky Pharmacists Association’s tax-exempt charitable foundation, recently announced a funding opportunity for pharmacist-led non-invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for which they are seeking pharmacy applicants. They will choose six pharmacies based on their readiness, the expectation that they can see ten patients per month, their geographical location in Kentucky and the needs of their community. As a reminder, in 2021, the Board of Pharmacy approved a colorectal cancer screening protocol allowing pharmacists to initiate the dispensing of noninvasive stool-based CRC screening patients aged 45-85 years at average risk for colorectal cancer. For more information on this protocol and all pharmacy protocols approved in the state, click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
The Department of Health issued a Medicaid Bulletin 22-38 with updates and requirements for the provider enrollment portal.
Also in Louisiana, Medicaid expanded its "Shot per 100,000" COVID-19 vaccine incentive program to include booster shots. Those age 5 years and older who received their first or second dose of the vaccine on or after April 5, 2022, qualify for this incentive, as do those age 6 months to age 4 years who were vaccinated with their first or second dose on or after July 5, 2022 and those age 6 months and older who received a vaccine booster dose on or after October 1, 2022, are all eligible for the $200 gift card.
Also in Louisiana, the new Preferred Drug List (PDL) update will be implemented January 1, 2023. There were no new therapeutic classes added to the PDL during the Fall 2022 Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee review.
Finally in Louisiana, Medicaid will include six health plans beginning January 1, 2023. They are Aetna Better Health, AmeriHealth Caritas, Healthy Blue Louisiana, Humana Healthy Horizons, Louisiana Healthcare Connections and UnitedHealthcare. Prior to January 1, 2023, most Medicaid members were auto-assigned to one of the Medicaid health plans. Attached is a communications toolkit.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Massachusetts
The Department of Public Health and Board of Pharmacy would like to remind pharmacies operating of the Standing Order for Dispensing Emergency Contraception Pills and the law regarding the mandatory coverage of a 12-month supply of oral contraceptives as well as the below policy changes.
Standing Order for Dispensing Emergency Contraception Pills
A statewide standing order is now in place for pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception pills. Please visit this webpage for FAQs as well as a copy of the standing order.
Oral Contraceptives
Most Massachusetts insurance plans, including MassHealth, Group Insurance Commission and private insurers, are required to cover a 12-month supply of birth control pills to be dispensed all at once. Check with the insurer for any questions.
Changes to Prescriptions
Please note that pharmacists are permitted to make quantity changes for drugs that do not require PMP [Prescription Monitoring Program] reporting in accordance with Board policy.
Please be aware that MassHealth is changing prescription drug days' supply limitations, effective December 19. Pharmacists are permitted to make quantity changes for drugs that do not require PMP [Prescription Monitoring Program] reporting in accordance with Board policy.
Vaccine Administration by Qualified Pharmacy Technicians
Please review updated training requirements.
Automated Pharmacy Systems (APS)
Policy changes include requirements for Schedule IV, V or Schedule VI additional drugs such as gabapentin in an APS for patient pickup.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Montana
The Board of Pharmacy will conduct a Full Board Meeting via conference call on December 9 at 9:30 a.m. See the board meetings page for details. Note: the following on the agenda.
- 2023 Legislative Session
- Governor's Red Tape Relief Initiative
- DLI Legislative Drafts Important to Pharmacy
- LC0394 Standardize licensing board organization
- LC0395 Consolidating and clarifying penalties for unlicensed practice
- LC0396 Revise laws related to professional and occupational licensure
- 2023 Future Rulemaking Efforts
- Governor's Red Tape Relief Initiative
- Implementation of 2023 Legislation
- Rules, effective as of September 24, 2022:
- 24.174.401 – Fee Schedule
- 24.174.1201 – Wholesale Distributor and Third-Party Logistics Provider Licensing
- 24.174.1202 – Manufacturer and Repackager Licensing
- 24.174.1203 – Personnel
- 24.174.1207 – Change in Location
- 24.174.1208 – Change in Ownership
- 24.174.1211 – Minimum Facility Requirements
- 24.174.1212 – Minimum Requirements for Establishment and Maintenance of Drug Distribution Records
- 24.174.1213 – National Clearinghouse for Wholesale Drug Distributor Licensing
- 24.174.1702 – Information Required for Submission
- 24.174.1703 – Electronic Format Required for the Transmission of Information
- 24.174.1704 – Requirements for Submitting Prescription Registry Information to the Board
Also in Montana, the Cheyenne Department of Veterans Affairs reported that two (2) prescription pads have either been lost or stolen. The prescription pads are serialized and numbered:
- 9282501 – 9282600
- 9282601 – 9282700
If you receive or have received hardcopy prescriptions within these serialized numbers, please contact the Board of Pharmacy office.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted a Health Alert for COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates and Shortages of Oseltamivir, Amoxicillin, & Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (December 8).
Also in Nebraska, the DHHS posted a Notice of Public Hearing has been posted for changes to Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC), including Wholesale Drug Distributors (172 NAC 131) and Delegated Dispensing Permits (172 NAC 134). The hearing will be held on January 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Written comments may be provided no later than the day of the hearing.
Finally in Nebraska, the DHHS announced the issuance of Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to certain Nebraska households.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Steve Yeager (D) announced several new members of the Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2023 biennial legislative session. They are Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, Majority Floor Leader, and Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Chair of Assembly Ways & Means Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New Mexico
Walgreens pharmacist Amy Bachyrycz and Dale Tinker, Executive Director of the New Mexico Pharmacists Association, were honored last week by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, receiving the “Immunization Champion” award.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The New York State Workers Compensation Board published a final rule requiring that providers be notified when a provider network exists.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy is considering adopting proposed rules on temperature at its upcoming February Board meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for its meeting being held December 14-16.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
Please see the December 2022 provider update found here on the Executive Officer of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee (R) named Dr. Ralph Alvardo, MD, FACP as the Commissioner for Tennessee Department of Health. Dr. Alvardo brings decades of diverse professional experience to Tennessee, which includes nearly 30 years as an attending physician, serving in the Kentucky State Senate since 2015 and leading the Senate Health and Welfare Committee as chairman since 2019.
Also in Tennessee, TennCare announces additional drugs to the CoverRx list, including Synthroid, Armour Thyroid and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The TennCare CoverRx coverage was effective December 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
NACDS provided comments to the Health and Human Services Commission’s Vendor Drug on proposed policies related to the transition of the Medicaid pharmacy formulary, preferred drug list and prior authorization requirements to managed care organizations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
NACDS provided comments in advance of the Washington State House Health Care and Wellness Committee’s December 1 workshop meeting on “Pharmacy Benefit Manager Impacts on Prescription Drug Cost and Regulatory Developments.” In our letter, NACDS urged legislative action to curb harmful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices including patient-steering, limiting pharmacies’ participation in provider networks and reimbursement practices that result in below-cost reimbursement to pharmacy providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of December 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. Medicaid is preparing now for the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid partners can assist in relaying a consistent and simple message to the Medicaid recipients by sharing key messages from the Agency in your newsletters, social media posts and other means of communication.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- 45-Day Countdown – Cal MediConnect Transition to Medicare Medi-Cal Plans (November 16)
- Update to Policy and Billing Guidance for Pharmacy Providers on COVID-19 Oral Antiviral, Paxlovid (November 11)
- Policy and Payment Allowance Update for Provider-Purchased Bebtelovimab for Treatment of COVID-19 (November 11)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for November 4-10 (November 11)
- NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) Reject Code 80 and Diagnosis Documentation of Code 1 Restriction (November 9)
- Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (November 7)
- Prior Authorization Required: Reject Code 75 Reminder (November 4)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for October 28-November 3 (November 4)
Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) named House Speaker Alec Garnett as his new chief of staff.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Indiana
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs will host an online seminar on December 1 to discuss provider notices published during November.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2402-MC-FFS announcing the November Towns Halls will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Visit the website for details, including registration information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.