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Pennsylvania

The Department of Human Services has issued a bulletin announcing that Chartwell Pennsylvania will be the new Specialty Preferred Pharmacy Provider for Fee-For-Service beginning July 1, 2022. Further details are included in the bulletin.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

February 11, 2022|Pennsylvania|

Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health is expanding access to COVID-19 vaccine with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. TDH (Tennessee Department of Health) is partnering with pharmacies and community health clinics to add more than 100 new vaccination sites across the state.

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

February 11, 2022|Tennessee|

Texas

The Retailers Association (TRA) selected John McCord as their new Executive Director. McCord joins TRA after leading legislative efforts for the National Federation of Independent Business in Texas. 

Also in Texas, the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid provided an update to the Clinical Prior Authorization Assistance Chart. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) requires MCOs to implement specific clinical prior authorizations for clients enrolled in managed care. Usage of other clinical prior authorizations will vary between MCOs at the discretion of each MCO. HHSC publishes a criteria guide for each prior authorization with a description of the steps in the evaluation process. All steps apply to traditional Medicaid claims processed by HHSC. The assistance chart identifies which clinical prior authorization each MCO uses and whether the MCO uses all or some of the steps in the evaluation process. 

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

February 11, 2022|Texas|

Utah

The Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing temporarily suspended enforcement of the e-prescribing requirement effective January 1, 2022. 

Also in Utah, the Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing issued an emergency rule amending regulations R156-37f to require pharmacists to report the prescription origin code (DSP12) to the state’s-controlled substance database. The emergency rule was effective January 1, 2022, and expires May 1, 2022.

Also in Utah, the Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing published a final rule amending regulations under R156-17b to update pharmacy practice standards and requirements for transfer of a legend prescription and dispensing of emergency prescriptions. Among its various changes, the rule also defines “consulting pharmacist,” “designated representative,” and “responsible individual,” and updates standards for compounding relating to flavoring agents. It was published on February 1 in the “Utah State Bulletin” Vol. 2022, No. 3, p. 367. The revised “Pharmacy Practice Act Rule” has been posted to the website.

Finally in Utah, the Board of Pharmacy will meet on February 22 and has posted an agenda. The Board also announced a meeting for March 22; agenda is pending. 

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

February 11, 2022|Utah|

Virginia

HB 1323, sponsored by Del. Orrock (R) was reported from the House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee this week. The bill, a priority for NACDS, would continue the immunization authority extended to pharmacies by the PREP Act when the Federal Public Health Emergency expires. The bill was amended in committee with language negotiated with the pediatric community regarding physician notification and providing patient follow up in the rare event of an adverse reaction. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.  

Also in Virginia, to increase accessibility of at-home COVID-19 test kits, VDH has developed a Standing Order to help pharmacies be able to adjudicate test kit claims and receive reimbursement. It has also been posted on the VDH website. Please note that DMAS published their coverage of at-home COVID-19 test kits policy at the end of last week. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

February 11, 2022|Virginia|

Alaska

The Board of Pharmacy proposed rules updating qualifications and for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacies, outsourcing facilities, wholesale drug distributors, and third-party logistics providers requirements to apply for an emergency permit and renewal application requirements. It also repeals the emergency courtesy license and establishes temporary courtesy licenses for an active-duty military member or their spouse.  

Also in Alaska, the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) conducted a thorough fee analysis and is proposing a decrease in licensing fees for pharmacist, pharmacy technician, and certain pharmacy licenses.

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

February 4, 2022|Alaska|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to meet February 9-10. Once available, the agenda will be posted on the website.

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

February 4, 2022|Arizona|

California

The following alerts have been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provided the following information related to over the counter COVID-19 testing: 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services adjusted the release date of the Med-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) Request for Proposal (RFP) from February 2 to February 9. Note: this adjustment will not affect the implementation date of January 2, 2024.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy took the following actions during its recent public meeting held January 27-28. A complete list of actions is available here. 

  • Voted to modify language and initiate a 15-day comment period on the modified text for Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR), sections 1793.5, 1793.6, and 1793.65, related to Pharmacy Technician Application. 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued an AMENDED WAIVER: Prescriber Dispensing of COVID-19 Antiviral Medication to an Emergency Room Patient. 

Also in California, AB (Assembly Bill) 1400, legislation that would have implemented single payer in the state, will not advance this year. It did not have enough votes to pass out of the Assembly so the author (Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D)) decided not to bring it up for a vote. 

 

Finally in California, last Friday, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced investigations into business operating loyalty programs and send notices regarding noncompliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

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

February 4, 2022|California|

Florida

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) is in the process of updating the 2022 fee schedules, which includes updates to procedure codes and reimbursement rates for services provided in the fee-for-service Medicaid delivery system. The Agency’s fee schedule drafts are available on the Agency’s website here.  

Prior to initiating the rule making process, the Agency is requesting feedback from providers regarding inconsistencies or discrepancies that may be present in the draft fee schedules. Feedback may be provided through this survey link. The link will be active until 5:00pm EST on February 7, 2021. 

The purpose of this exercise is to identify any errors in the fee schedules. It is not an opportunity to request increases in the reimbursement rates, unless there is a valid concern that an error occurred in developing this year’s rates.

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

February 4, 2022|Florida|

Georgia

Text replaced here!GPhA (Georgia Pharmacy Association) is offering Immunization Delivery Training for Pharmacy Technicians, a six-hour CE program consisting of both home-study and live training. Under HHS authorization (PREP Act 10.20.20) trained pharmacy technicians can administer certain vaccines under the supervision and authorization of a pharmacist. 
  
GPhA is offering live training on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in Sandy Springs. Space is limited so do not wait. More information can be found here.

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

February 4, 2022|Georgia|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH) Bureau of Health Services Financing announced that effective February 7, 2022, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will pay for certain COVID-19 oral antiviral agents. Also, on January 26, the Pharmacy Program implemented coverage for OTC at home FDA authorized COVID-19 tests with no copay, with an effective date of January 17, 2022. The fee for service dispensing fee is $10.99. 

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy’s Regulation Revision Committee approved with no objections the legislative proposal changing the age thresholds in pharmacy immunization law to match age thresholds in PREP Act. Next it will be considered by the full Board at their February 17th meeting in Baton Rouge.  

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

February 4, 2022|Louisiana|

Missouri

The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet clarified coverage for At-home COVID-19 test kits. Per the PREP Act Declaration 3rd Amendment, pharmacists can prescribe at-home COVID-19 tests that were prescribed by an enrolled MO HealthNet provider for MO HealthNet to reimburse for the at-home COVID-19 test. Pharmacists must be enrolled as a MO HealthNet provider to receive reimbursement.

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

February 4, 2022|Missouri|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the next COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on February 16 at noon (Central). 

Also in Nebraska, prior to a Health and Human Services Committee hearing, NACDS submitted a statement for the record in support of LB 812, legislation that would permit pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under certain conditions.

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

February 4, 2022|Nebraska|

Nevada

Since all counties continue to be designated high risk masks are mandatory regardless of vaccination status per Gov. Steve Sisolak’s (D) Directive 045. 

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

February 4, 2022|Nevada|

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Association of Chain Drug Stores testified in strong support for SB (Senate Bill) 229, a proposal which would authorize certified pharmacy technicians to immunize. The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee heard no testimony in opposition.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

February 4, 2022|New Hampshire|

New York

The State Education Department (SED) has released draft regulations to authorize pharmacists to administer other immunizations to patients 18 years old or older, as recommended by the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) (Centers for Disease Control). 

Also in New York, The New York State Department of Health has approved the release of January 2022 Medicaid Update. Links to the individual articles are also available below.  

All Providers 

Policy and Billing 

  

Pharmacy 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

February 4, 2022|New York|

Ohio

The Board of Pharmacy has proposed a rule to modify the “DUR” requirements outlined in OAR 4729:5-5-08 for gabapentin prescriptions Under the existing rules for DUR, pharmacists are currently required to request and review the OARRS database prior to dispensing certain controlled substances prescriptions. The proposed rule would extend the PDMP review requirement to include certain prescriptions for gabapentin. Pharmacies have been required to report prescriptions for gabapentin to OARRS since 2016. Comments are due before the close of business on February 9 to RuleComments@pharmacy.ohio.gov and CSIPublicComments@governor.ohio.gov.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

February 4, 2022|Ohio|

Tennessee

Effective January 15, 2022, to broaden access to SARS-CoV-2 at-home testing, the Division of TennCare began coverage of rapid at-home tests with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) through the OptumRx Pharmacy Point of Sale System.  

For further questions, please contact OptumRx Provider Liaisons at tnrxeducation@optum.com  

Also in Tennessee, please see updates to the TennCare Preferred Drug List, Clinical Criteria, TennCare Branded Drugs to be Classified as Generics and Interim Criteria below for February 2022. These changes went into effect on February 1st.  

  • Added to preferred: molnupiravir, Paxlovid 
  • Added to non-preferred: sertraline capsules 
  • Added to interim: Bylvay, Qulipta, Scemblix, Invega Hafyera, Lybalvi 
  • BaG removals: Xopenex, Uloric 

Finally in Tennessee, Lucy A. Shell, PharmD, TPA’s Director of Pharmacy Practice Initiatives and former Interim Executive Director, was named Executive Director for the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, effective Feb. 21.

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

February 4, 2022|Tennessee|

Texas

The Board of Pharmacy updated the quick reference guide for prescriptions for dangerous drugs (non-controlled) and controlled substances (Schedules II – V) that may be dispensed.

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

February 4, 2022|Texas|

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