South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster (R) declared a State of Emergency in South Carolina ahead of the impacts of Hurricane Idalia.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee (R), Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and The Kroger Company officials announced that Kroger will be constructing its fifth U.S. Central Fill facility in Cleveland, TN. Rep. Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) stated, “…This endeavor will create 140 jobs and provide state-of-the-art care through the utilization of automated technology to fulfill prescriptions. We are honored to be the site for this project, and highly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our economy and community.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
On September 1, 2023 more than 770 new laws passed by the legislature went into effect, including Senate Bill 29 that bans the state from enacting mask mandates, vaccine mandates or business and school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The law makes exceptions for certain entities, such as prisons, hospitals and assisted living centers or nursing homes.
Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where HEB pharmacist Jay Bueche was sworn in as president at the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Convention and Expo in Houston.
Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor drug program provided several updates of interest to pharmacies:
- September 2023 draft specialty drug list is now available for public comment.
- July 2023 Medicaid Preferred Drug List update which includes changes approved at the January and April 2023 Drug Utilization Review Board meetings. 
- Hepatitis C Treatment Resources Available for Medicaid Clients
- Mosquito Repellent Pharmacy Benefits Available
- Members Sought for the Drug Utilization Review Board (applications due September 15)
- Pharmacy Education Information and Opportunities
- Pharmacy Email Addresses Must Be Current in PEMS (Provider Enrollment and Management System)
Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convened on September 5, and the trial is expected to last two-three weeks. In May, Paxton was impeached by the House of Representatives by a vote of 121-23 (61D & 60R) on 20 charges of misapplication of public resources, bribery, obstruction of justice, abuse of public trust and disregard or official duties. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) is presiding over the trial and the 31 State Senators are serving as the jurors.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
On August 23, the Board of Pharmacy held its monthly meeting. On the agenda was a request for input regarding draft proposals for prescribing emergency contraceptives and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Washington
The Department of Health Pharmacy Commission held a Board meeting on August 24 and 25.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Medicaid Agency has published a PSA video to encourage Medicaid recipients to complete their eligibility renewal forms when their notices come in the mail. Medicaid providers and partners are encouraged to share this video in public locations and on websites.
Medicaid has taken extraordinary efforts to notify recipients when it is time to renew.
Renewal notices are sent through regular mail, and the Agency is contacting recipients by
email, text message and phone when it is time to renew (if they have provided that contact
information to the Agency). Several outreach resources are available for Medicaid partners to
make it simple to share the key messaging.
Please share the following key messaging from Medicaid:
* Public Service Announcement – August 29, 2023
* How to Update Contact Information with the Agency (Medicaid Recipients)
* Video: Keep Your Coverage
* Video (Spanish): Keep Your Coverage
Medicaid regularly updates information for recipients on the COVID-19 Information for Providers webpage. Medicaid recipients who have questions should call Medicaid’s Recipient Call Center at (800) 362-1504 or visit a Medicaid office in their area. Providers may contact the Provider Assistance Center at (800) 688-7989.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arizona
This week, the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) held a Study Session that included pharmacy technician rules to permanently authorize pharmacy technician to administer vaccines under the delegation and supervision of a pharmacist. The GRRC will hold a meeting on September 6 where they will vote on the rules package.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) may call a special session in September to address property tax relief.
Also in Arkansas, the Governor appointed two new members to serve a six-year term on the Board of Pharmacy. Clint Boone from Little Rock replaces Rebecca Mitchell and Beth Ann Davenport from Bentonville will succeed Amy Fore.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following bulletins, notices, and alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments.
- Reinstatement Spotlight (September 1)
- Diabetic Supplies Update: Changes to Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Policy, Effective October 1, 2023 (September 1)
- Medical Supplies Update: Updates to Contracted Diabetic Test Strips and Lancets List, Effective October 1, 2023 (September 1)
- Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice (September 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for September (September 1)
- Changes to Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List (September 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (September 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for August 18-24 (August 25)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (August 25)
- 30-Day Countdown: Reinstatement of Cost Ceiling and Prior Authorization for Enteral Nutrition and Specific Standard Therapeutic Classes (August 23)
- Lift of Labeler Code Restriction for Truvada (August 22)
- Recommencement of Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments: Publication of Updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (August 21)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for August 11-17 (August 18)
- Reinstatement Spotlight (August 18)
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency in Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties due to fires. During a declared state of emergency, the Board of Pharmacy reminds licensees of information and state laws intended to help pharmacists provide prescription drugs – including controlled substances – for residents displaced because of emergency evacuation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.