Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy is meeting in Las Vegas on September 6 and 7. Use this link to access the agenda, minutes, and meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Carolina
State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson will hold a Provider Webinar on Wednesday, September 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST concerning the upcoming fall vaccines. See information below.
Join ZoomGov Meeting:
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/gWEfCo28zRFr1qK1I1Zx5d?domain=zoomgov.com
Also in North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) declared a State of Emergency ahead of the impact of Hurricane Idalia. Pharmacists are reminded that a state of emergency declaration triggers obligations for health benefit plans to cover emergency refills of prescriptions. More information from the NC Department of Insurance is here. Pharmacists and pharmacies are reminded that the Board of Pharmacy has exercised its authority under G.S. 90-85.25(a) to waive certain requirements of the North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act to facilitate the provision of patient care during a declared emergency. With Hurricane Idalia’s approach, now is the time to review that policy and start implementing plans to ensure continuity of patient care. The policy is found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy published a bulletin complying with the new regulations effective on September 1 that authorize technicians to administer immunizations.
Also in Ohio, Medicaid (ODM) announced new Professional Dispensing Fee Rates in both the SPBM (Single PBM) and Fee-for-Service programs. The increases in the SPBM Managed Care program will be effective September 1, 2023. Since SPA approval is needed for the Fee-For-Service program, ODM projects that implementation would be effective on January 1, 2024.
Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed the following rules for stakeholder feedback:
- 4729:5-3-21 – Continuous Quality Improvement Programs in Pharmacy Services. (NEW – Applies to Outpatient and Institutional Pharmacies)
- 4729:1-4-02 – Duty to report (Pharmacists). (AMEND)
- 4729:2-4-02 – Duty to report (Pharmacy Interns). (AMEND)
- 4729:3-4-02 – Duty to report (Pharmacy Technicians). (AMEND)
- 4729:5-4-02 – Duty to report (Pharmacies). (NEW)
Comments on the proposed rules will be accepted until close of business on September 8 and should be submitted here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy adopted Chapter 15 approved rule allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, effective September 1, 2023.
Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) appointed Ellen Buettner as the new CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) which oversees Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. She had served as Chief of Staff since 2019.
Finally in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association’s (OPhA) annual convention was held in Oklahoma City last weekend where the President of Osborne Drugs, Bill Osborn, was sworn in to serve as the President of OPhA.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed HB 2725 (Chapter 509), legislation prohibiting PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to clerical error. It also prohibits PBMs from imposing fees on pharmacies after point of sale. It also requires a PBM, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to pharmacy of specific claim that is denied or reduced and detailed explanation for denial or reduction. This measure was effective upon passage.
Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority has posted new protocols for the following vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Influenza (IIV 2023-24 – Interim), and Influenza (LAIV 2023-24 – Interim). An interim protocol will be replaced with a final protocol once the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations are published in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report). Also, the following protocols have been updated: HPV vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
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. McWhorte, 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 go 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 of 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 Sept. 15)
- Pharmacy Education Information and Opportunities
- Pharmacy Email Addresses Must Be Current in PEMS
Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convenes on September 5th.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
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.