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.
Louisiana
The Board of Pharmacy held their quarterly meeting on November 17.
Also in Louisiana, Medicaid announced that another Managed Care Organization (MCO), Humana Healthy Horizons, will be added effective January 1, 2023, offering services to Medicaid recipients. The Medicaid Pharmacy Program will now consist of Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) and six managed care organizations (Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and UnitedHealthcare).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Massachusetts
A new standing order for over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests has been developed by the Department of Public Health in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 19A, which authorizes the issuance of standing orders for licensed pharmacists to dispense a COVID-19 control measures. This standing order is now in effect and should be utilized going forward. Please be aware that the January 14, 2022, Standing Order for Dispensing Over the Counter (OTC) Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer in effect and may no longer be used.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Minnesota
The Department of Health and published its weekly COVID Vaccine Provider Update. Please note you can also link to past updates and sign up to receive future updates in your email on the same page.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
Quantity limits for albuterol inhalers and nebulizer solutions went into effect on August 28. Adults are now limited to 3 albuterol inhalers (300 rescue doses) every 180 days. Participants of all ages are limited to 120 vials every 2 months. If a provider feels a patient needs albuterol inhalers or nebulizer solutions more than these limits, a letter of medical necessity and progress notes will need to be submitted.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The Department of Health (DOH) has established a webpage with information and resources for pharmacies regarding the transition of the pharmacy benefit from Managed Care to NYRx. The page will be updated regularly. You can also email the DOH with questions about this issue by putting "pharmacy benefit transition" in the subject line. To sign up for the Medicaid Redesign LISTSERV, please click here.
Also in New York, the DOH issued changes to the prior authorization process and an updated preferred drug list for the NYRx program, effective November 17, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Ohio
The SPBM (Single Pharmacy Benefit Manager), Gainwell Technologies, sent a communication to pharmacies this week detailing claim recoupments that are planned in the next few weeks to compensate for overpayments in the first three weeks of the migration to the new Medicaid managed care pharmacy system.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt the following rules. A hearing will be held on November 22 at 9:30 a.m. PT. Written comments may be filed before 4:30 p.m. PT on November 22 via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
- Division 019 – related to 2022 HB (House Bill) 4034 Duties of a Pharmacist
- Division 139 – related to 2022 HB 4034 Prohibited Practices
- Division 019 – related to 2022 HB 4096 Out-of-state Volunteer Pharmacist
- Division 062 – related to Drug Distribution Agent
- Divisions 010/019/020 – related to Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority
- Divisions 021/135 – related to Continuing Pharmacy Education
- Divisions 019/141 – related to Pharmacy Prescription Kiosk (PPK)
- Divisions 006/019/031 – related to Definitions
- Division 041 – related to Prescription Labeling Expiration Date
- Divisions 001/102 – related to Procedural & Universal Rules *The board does not intend to adopt these rules in December 2022 – seeking public comment only
- Divisions 025/125 – related to Pharmacy Technicians *The board does not intend to adopt these rules in December 2022 – seeking public comment only
- Divisions 019/020/031/041/115 – related to Pharmacists *The board does not intend to adopt these rules in December 2022 – seeking public comment only
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the school superintendents that the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be mandated as part of school entry requirements. Instead, Texas law overrides a recent recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that added the vaccine to immunization schedules for adults and school-aged children. In letters to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and school superintendents statewide, the Governor explains that his Executive Order No. GA-39, issued on August 25, 2021, allows Texas parents to opt-out of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children and further empowers parents to be the primary decision-makers in their children's healthcare. Also, the Texas Legislature has enabled parents to opt out of vaccinating their children for health reasons and reasons of conscience through several statutes, including Texas Education Code § 38.01(c)(1), Texas Health & Safety Code §§ 161.004(d), 161.0041 and Texas Human Resources Code § 42.043(d).
Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid is soliciting feedback on its proposed policies related to the transition of the formulary, preferred drug list and prior authorization requirements to managed care organizations, in accordance with state law. The survey must be completed by 5:00 PM CT on December 4, 2022.
Also in Texas, at the Board of Pharmacy early this month, the Board adopted and proposed several rules.
Finally in Texas, November 14 was the first day of bill filing for the 2023 legislative session that convenes on January 10, 2023. Shortly after Noon, legislators had filed more than 800 bills. Thousands of pieces of legislation are filed each biennial session, but most never make it into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.