Maine
Last year, the legislature passed LD 8 which established a prescription drug take-back program in Maine for pharmacies. Pharmacies will have the choice of a secure collection kiosk or offering customers a voucher for a mail-back envelope to properly dispose of unused prescription medications. Drug manufacturers are due to submit a plan to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by July 1, 2022.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Maryland
A bill, HB299, allowing pharmacists to administer injectable medications for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections became law last week and will be effective Oct. 1, 2022, pending the adoption of regulations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS) has updated the Medicaid PDL (Preferred Drug List) effective 6/1/2022.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Missouri
Pharmacy technician licenses expired May 31, 2022. Any technician that did not renew cannot work until the Board office has renewed their license. While the online renewal option ended on May 31st, a paper renewal is available online.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance's (DCI) Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is opening its application portal for pharmacies to receive and dispense the oral antivirals Paxlovid and Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) to COVID-19 patients with prescriptions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
On May 13, the Department of Public Health, and Human Services (DPHHS) revised its Provider Revalidation Extension. The following is currently posted on the DPHHS website:
"On December 13, 2021, Montana Healthcare Programs began sending revalidation notices to providers who are due for provider revalidation. The letters specify a due date. Montana Healthcare Programs is extending the required revalidation date for any provider who has received a revalidation notice. This extension is primarily due to a known system issue that is creating challenges for some providers when trying to revalidate. Providers should not attempt to revalidate their provider information at this time. Notices will be posted when the online revalidation feature is working properly. Providers will be given a minimum of 90 days
to complete revalidation activities once notification has occurred."
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services posted the COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccine Update effective May 17.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the next COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on July 6 at noon (Central).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire legislature passed SB229 and it is on its way to the Governor for his signature. This measure allows licensed or certified pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. To administer vaccines, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the board and must have completed training that includes hands-on injection techniques and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New Jersey
NACDS submitted a letter to the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy asking the Board to extend the Remote Processing Pilot until the rulemaking to permanently allow for this activity is finalized. Although the Board has already initiated rulemaking to allow remote processing more broadly, the pilot is scheduled to expire at the end of June and therefore must be extended for participating pharmacies and pharmacy personnel to continue to engage in remote processing activities.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson issued an updated COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order that includes booster for patients between 5-11 years old.
You can find all the statewide standing orders for pharmacists at the Department of Public Health website provided here.
Also in North Carolina, the most recent North Carolina Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletter can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the June 8-10, 2022 Board Meeting agenda and meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
Governor Henry McMaster (R) signed SB628 on May 23, 2022. The hormonal contraceptives bill, which was amended to include Central Fill, will take effect upon the issuance of written joint protocol by the Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy, not later than six months from passage.
Also in South Carolina, the Department of Health, and Human Services (SCDHHS) has announced it is seeking feedback on its draft "South Carolina Medicaid Quality Strategy." The draft document is available here on SCDHHS' website. The agency will collect public comments on the draft document until June 18, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Governor William Lee (R) signed SB1859, on May 9, 2022, effective immediately, this legislation requires the board of pharmacy to promulgate rules necessary to ensure that an individual who is blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled has appropriate access to prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides.
Also in Tennessee, Governor Lee signed HB2660/SB2457, on May 4, 2022, effective immediately. This legislation authorizes the Department of Commerce and Insurance to promulgate rules for pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacy benefits. Rules are prohibited from extending, modifying, or conflicting with any provision of the Tennessee Code. The rules must implement PBM audits necessary to ensure compliance; provide additional licensure requirements for PBMs; implement a complaints and administrative hearings process and provide for fees to cover the cost of supervising compliance payable by a PBM subject to an audit.
Finally in Tennessee, Governor William Lee (R) has signed Senate Bill 2458/House Bill 2661, as amended, Much of this law offers clean-up language to 2021's Public Chapter 569, and stakeholders advocated for key elements to ensure all provisions can be properly enforced by the TDCI, which align with Arkansas' law that was defended by the U.S. Supreme Court in Rutledge v. PCMA. Summary points of the law include, medication product reimbursement, update to the professional dispensing fee, patient access, clear determination that this law applies to ERISA plans and a clearly defined role of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
On May 18th and 19th. the House Insurance Committee held two days of interim hearings on health care laws adopted in 2021 including the pharmacy specific laws passed – SB (Senate Bill) 1264, HB (House Bill) 1919 and HB 1763.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy has many resources available on their website to keep pharmacies connected with the Agency, including General Practice Resources and Coronavirus information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy posted the April 26, 2022 signed meeting minutes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Virginia
On May 27, Gov. Youngkin (R) signed HB 1323 and SB 672, identical bills that mirror pharmacies immunization and testing authority from the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act. The bills, sponsored by Delegate Bobby Orrock (R) and Senator Siobhan Dunnavant (R), were priorities of VACDS (Virginia Association of Chain Drug Stores) and NACDS. Specifically, the bill allows pharmacist and technicians to administer the full Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vaccine schedule to patients 3 years of age and older; clarifies that pharmacists can order and administer COVID tests; allows pharmacists to initiate tobacco cessation therapies including prescription drugs under protocol; and requires Medicaid to reimburse pharmacies for the initiation of treatment and vaccines.
Also in Virginia, The Department of Health has updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order to reflect CDC/ACIP recommendations from May.
Finally in Virginia, The Board of Pharmacy has posted the agenda for the June 6th Public Hearing and Full Board Meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) revised the Emergency COVID-19 Fee Schedule provider billing guidelines under COVID-19 for Apple Health.
Also in Washington, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee and Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board will be meeting on June 15th to review drug classes for the Washington PDL, and for the DUR Board to review drug classes for the Apple Health (Medicaid) PDL. This meeting will be held by Zoom webinar only. You will need to register for the webinar to receive the meeting link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wisconsin
A new online self-guided license application process, LicensE, is now live. Applicants can apply at the new, online, self-guided occupational license application at license.wi.gov.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Alabama
Effective June 7, 2022, providers will no longer be able to access the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). At that time, the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal will officially support the Microsoft Edge browser and may also be accessed with other modern browsers.
If you are currently using IE, the Department strongly recommends you update to the Microsoft Edge web browser. When changing browsers, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various user interfaces and navigational changes.
If you are presently using a browser other than IE, there will be no changes when utilizing the Medicaid Interactive Web Portal.
Providers with questions concerning the upcoming change can submit them to the following email address: interChangeTesting@gainwelltechnologies.com.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy has proposed rules updating existing regulations on pharmacies, pharmacist interns, pharmacy technicians, wholesale drug distributors, outsourcing facilities, and third-party logistics providers. Written comments are due on June 13, 2022.
Also in Alaska, legislation expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians was sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) for his signature. HB (House Bill) 145
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy informed licensees about a scam involving a letter that is coming from the Board. The SCAM letter indicates suspension of license with opportunity to restore it by obtaining authorization from the concerned department. There is also a follow-up call to the licensee asking to wire money to resolve the issue. As a reminder, this is contrary to Board operations, the Board posted a process to manage complaints. Please reach out to the Arizona Board of Pharmacy using the contact information on the Board’s website directly if you receive suspicious mail, fax, or phone calls.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) appointed Jennifer Dillaha, M.D., as Director of the Department of Health. Since 2001, she has worked at the Department of Health leading the Agency's health promotion efforts focused on population-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The Governor also appointed Renee Mallory, RN, BSN to the position as interim Secretary of Health.
Also in Arkansas, the Department of Human Services Medicaid established a provider portal to accept applications for new providers as an individual practitioner so that pharmacists can order, render, and prescribe with the applicable CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) documentation. Recent legislation passed gave authority to pharmacists to test for flu and strep as well, along with other prescribing authority.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- Prior Authorization Submission Reminders (May 16)
- Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (May 13)
- Medi-Cal Weekly Wrap-Up for May 6-12 (May 13)
- Medical Supplies Update: Update to the Maximum Allowable Product Cost (MAPC) for Female Condoms, Effective, July 1, 2022 (May 12)
- Medical Supplies Update: New Pharmacy Benefit, Blood Pressure Monitors, and Blood Pressure Cuffs, Effective July 1, 2022 (May 12)
- Medi-Cal Weekly Wrap-Up for April 29-May 5 (May 6)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for April 29-May 5 (May 6)
Also in California, on May 6, the Department of Health Care Services hosted a Medi-Cal Rx Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – Chain Rx Kickoff meeting to explain current MFA policy and how the exception granted for some chain pharmacies to the MFA policy expires on December 31, 2022. As indicated in the slidesDHCS will schedule bi-weekly meetings to formalize requirements and timelines. Please feel free to send questions to:
- Rajesh Adoni Rajesh.Adoni2@dhcs.ca.gov
- Gina Connors Gina.Connors@dhcs.ca.gov
- Julie Cheung Julie.Cheung@dhcs.ca.gov
Finally in California, on May 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released the "Medi-Cal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Operational Unwinding Plan". This plan provides an overview of DHCS' plan to unwind COVID-19 Medi-Cal flexibilities and resume normal Medi-Cal operations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The legislature adjourned on May 11th. Prior to adjournment, several bills of interest to pharmacies passed and will be sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law, including a telepharmacy bill eliminating the mileage restrictions SB-173, and a PBM 340b bill prohibiting additional fees and chargebacks HB-1122,
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Connecticut
Earlier this month the finalized Connecticut State Budget, HB5506, included approved changes in the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management agreements between pharmacists and any prescribing practitioner and caregiving institutions to expand pharmacists’ authority to manage patient populations.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Florida
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) has posted a Request for Information (RFI) relating to the procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Program (AHCA RFI 014-21/22 Re-Procurement of the SMMC Program. The RFI may be viewed HERE.
In preparation for the upcoming procurement, the Agency is seeking information from entities and stakeholders with direct experience in the managed health and long-term care industries regarding best practices and innovations in business models as well as service delivery for Medicaid managed care.
The Agency is interested in innovative ideas and best practices to:
- Leverage the managed care delivery system, either through expanded benefits or other mechanisms, to promote sustainable economic self-sufficiency among Medicaid recipients in the short and long term.
- Improve birth outcomes for mothers and infants through and beyond 12-month postpartum coverage period.
- Utilize value-based payment designs to simultaneously increase quality and reduce costs.
- Maximize home and community-based placement and services through proactive aging-in place strategies.
- Improve integration of dental and primary care services for children and adolescents.
- Align quality metrics and outcomes with the Florida State Health Improvement Plan.
- Enhance specialty health plans services to improve outcomes for recipients. Increase the number of plans to address target populations with specific health conditions or needs.
- Increase access to community-based pharmacists within prescription benefit manager networks.
- Improve mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.
- Improve coordination of care for individuals enrolled in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
- Decrease mortality rates for recipients with complex chronic diseases and address payment strategies for high-cost therapies and prescription drugs in development.
- Consider innovative delivery methods, including care bundling, that empower recipients in making more informed health care decisions.
- Improve providers' experience with the SMMC Program.
- Improve recipients' experience with the SMMC Program.
- Increase timely access to providers and services.
- Achieve cost savings throughout the SMMC Program.
The Agency will consider information gathered from responses to this RFI in preparing the competitive procurement for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program which is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of CY (Calendar Year) 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.