Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy held a workgroup on September 23 to consider making recommendations to the Legislature on passing legislation that would expand pharmacy technician duties in the 2022 session. The workgroup was mandated by HB 1304 of 2020. This law will require pharmacy technicians to be certified by July 2022. According the draft minutes the workgroup took the following actions:
- Motion to recommend the elimination tech ratio failed; subsequent motion to not recommend the elimination of tech ratio passed 6-2
- Motion to recommend permanently authorize nationally certified techs to administer vaccines in accordance with PREP Act passed 7-1
- BOP Executive Director clarifies that pharmacists and technicians under supervision are currently authorized to perform CLIA-waived testing
- Motion that the BOP further study, rather than recommend, Technician Product Verification passed unanimously
- Motion passed unanimously to recommend that pharmacy technicians be authorized to clarify number of refills and drug quantity for new prescriptions or refills (Sch. VI)
- Motion to allow techs to accept new prescriptions failed 6-2
- Motion passed unanimously to recommend allowing a nationally certified technician to electronically transfer a Schedule VI refill that is not an “on hold” prescription when authorized by Pharmacist in Charge.
- Board voted unanimously that the BOP clarify regulations, if needed, to allow pharmacy technicians to take medication histories independently to include drug name, dosage and frequency. It was the opinion of Board staff that this is currently authorized.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 409, the Board of Pharmacy’s legislation that would permit pharmacists to perform a list of CLIA-waived tests, including SARS-CoV-2or other respiratory illness, condition or disease and strep throat, plus any additional tests approved by the Board of Pharmacy, in conjunction with the Medical Board of California and Laboratory Field Services.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has created a flyer to assist pharmacy providers to prepare for the Medi-Cal Rx implementation date of January 1, 2022. Note the inclusion of readiness survey; the results will be used to tailor training sessions to prepare providers for the transition to Medi-Cal Rx.
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association worked with Magellan and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to schedule a webinar for chain pharmacies to hear first-hand from these entities about the important elements related to implementation of Medi-Cal Rx (start date of January 1, 2022). The webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, 4:00 p.m. CDT, 3:00 p.m. MDT and 2:00 p.m. PDT; T; for information to access the webinar, click here. During the webinar, Magellan and DHCS will share information about portal registration, interacting with the new system and other key items. Please be prepared to ask questions. If your company would like to schedule its own training after October 13, please contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801 or sguckian@nacds.org, and we will connect you directly to Magellan and DHCS to schedule the training.
Finally in California, Ashkan Soltani will lead the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) as its Executive Director. He helped to shape the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Georgia
Fall Virtual Medicaid Fair, Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 8am EST. The opening session will highlight news from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) including an overview of current initiatives and program and policy updates. The day will feature WebEx based break-out sessions focused on relevant topics for our provider community along with time for questions and answers. To register online and for details, visit here. Attendees must register to reserve a seat for each individual session selected.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker (D) has signed two pieces of opioid legislation. HB1842, sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D), which amends statute to modify prescription drug monitoring program requirements and HB3596, sponsored by Representative Dagmara Avelar (D), which amends statute to require Schedule II-V substances prescriptions to be sent electronically.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Continuing Prior Approval Requests for Early Synagis Dosing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2271-MC-FFS-CVD with guidance for pharmacies billing for specimen collection and testing for COVID-19. The changes are effective October 1 and will be in effect for the duration of the public health emergency.
Also in Iowa, for the latest information and updates impacting Iowa’s enrolled vaccine providers, please visit the Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) COVID-19 Vaccine Providers web page, and click on the most recent version of the “ Vaccine Information Brief”. IDPH posted a NEW Vaccine Information Brief (10.1.21). If you have questions, contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
Also in Iowa, a COVID 3rd dose vs. booster vaccine recommendations infographic has been developed for providers’ use for educational purposes. If you have questions, contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
The Office of Pharmacy Services has published an Advisory on the Concurrent use of Opioids and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for the Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program. Anyone interested in directly receiving upcoming Advisories may forward his/her name, company affiliation and email address directly to Deborah.washington@maryland.gov
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Mississippi
As a reminder, the Division of Medicaid (DOM) will require providers to include accurate CPT® Category II codes on physician, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner claims, effective October 1, 2021. To learn more read see the linked memo.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Nebraska
The 471-000-540 Nebraska Medicaid Practitioner Fee Schedule for Injectables was updated effective October 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper (D) has issued Executive Order 236, which was introduced to amend Executive Orders 130, 139, and 193 and extend Executive Order 152 as well as waive regulations to expedite the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The new order removes licensing requirements for medical personnel for assisting with vaccine administration and directs the State Health Director to continue all programs that have been previously implemented for the purpose of disease prevention, protection, reporting, and detection. This order extends the order to require the State Health Director to issue statewide standing orders needed to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination and testing, as well as administer monoclonal antibody treatment.
This order is effective immediately and will expire on January 5, 2022.
Also in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper (D) signed SB257, legislation that will impose tighter regulations on pharmacy benefit managers to address spread pricing and requires licensure under the Department of Insurance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy will hold a meeting on October 13-15. The agenda has been posted including information for public participation by phone.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The S.C. Department of Commerce, Clemson University, and the S.C. Department of Agriculture has invited members of the business community to join an educational webinar on October 12th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST detailing the potential impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF) on the food supply chain and food security in South Carolina between the pork industry, animal health officials and private industry partners integral to the food supply chain.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Please see the Provider Notice that updates to TennCare Preferred Drug List, Clinical Criteria, and Interim Criteria below for October 2021. These changes go into effect on October 1st.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Virginia
NACDS reminds members that beginning January 1, 2022, all health care providers must report all vaccinations to the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS), pursuant to Chapter 211 of the 2021 Special Session. If you are not already actively submitting immunization administration data to VIIS please contact VIISInfo@vdh.virginia.gov and a VIIS Trainer will contact, you.
Also in Virginia, the Department of Health (VDH) recently partnered with a platform to allow residents to show proof of vaccination via a QR code, rather than a paper vaccination card. VDH encourages pharmacies to become familiar with this platform as patients may show vaccination records this way. More information about this new platform can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Arkansas
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for Immunizations and Outbreak Response at the Arkansas Department of Health, shared statistics showing that pharmacies had administered at least 72% of the COVID vaccines in Arkansas, not counting those shots administered at hospital sites.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Action Plan outlining the following priorities given the potential of both the approval of boosters and the eligibility of children under the age of 12 years.
- Vaccinate those that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated while closing the equity gaps;
- Ensure enough capacity to administer booster shots; and
- Vaccinate children under age 12 [years] as they become eligible.
Also in California, due to the Fawn Fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on September 27 in Shasta County. The Board of Pharmacy issued an alert reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062(b) and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents. The Board’s formal policy for filling prescriptions during an emergency is available in its Board Policy Statement: Disaster Response.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Executive Order N-16-21 extending the telehealth services expansion. This Executive Order also extends the previous order’s provisions related to relaxing certain state and security laws for medical providers.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom(D) signed several bills related to workers and working conditions, including SB 362, legislation sponsored by the United Food and Commercial Workers and the California Pharmacists Association, that prohibits chain community pharmacies (75 or more stores under one ownership in California) from establishing pharmacy quotas as defined in the bill with certain exceptions.
Also in California, the Department of Public Health recently released the COVID-19 vaccine State Public Health Officer Order with an effective date of November 30. Please note the August 5, 2021, State Public Health Officer Order still applies, and facilities must be in full compliance with this order by September 30.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is currently accepting written comments on the following proposed regulations.
- Title 16, CCR Section 1704 related to providing addresses, specifically electronic mail address.
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed text
- Comment deadline: October 18
- Title 16, CCR Section 1784 related to self-assessment of a wholesaler/third-party logistics provider by the designated representative-in-charge or responsible manager
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed Text
- Self-assessment form
- Comment deadline: November 1
- Title 16, CCR 1715. 65 related to Inventory Activities and Inventory Reconciliation Reports of Controlled Substances
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Proposed Text
- Comment deadline: November 1
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy distributed the September 2021 issue of its newsletter, “The Script”. Highlights include the FAQs related to the e-prescribing requirement effective January 1, 2022, and the new regulations for automated drug delivery systems.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) that oversees multiple Boards including the Board of Pharmacy announced a joint stakeholder meeting on October 15th at 11:30 AM Mountain time to collect feedback so that they can create a list of non-controlled prescription drugs and substances that have a substantial potential for abuse and must be reported to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) when dispensed to a patient. Webinar Registration
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
Reminder, Effective October 1, 2021, fee-for-service pharmacy claims must identify prescribers by their National Provider Identifier (NPI) and the prescribers must be actively enrolled with Florida Medicaid or the claims will be denied at the point of sale. Prescribers must be enrolled with Florida Medicaid in accordance with Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 455.410(b). For more information related to the Florida Medicaid NCPDP D.0 Payer Specifications, please reference the D.0. Specs (Updated 07/07/2021) available on the Pharmacy Information page of the Web Portal.
Also in Florida, as part of Constitutional Amendment No. 2 passed by voters in the 2020 election, Florida’s minimum wage is set for a notable increase. Effective September 30, 2021 the state minimum wage will increase from $8.65 per hour to $10.00 per hour (a 13.5% increase). In accordance with the amendment, the minimum wage is set for annual increases on the path to a $15 minimum wage by September 30, 2026. The requirement applies to both public and private employers, regardless of size. In addition to increasing pay, Florida employers also face posting obligations to reflect the new amounts, posters that comply with the posting requirement can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
HB711, sponsored by Representative Gregory Harris (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 19, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022 and applies to all managed care organizations and provides requirements concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements, denial of claims or coverage by a utilization review program, and the implementation of prior authorization requirements or restrictions.
Also in Illinois, HB1745, sponsored by Representative Gregory Harris (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 19, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2023 and requires every health insurance carrier which provides coverage for prescription drugs to ensure that at least a certain percent of an individual’s healthcare plan must apply a flat-dollar copayment structure to their entire drug benefit.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
For the latest information and updates impacting Iowa’s enrolled vaccine providers, please visit the Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) COVID-19 Vaccine Providers web page, and click on the most recent version of the “ Vaccine Information Brief”. IDPH posted a NEW Vaccine Information Brief (9.27.2021). Note: changes to the document are highlighted in yellow. Also, for all Iowa-enrolled vaccine providers, a weekly listserv message will be sent to emails on record; this message will include the “Vaccine Information Brief”, as appropriate.
Also in Iowa, the Department of Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2266-MC-FFS-CVD, containing information and updates regarding the authorization of an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine following an initial 2-dose primary series of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for certain immunocompromised individuals. See informational letter for details about billing and coding for administration fees.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Louisiana
Both the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Advisory Council and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Committee will be holding their quarterly meetings in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, October 13.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a new COVID19 Bulletin dealing with booster vaccine rollout.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Missouri
The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet issued a bulletin announcing the Medicaid prescription reimbursement will be increased on October 1, 2021. In-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $12.22, plus an adjustment to account for the cost of the Missouri Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance attributable to Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions. The professional dispensing fee plus the current adjusted amount will total $12.70. Out-of-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $8.85.
Also in Missouri, effective September 1, 2021, MO HealthNet (Medicaid) started paying for transportation for Medicaid fee-for-service patients with an appointment at a pharmacy to receive vaccinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
Effective October 1, all Medicaid beneficiaries will automatically receive full Medicaid benefits, including dental, vision and over-the-counter drugs as part of the Medicaid Expansion program. A new Medicaid card will not be needed for people who have current Medicaid coverage. Recall this change to the Medicaid Expansion program occurs as a result of the Department of Health and Human Services’ notice not to implement the Heritage Health Adult (HHS) demonstration that would have required engagement in wellness, personal responsibility and community engagement activities to quality for full Medicaid benefits.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the next weekly COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on October 6 at noon. Information to access the call has been posted on the DHHS website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
The New York Health Commissioner approved the recommendations of the DUR Board developed at the July 2021 meeting. The meeting summary on the DOH website has been updated to include the Commissioner’s final determinations.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
North Carolina
The North Carolina General Assembly has passed, and Governor Cooper has signed into law, legislation that authorizes qualified immunizing pharmacists to administer long-acting injectable medications to patients age 18 and older pursuant to prescription. This new authority becomes effective on October 1, 2021. Board staff has prepared a guidance document that summarizes the new authority and how pharmacists may exercise it.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.