Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker (D) has signed SB4018, effective May 13, 2022, this legislation clarifies prescription verification policies for pharmacy technicians and requires pharmacists to deliver proper notification and signage for temporary closures. Pharmacies may engage in remote prescription processing if the pharmacies have the same owner or a written contract describing the scope of services, the pharmacies share a common electronic file, and such an electronic system can produce a record at either location.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
Prior to adjournment last month, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed into law SB (Senate Bill) 200, a bill expanding the pharmacist’s scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for flu, strep or urinary tract infection pursuant to a Statewide Protocol adopted by the existing Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Advisory Committee. Also signed into law was SB 28 that sets up a regulatory framework, adjusts the MAC (Maximum Allowable Cost) appeal law, and requires Pharmacy Benefit Managers to be licensed by the Insurance Department.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Massachusetts
This week, NACDS wrote the Commissioner at the Department of Public Health a letter to urge her to make permanent pharmacy practice modernization in alignment with allowances under the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Missouri
The legislature adjourned on May 13. Prior to adjournment, HB 3010, legislation that provides funding for the distribution of naloxone passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Mike Parsons (R). Also sent to the Governor for his signature was HB 2162, that will allow pharmacists to sell and dispense opioid antagonists under a physician protocol or statewide standing order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
Pursuant to MAR 24-174-78, the Board of Pharmacy’s final rule amendments were published in the Administrative Rules of Montana, effective March 26, related to elimination of the ratio of pharmacy technicians and interns to pharmacists and inclusion of other healthcare licensees for vaccine administration and corresponding changes to the technician utilization plan.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Dakota
On May 12, the Department of Human Services posted a reminder about the Timely Filing Policy for claim dates of service on or after January 1, 2022. See the ND Medicaid Provider Updates webpage for historical updates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy published a bulletin announcing Board meeting dates for the remainder of 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for minor edits to the Oregon Health Plan Managed Care Rules. These edits are needed to align with Federal requirements, clarify language, remove outdated references, and correct typos. It also adds a definition for “Plan Type.” Comments are due at 5:00 p.m. on May 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The PACE Program has issued two Provider Bulletins: PPB-22-007 details a change in the Submission Clarification Code to be used on the first fill (shortened fill) in Medication Synchronization. PPB-22-009 details changes in Copay Collection on Incremental Fills. Both changes will be effective Monday, June 13, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners recently met and approved the updated Joint Pharmacist Immunization Protocol. The protocol now includes the updated ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommendations for Pneumococcal vaccines. You can view a copy here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board recently approved a list of recommended drugs for the Medicaid preferred drug list which will be discussed and finalized at the DUR meeting on July 22, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy announced a June 28 meeting; agenda is pending.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Washington
The Health Care Authority's recently approved second quarter preferred drug list is now available.
Also in Washington, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee and Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2022, to review drug classes for the Washington PDL (Preferred Drug List), and the drug classes for the Apple Health (Medicaid) PDL. This meeting will be held by Zoom online seminar only and you will need to register in advance to receive the meeting link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
Effective May 14, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development amended regulations under 12 AAC 02 to reduce application, license, registration, and renewal fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, remote and other pharmacies, wholesale drug distributors, outsourcing facilities, and third-party logistics providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
Effective April 1, 2022, Medicaid began accepting applications for new providers as individual practitioners. Pharmacists that intend to be an Ordering, Rendering, and Prescribing (ORP) provider for pharmacy and medical claim billing, must enroll with Arkansas Medicaid. Applications may be submitted to the Provider Portal. For more information, contact the Provider Assistance Center at (501) 376-2211.
Also in 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.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note DUR Claims Edits were not reinstated on May 1 and the Electronic Claims Agreement Submission Deadline has been extended to July 31, 2022. Additionally, the Medi-Cal Rx 180-day prior authorization (PA) transition scheduled to go into effect July 1 will not take place. Medi-Cal Rx will continue to utilize historical PA and claims data beyond July 1. There is no new date for the transition. However, providers will be notified 90 days before the PA transition takes place.
- Diabetic Supplies – Therapeutic Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems (May 5)
- Medi-Cal Rx Operational Updates (May 5)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for May (May 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) (May 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) — Over-the-Counter Drugs (May 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (May 1)
- Update: Drug Utilization Review Claims Edits Will Not be Reinstated on May 1, 2022 (April 29)
- Electronic Claims Agreement – Submission Deadline Extended to July 31, 2022 (April 29)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for April 22-28 (April 29)
- Diabetic Supplies Update: Disposable Insulin Delivery Devices Updates (April 28)
- Medi-Cal Rx Compound Claims Processing Billing Tips (April 22)
- Prescriber Training Checklist (April 22)
- Pharmacy Training Checklist (April 22)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for April 15-21 (April 22)
- Medi-Cal Rx Billing Policy for Disposable Insulin Delivery Devices (April 21)
- Medi-Cal Rx Billing Policy for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (April 21)
- Understanding Medi-Cal Rx for Beneficiaries (April 21)
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda for the May 11 Board Meeting; see link below.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its May update.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Illinois Drug & Therapeutics Advisory Board will hold an Ad Hoc meeting on June 7, 2022, to review the ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) class in detail.
Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an Updated Medicaid Preferred Drug List Effective 07/01/2022. You may view the new List at the following link.
Also in Illinois, please join the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, in conjunction with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security, on Wednesday, May 18th at 8:30 a.m., to learn more about the current cybersecurity threats to retailers and what you can do to help mitigate your risk.
During the online seminar attendees will hear from Steve Lyddon, Protective Security Advisor for CISA, about a variety of topics surrounding cybersecurity including:
- Threats to Critical infrastructure
- Basic Cyber Hygiene and Security
- Understanding Mis – Dis – and Mal information
- CISA's Shields-Up Program which deals with the defense of the nation's cyber security and industrial control systems since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.
Register HERE.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy in support of proposed rule changes that would make permanent the temporary allowances for remote processing. These were granted by Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) and the Board of Pharmacy in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. If adopted, the proposed rule would permit pharmacists to provide remote counseling services and allow certified pharmacy technicians to perform delegated functions at a location that is not a licensed pharmacy.
Also in Iowa, the Board of The Board of Pharmacy has posted its meeting minutes from the March 1, 2022, meeting.
Finally in Iowa, the Department of Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2337-MC-FFS announcing the following June 2022 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes effective June 1, 2022.
- Changes to the Preferred Drug List (PDL) Effective June 1, 2022
- New Drug PA [Prior Authorization] Criteria – Triheptanoin (Dojolvi)
- Changes to Existing PA [Prior Authorization] Criteria
- Apremilast (Otezla)
- Biologics for Arthritis
- Janus Kinase Inhibitors
- Selective Preventive Migraine Treatments (formerly CGRP Inhibitors)
- Point of Sale Billing Updates – ProDUR Quantity Limits
- Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Update
- Pharmacy Average Acquisition Cost (AAC)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
On May 5, the Department of Medicaid Service (DMS) issued a statement asking pharmacies to hold off on reprocessing and rebilling TPL claims as requested by MedImpact in a recent communication to pharmacies. The statement, issued by Dr. Fatima Ali, Senior Director, Medicaid Pharmacy Services, reads: "DMS is requesting that pharmacies hold off on reversing and reprocessing claims until further guidance is provided in the upcoming days. DMS is exploring alternative solutions around the TPL issue and will provide additional updates ASAP. Thank you!"
NACDS thanks the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association for their work on this issue and for sharing this information with us. We will keep members informed via email on any developments on this issue.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
HB (House Bill) 424 by Rep. Chris Taylor (R), legislation lowering the age to 7 and older for pharmacies to be able to provide immunizations without a prescription, fell one vote short of the 53 votes needed to pass the full House; final passage vote was 52 in favor and 37 opposed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Minnesota
To view this week’s Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine provider weekly update, past updates or to subscribe to them click here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Board of Pharmacy published its May 9 agenda (REVISED) and March 7 draft minutes.
Also in Nebraska, the Department. of Health and Human Services distributed the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Health Advisory: Updated Information on Availability and Use of Treatments for Outpatients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Who are at Increased Risk for Severe Outcomes of COVID-19.
Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the next COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on June 1 at noon (Central).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Jersey
NACDS submitted a letter to the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy seeking clarification on a policy matter related to the expiration of Schedule III-V controlled substance prescriptions. NACDS members have received direction from representatives of the New Jersey Medicaid program that contradicts both federal and state laws and regulations regarding the timeframe in which Schedule III-V prescriptions expire, NACDS has asked the Board to provide needed clarification on this matter.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy has completed a rulemaking to create new Rule .2515, "Remote Work by Pharmacy Personnel." The rule authorizes, and governs, a pharmacy's use of its own pharmacy personnel employees to perform certain remote operations. The rule is effective May 1, 2022.
The Board's March 17, 2020, Expanded Emergency Services Waiver, issued because of the COVID-19 public health emergency, previously authorized intra-pharmacy remote operations. New Rule .2515 does not differ materially from the waiver provisions concerning intra-pharmacy remote operations.
Accordingly, Rule .2515 (and not the waiver) will govern this practice come May 1. Detailed guidance to Rule .2515 is found here. Please note, a different rule, Rule. 1816, governs inter-pharmacy remote medication order processing arrangements. Detailed guidance to that rule is found here.
Also in North Carolina, all the respective statewide standing orders for all new therapies allowed under HB 96 can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed Executive Order 2022-05D to suspend the normal rulemaking process to allow the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to classify several bezimidazole-opioids as Schedule One drugs, meaning they have no accepted medical use in treatment and pose an imminent hazard to public health, safety, and welfare.
Also in Ohio, The Department of Medicaid (ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid)) has posted the slides from its most recent pharmacy stakeholder online seminar that outlines their future process for reimbursing pharmacies for Specialty Drugs under the Managed Care Single Pharmaceutical Benefits Manager Program (SPBM). Additionally, ODM announced that the implementation of the SPBM program has been delayed until October of 2022. More information can be found on the SPBM webpage. Members should expect ODM to schedule the next online seminar, on which ODM intends to announce new pharmacy rates, to be scheduled for the week of May 16. NACDS will email the invite to members operating in Ohio as soon as we receive it.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.