Alabama
Alabama Pharmacy Association has partnered with the Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation to offer live OSHA training. If you are a pharmacist providing immunizations or CLIA-waived testing services, or a pharmacy technician or other health care professional assisting with these services, you must have live OSHA training on bloodborne pathogens every year. The Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation (TPREF) is offering a webinar that meets all of OSHA’s training requirements, including the live component. This webinar will provide attendees with one (1.0) contact hour of live ACPE Continuing Education. More information and registration can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
NACDS and the California Retailers Association (CRA) submitted the following letters to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D):
- a joint letter urging the governor to sign into law AB 1064, legislation authorizing a pharmacist to independently initiate and administer any vaccine that has been approved or authorized by the FDA and received an ACIP individual vaccine recommendation published by the CDC for persons 3 years of age and older,
- a joint letter urging the governor to sign into law SB 409, the Board of Pharmacy’s legislation permanently authorizing pharmacists to perform CLIA-waived testing services, including COVID-19 and flu tests and
- a joint letter expressing significant concerns with specific provisions AB 1533, the Board of Pharmacy sunset legislation. These provisions would allow the Board of Pharmacy to levy penalties of up to $150,000 on chain community pharmacies that would be excessive and disproportionate to the violations in question, which may jeopardize access to critical healthcare services.
Also in California, NACDS submitted a joint letter with the California Retailers Association to the Board of Pharmacy on an issue pertaining to the state’s electronic prescribing mandate that will go into effect in 2022. Specifically, chain pharmacy encouraged the Board to clarify compliance requirements for the transfer of unfilled electronic controlled substances between pharmacies considering the federal DEA requirements and existing NCPDP standards for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances that constrain what pharmacies can currently do.
Also in California, 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, passed both chambers and was sent to the governor for signature. Capitol Advocacy, on behalf of NACDS and CRA, advocated for amendments refining the definition of “quota” and creating exceptions related to measurement and evaluation of performance, competence or quality of care provided to patients by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Finally in California, Both the agenda and meeting materials for the Board of Pharmacy meeting on September 23 are posted. Note: Agenda Item VI. Strategic Planning Session will include the results of the 2021 Environmental Scan conducted earlier this year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
District of Columbia
The Department of Healthcare Finance will hold its virtual Quarterly Pharmacy Provider Forum on September 21 from 10-12am and September 22 from 1-3pm. The content for both is the same. To RSVP and receive meeting link, contact Allison Williams.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Florida
Effective October 1, 2021, fee-for-service (FFS) 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). This requirement does not pertain to pharmacists, state-authorized pharmacy interns, and qualified pharmacy technicians who administer pediatric and COVID-19 immunizations under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. Pharmacy claims must continue to identify the administering pharmacist by Florida pharmacist license number (i.e., PSXXXXXXX), submitted as the prescriber ID in the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) field 411-DB for the following vaccines and immunizations covered under the PREP Act, in accordance with or identified by the Advisor Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP CDC vaccines). More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Prior Approval Requests for Synagis Continued through September 30, 2021. You may view the new Notice at the following link:
Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an Updated Preferred Drug List Illinois Medicaid October 1, 2021. You may view the Updated List at the following link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) hired Patrick Gillies to serve as the new Medicaid Director.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
The Maine Board of Pharmacy released the minutes from its August 5 meeting. The next zoom Board meeting will be October 7 at 8:30 am.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Massachusetts:
MassHealth recently released its pharmacy providers newsletter. This edition of MassHealth Pharmacy Facts addresses Durable Medical Equipment and Inhalers.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Montana
The Board of Pharmacy has scheduled the following meetings:
- Screening Panel on September 23 (Executive Session-Closed)
- Adjudication Panel on September 24 (Prior to full Board)
- Full Board on September 24 (Open Via Teleconference Only) – Note: Full agenda will be posted on the Board Events website within 10 days of the meeting date with changes permitted up to three days prior to the meeting date.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Board of Pharmacy met in-person earlier this week on September 13 and distributed the draft meeting minutes from its two prior meetings held on July 26 and August 16. NACDS will share the draft meeting minutes from the September meeting once available.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued several updates:
- The next COVID-19 Provider call will take place on September 22 at noon. Information to access the call has been posted on the DHHS website.
- Provider Bulletin 21-19 includes information related to the following:
- Full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older, which does not change the reimbursement rate;
- Coverage of an additional dose of some COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals; and
- A change in the number of additional fees that can be reimbursed for at-home vaccine administration.
- Provider Bulletin 21-18 includes a reminder that effective October 1, Heritage Health Adult will move from a two-tier benefit system to a single benefit package, including comprehensive physical and behavioral healthcare as well as vision, dental and over-the-counter drug coverage. A series of one-hour educational webinars have been scheduled for providers regarding these changes. See bulletin for dates and times.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy issued the following information concerning a change to the federal PREP Act authorizing pharmacists “to order and administer,” and qualified pharmacy technicians and interns “to administer” select COVID-19 therapeutics to patient populations authorized by the FDA including monoclonal antibody combinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
North Dakota
The Board of Pharmacy distributed its September 2021 newsletter. Highlights include the following. Please see newsletter for details and additional information.
- DEA issued a direct final rule amending its regulations that either the purchaser or the supplier may enter a supplier’s DEA registration number on the single-sheet DEA Form 222 effective October 18.
- Drug Supply Chain Security Act Updates
- SB 2221 – Practice Changes – previously published in the June 2021 newsletter with edits
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy filed a temporary rule effective September 1, 2021 through February 27, 2022, adding COVID-19 monoclonal antibody protocol to the Protocol Compendia based on the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee recommendation.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy Rules Advisory Committee will meet via teleconference on September 23 to discuss technician rules. Information to participate by phone is printed in the agenda.
Also in Oregon, the Public Health and Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee will meet on September 24. Topics of interest include pseudoephedrine, PEP/PrEP and vaccines. See agenda for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued a new regulation which requires that all employees, interns and volunteers in RIDOH licensed healthcare facilities and all RIDOH licenses healthcare providers must receive their final dose of COVID19 vaccines by October 1, 2021. The regulation applies to all individuals who in RIDOH licensed Health care facilities AND all licensed healthcare providers, whether they work in a licensed facility or not. The Department of Health has developed an FAQ which will be updated as needed.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will reimburse for the administration of additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine consistent with the updated emergency use authorization issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Washington
To help combat phony vaccination cards, the Department of Health (WSDH) created a guide Verifying Vaccination Cards to help verify COVID-19 vaccination record cards. If a patient presents a vaccine card that is fake, report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the Washington State Office of the Attorney General (ATG).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
Effective September 2, 2021, Governor Kay Ivey (R) issued a supplemental state of emergency proclamation for Hurricane Ida evacuees. The proclamation increases the allowable emergency supply of prescription medications that may be refilled from a 72-hour supply to a 30-day supply. Emergency prescription refills may be dispensed only if certain conditions apply. Please read the full proclamation for details. The proclamation is written in such a manner that an emergency rule from the Alabama Board of Pharmacy is not required.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
In an emergency meeting, the Board of Pharmacy voted to re-instate the remote processing waiver until December 31 or 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is later. NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a joint letter requesting the board to take this action in accordance with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) Executive Order N-39-20 to reissue the remote processing waiver that expired on June 30, 2021.
Also in California, due to Cache Fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on September 7, 2021, in Lake County. The Board of Pharmacy issued an alert reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062 and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
District of Columbia
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) will hold its virtual Quarterly Pharmacy Provider Forum on September 21 from 10-12am and September 22 from 1-3pm. The content for both is identical. To RSVP and receive the meeting link contact Allison Williams.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Florida
Effective 10-1-21 WellCare of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Staywell Health Plan of Florida, Inc. (Staywell) Members will Transfer to Sunshine State Health Plan, Inc. (Sunshine). The WellCare of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Staywell Health Plan of Florida, Inc. (Staywell) legal entity will be merging with Sunshine State Health Plan, Inc. (Sunshine Health). The Agency for Health Care Administration will move Staywell’s Medicaid membership, including Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Specialty Plan membership, to the Sunshine Health plan effective October 1, 2021. In addition, Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Health Plan, which has been operated by WellCare through a contract with the Florida Department of Health, will be operated by Sunshine Health effective October 1, 2021. Sunshine Health will be issuing new Medicaid ID cards. All billing and claims reimbursement will be provided by Sunshine Health for dates of service beginning October 1, 2021. All Staywell claims for service dates prior to October 1, 2021, must continue to be submitted through Staywell and related questions may be directed to Staywell at 1-866-334-7927 (TTY 711) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Providers that are out of network as of October 1, 2021, will be eligible for a 120-day continuity of care period where claims will be payable to allow time for members to transition to a new provider, if necessary. The continuity of care period ends on January 31, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed SB2172, which amended the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act and specifically provides that beginning January 1, 2024 (rather than January 1, 2022), it must be the joint responsibility of a pharmacy and its pharmacist in charge to ensure that all new pharmacy technicians are educated and trained using a standard nationally accredited education and training program.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Chantix Shortage –Temporary Distribution of Apo-Varenicline 0.5 mg and 1 mg Tablets.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy posted its July 14 meeting minutes on the meeting webpage. In addition to the Board’s unanimous vote for Emergency Adoption and Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 3, “Pharmacy Technicians,” to provide minimum standards for technician immunization administration, the Board also unanimously voted to approve the amended Statewide Protocols for naloxone, nicotine-replacement tobacco cessation and immunization as presented. The Board also took other regulatory actions and discussed numerous updates.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
Below are highlights from the September issue of the Board of Pharmacy newsletter. See the newsletter for details and more information.
- The Board continues to provide updates on its COVID webpage, including information about operations, waivers, renewals, exams, inspections, frequently asked questions and more. The most recent memo was updated on August 25.
- Pharmacies only need to upload the first page when submitting proof of a National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) Verified Pharmacy Program® inspection to the Board.
- Laura Kelly (D) reappointed Jonathan Brunswig, PharmD, RPh, and Bill Walden, RPh, to the Board and appointed new public member, Lucinda Noches Talbert. All will serve a four-year term, ending in 2025.
- K-TRACS, the Kansas prescription drug monitoring program, will explore interest in peer-to-peer education about K-TRACS utilization via outreach to pharmacies.
- Updates on pharmacist technician certification examinations, CE and renewals are now available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear called the General Assembly into a special session to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The special session was required because of a Supreme Court ruling that lifted an injunction issued by Franklin Circuit Court that prohibited implementation of legislation that limited the governor’s authority during a declared state of emergency. Subsequently, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed HJR 1, which extended several executive orders, agency actions and administrative regulations until January 15, 2020. Of special interest to pharmacy, HJR 1 renewed the following:
- Executive Order 2020-215 that declared the original state of emergency including extending legal liability protections from SB 5 of 2021
- Executive Order 2021-666 allowing pharmacists to dispense a 30-day emergency refills to patients
- 2021 Executive Order 2021-665 price gouging
- Extension of nurse practitioners’ prescribing controlled substances without a physicians’ collaborative agreement.
- Board of Pharmacy Order regarding the suspension of administrative regulations which relate to in-person work to promote telework opportunities where possible
- Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet Order, dated April 24, 2020, related to the “practice of pharmacy” shall include initiating, ordering, and administering Covid-19 testing
The General Assembly continues to meet; further COVID-19 healthcare related measures are expected to receive consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has asked NACDS how pharmacies are billing insurances/payers for the COVID-19 home/point-of-care testing devices able to be purchased at pharmacy locations. In specific the department wants to know if the billings are through the payer’s medical benefit for a medical claim. CMS recently released some guidance requiring State Medicaid and CHIP programs to cover these home COVID testing solutions.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.