Missouri
The Department of Health and Senior Services is now offering two options for free COVID-19 testing: (1) in-person testing events hosted around the state www.health.mo.gov/communitytest; and (2) residents may order a free PCR test kits mailed to their Missouri address with a return FedEx shipping container, with results emailed back within 48 hours www.health.mo.gov/communitytest.
Also in Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson (R) issued a new COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration focusing on the healthcare system and recovery from COVID-19, extending the order here to December 31, 2021.
Finally in Missouri, the Department of Commerce and Insurance issued a revised COVID waiver updated by the Board of Pharmacy to include the Remote Data Entry waiver approved by the Governor. Current Board rule 20 CSR 2220-2.725 allows qualified pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists to perform remote data entry from home or at an in-state non-pharmacy location. The COVID-19 Remote Data Entry waiver allows pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists to also perform remote data entry at a site that is not located in Missouri, if authorized by the supervising pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists may perform remote data entry at a non-Missouri location in compliance with 20 CSR 2220-2.725 while the COVID-19 waiver is in effect (Missouri locations are authorized by 20 CSR 2220-2.725).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services is moving to an internet-based licensing system called LANCE (Nebraska Licensing and Certification Environment) in late 2021 with full implementation planned in 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy (D) recently signed into law two opioid proposals. The first is AB 5595 which requires the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to include opioid antidotes on the list of prescription drugs provided to pharmacies and then requires pharmacies to include opioid antidotes on its prescription drug retail price list available to customers. Governor Murphy also signed into law AB 5703 which requires coverage for an opioid antidote without imposing prior authorization requirements.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy announced a new committee to evaluate and update rules for technicians administering immunizations. Interested persons need to email a letter of interest and resume to pharmacy@pharmacy.ok.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
SCDHHS offers free monthly training workshops for providers. These recurring virtual workshops cover a variety of topics including training on Medicaid basics, how to submit claims using the web-based tool and third-party liability (TPL). To register for a workshop, please visit the Medicaid eLearning site, www.medicaidelearning.com, or call (888) 289-0709 and select option 1. Additional training resources for providers are also available online through the Medicaid eLearning site. You can find a complete schedule of provider workshops here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
Having achieved passing the election integrity law, the second special legislative session adjourned on September 2. Gov. Abbott (R) announced a third special session on redistricting will convene on September 20, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Alabama Medicaid Agency’s (Medicaid) new Medical and Quality Review Services Contractor, Kepro, will begin reviewing prior authorization (PA) requests, hospice, nursing home, ICF-IID, PEC, and swing bed records on October 1, 2021. Kepro will review PA requests with dates of October 1, 2021, and after. Kepro will NOT review pharmacy, dental or radiology PAs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services issued an All Plan providing guidance to Medi-Cal managed care health plans related to the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program. Effective September 1, participating Medi-Cal managed care health plans may be eligible to participate in the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program.
In California, the Board of Pharmacy published an updated list of prescribers (effective August 27) whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California. This information is intended to prevent dispensing of controlled substances prescribed by restricted prescribers.
Also in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued several waiver extensions including the following. A list of current waivers is available on the DCA website.
- Order Waiving License Reactivation or Restoration Requirements
- Order Waiving Restrictions on Telemedicine and Extending Time to Refill Prescriptions
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association sent a joint letter to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Board of Pharmacy and Governor’s Office requesting a pharmacy law waiver to allow pharmacy technicians to administer flu vaccines to adults. We await a response from DCA.
Lastly in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published its Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (September 1). This month’s issue includes changes to the Contract Drugs List, effective September 1, and Medi-Cal Rx Provider Training Information. As a reminder, full Medi-Cal Rx implementation is scheduled to go-live January 1, 2022 moving the prescription drug benefit from Medi-Cal managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service. Please review opportunities for training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Idaho
Below are the highlights from the September 1 issue of the “Idaho Administrative Rules Bulletin”. See 24.36.01, Rules of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy *(Re-designated from IDAPA 27.01.01 to 24.36.01)
- 24-3601-2000F Rules of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy – Notice of Omnibus Rulemaking – Adoption of Pending Fee Rule – Reauthorizes Title 36, Chapter 01 – Bulletin Vol. 20-11SE (PLR 2021)
- 24-3601-2000F Rules of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy – Notice of Omnibus Rulemaking – Proposed (Fee) Rule – Reauthorizes Title 36, Chapter 01 – Bulletin Vol. 20-9SE
- 24-0000-2000 IDAPA 24 – DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES – Notice of Legislative and Executive Action Affecting Certain Boards and Commissions Under the Department of Self-Governing Agencies – House Bill 318, Session Law 96, and Executive Order 2020-10 and Assignment of New IDAPA Designation Number Under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Redesignated as IDAPA 24, Title 36, Chapter 01 – Bulletin Vol. 20-7 (eff. 7-1-20)
- 27-0000-2000 IDAPA 27 – BOARD OF PHARMACY – Notice of Legislative and Executive Action Affecting the Idaho Board of Pharmacy Under the Department of Self-Governing Agencies – House Bill 318, Session Law 96, and Executive Order 2020-10 and Assignment of New IDAPA Designation Number Under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Redesignated as IDAPA 24, Title 36, Chapter 01, – Bulletin Vol. 20-7 (eff. 7-1-20)
- 27-0101-2000F Rules of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy – Notice of Omnibus Rulemaking – Adoption of Temporary (Fee) Rule – Reauthorizes Title 01, Chapter 01 – Bulletin Vol. 20-4SE (eff. 3-20-20)T
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy issued a notice to pharmacies regarding multiple fraudulent prescriptions for promethazine with codeine being faxed into pharmacies. Note: they are often accompanied by prescriptions for a Z-Pak (azithromycin).
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy announced the registration fee for all certified pharmacy technicians will be prorated as of August 16, 2021.
Also in Iowa, the Iowa Pharmacy Association will conduct a webinar entitled “Medicaid: Provider Enrollment and Medical Billings” on September 7 from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. The speaker will be Desiree Smith, Provider Services Operations Manager, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME). She will be joined by representatives of the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. Registration is required.
Finally in Iowa, NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy on the proposed rulemaking revising the requirements for perpetual inventory. On behalf of members, we stated concerned that the proposed rule changes under ARC 5834C that expand the perpetual inventory requirements to apply to all controlled substance medications would be burdensome and would only add more “non-patient care related tasks” to busy pharmacists’ workday. NACDS requested the Board to reject the proposed rule change that would require perpetual inventories at all times for all controlled substances, and instead continue to apply this requirement only to Schedule II controlled substances.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
The BOP has withdrawn its recent regulation 201 KAR 2:410E expanding pharmacies immunization authority and replaced it with an emergency revised regulation that includes the most recent HHS Guidance allowing pharmacy technicians to administer influenza vaccines to adults. The regulation maintains the ability of any pharmacist to order and administer vaccinations for anyone over the age of three years old, under a protocol. The regulation will next be reviewed by the Administrative Regulatory Review Subcommittee of the General Assembly. However, because it was filed as an emergency regulation, it is in effect now.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maryland
Medicaid published Advisory #231 from the Office of Pharmacy Services in reference to the Pharmacy Provider Guidance on COVID-19 Additional Vaccine Dose for The Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has scheduled a Medicaid Pharmacy Provider Liaison meeting to allow Medicaid staff and Medicaid Pharmacy Providers to meet and discuss policy and operational issues. This quarter’s Pharmacy Liaison Meeting Notice contains the link and phone number to join, and will take place Thursday, September 9th from 2:30-4:30pm.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the COVID-19 Ad-Hoc Schedule 3rd Dose Vaccine Update. Effective date was August 12, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Mexico
Below are highlights from the September issue of the Board of Pharmacy newsletter. See the newsletter for additional details and more information.
- HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and Point-of-Care Testing: Pharmacist prescriptive authority for the prescribing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis therapy in conjunction with point-of-care testing was approved by the Board during its April 2021 meeting. Pharmacists who wish to obtain this prescriptive authority must go through Board-approved training and adhere to the Board-approved protocol.
- Regulation Updates
- 16.19.4 NMAC – Medical cannabis
- 16.19.20 NMAC – Changes to the scheduling status of certain substances
- 16.19.30 NMAC – Changes to the compounding of nonsterile pharmaceuticals.
- 16.19.31 NMAC – Emergency Provisions adding a section outlining Board authority to authorize extensions for unavailable training or testing during a declared emergency. This includes pharmacist license under reciprocity, technician registration, or pharmacist prescriptive authority.
- 2021 Law Update Schedule
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
Senator Bradley Hoylman (D) introduced S 7320 legislation which would expand pharmacists’ authority to administer COVID immunizations down to age two. No hearing has been scheduled yet.
Also in New York, the NYS Department of Health held a webinar to update the pharmacy stakeholders on implementation of a single statewide formulary for opioid dependence agents and opioid antagonists effective October 1, 2021. The full presentation will be available on the Department of Health Website within the week. The Department of Health highlighted that a single formulary would provide consistent same rules for all Medicaid programs both FFS and MC for these categories of drugs.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Pennsylvania
The Governor’s Opioid Command Center in conjunction with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs have announced their intent to implement the Naloxone Copay Assistance Program on Oct. 1, 2021. Any PACE provider may submit claims to the new Naloxone Copay Assistance Program for up to $75 per claim for any Commonwealth resident (does not have to be a PACE beneficiary) through the existing PACE adjudication system. Additional program details will be provided in the next 2 weeks. The program is a result of a partnership between the state and NACDS and Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores (PACDS). We are currently working with members and the PACE program to develop the patient criteria and operationalize the program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Pharmacy Association has produced a flowchart to help guide pharmacists through the process of filing complaints when PBMs are not following the new law. This flowchart was developed after hearing from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) that they are receiving incomplete claims, claims that still need to go through the MAC Appeal Process, or claims for Medicare, over which TDCI has no jurisdiction. This will be the first in a series of educational materials that TPA will provide in the coming weeks.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alabama
After further review, the Agency will not resume the EPSDT referral requirement as referenced in the July 27, 2021 Provider ALERT. This allowance will continue through the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
The Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Pharmacists Association (AKPhA) have a four-question survey to understand chronic disease management practices in pharmacies operating in the state. Individuals who received continuing education credits from the AKPhA’s 55th Annual Convention & Tradeshow held earlier this year have already completed the survey.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy reminds prescribers and dispensers that mandatory e-prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances that are opioids resumed on July 9.
Also in Arizona, the Board of Pharmacy issued a notice of proposed rulemaking allowing pharmacy technicians to perform additional tasks delegated by pharmacists, including administration of a vaccine. Oral proceedings will be held on September 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Magellan Complete Care Members will transfer to Molina Healthcare of Florida, Inc. Molina Healthcare of Florida, Inc. (Molina) acquired Florida MHS, Inc., D/B/A Magellan Complete Care (Magellan), a Medicaid specialty plan specializing in the care of those with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). The Agency for Health Care Administration will move Magellan’s membership to Molina effective September 1, 2021. Molina will be issuing new Medicaid ID cards. All billing and claims reimbursement will be provided by Molina for dates of service beginning September 1, 2021. All claims for service dates prior to September 1, 2021, must continue to be submitted through Magellan and related questions may be directed to Magellan at 1-800-327-8613. Providers that are out of network as of September 1, 2021, will be eligible for a 60-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 October 31, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
SB1682, sponsored by Senator Scott Bennett (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 16, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022, this measure amends statute to provide for additional drug pricing transparency from pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2256 updating the prospective safety edits for subsequent fills for opioids with information about point of sale (POS) billing and prior authorization (PA). Note: this informational letter replaces INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2245-MC-FFS issued July 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
The Department of Medicaid Services (DMS) and MedImpact have announced a delay in the implementation of the planned 7–day payment cycle. The plan to migrate to a 7-day cycle is the result of continued pharmacy provider confusion and cashflow concerns regarding the previously established MedImpact payment cycle (14-day cycle and payment transfer/EFT timing and visibility). The change may be effective for the cycle end date 09/02/2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. EOB/claim file production will be aligned with this new schedule. If you have questions regarding your payments, you can contact MedImpact’s Pharmacy Network Department.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.