Wyoming
On March 7, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed SF 24 (Chapter Number 7), authorizing the administration of immunizations by pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. It also eliminates the statutory definition of “direct” supervision requirements for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns, leaving the “supervision” requirements to be further specified by the Board of Pharmacy.
Also in Wyoming, on March 15, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed SF 101 (Chapter Number 69), permitting pharmacists to prescribe an opiate antagonist in accordance with the Emergency Administration Medical Treatment Act. It also directs the Board of Pharmacy, in cooperation with the Board of Medicine, to adopt rules delineating the requirements a pharmacist must need to prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alabama
The Alabama Department of Public Health has stated that allocation quantities of Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) have increased. ADPH has expanded access to most of the chain pharmacies and several independent pharmacies. If you are interested in being an oral antiviral provider, please review the information below.
Pharmacies interested in dispensing Paxlovid and/or Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for the treatment of COVID-19 should send an email to pharmacy@adph.state.al.us. The Pharmacy Division at the Alabama Department of Public Health will provide information and assist with setting up an HPOP account which is required by HHS. Through this account, pharmacies will report utilization daily which is also required by HHS. The Fact Sheet for Paxlovid can be found here. The Fact Sheet for Lagevrio (molnupiravir) can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arizona
Governor Doug Ducey (R) signed SB 1309 (Chapter 77), extending temporary licenses issued during the COVID-19 emergency declaration and active on March 1, 2022; they do not expire until January 1, 2023.
Also in Arizona, Gov. Ducey announced the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
The Board of Pharmacy has rescheduled April 19 Standard of Care Ad Hoc Committee meeting to June 22. The Board also announced the April 20 Medication Error Reduction and Workforce Ad Hoc Committee meeting will be rescheduled (TBD).
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted this DUR article titled "Improving the Quality of Care: Legislative Impact on the Use of Naloxone" on its Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the Table 2 update on March 31.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal on March 24:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
he Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an updated Class Review Schedule. You may view the new schedule here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
A final rule was published in the March 20, 2022, Louisiana Register codifying the authority for pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns to administer medications effective immediately. It also simplifies existing administrative requirements for vaccines provided by pharmacy providers.
Also in Louisiana, the House Committee on Health and Welfare meeting was cancelled this week because of the special session Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) convened on redistricting. We now expect HB 424 by Rep. Chris Turner (R) to be heard next Wednesday, April 6th. The bill allows pharmacy interns or certified pharmacy technicians, supervised by a pharmacist, to administer influenza immunizations; it lowers the minimum age from seven years of age to three without a patient-specific prescription or medical order. NACDS urges members to continue to contact all House members encouraging them to support the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Missouri
The MO HealthNet Division recently issued a new COVID vaccine provider bulletin.
Also in Missouri, the Department of Commerce's Department of Health, and Senior Services (DHSS) and Insurance issued a new Standing Order for COVID tests provided by pharmacies. DHSS's previously issued Standing Orders are available here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Team has recently updated its Guidance for the NYS COVID-19 Vaccination Program for individuals 12 years of age and older. The updates reflect the recent CDC changes in COVID-19 vaccine clinical guidance. The updates include:
- Options for extended intervals between doses of the mRNA primary series (pages 1 and 2)
- Additional details on myocarditis (page 2)
- J&J extended shelf life (page 11)
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Nebraska
Executive Order No. 21-18 Continued Waivers to Facilitate Hospital Planning and Ensure Additional HealthCare Workforce Capacity expired on March 31. Executive Order No. 21-18 extended Executive Order 21-15 Further Health Care Workforce Capacity that permitted pharmacists to have any number of pharmacist interns and pharmacy technicians under their supervision when administering vaccinations. Beginning April 1, the ratio reverts to pre-pandemic levels.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
Statewide standing orders issued by Dr. Betsey Tilson, State Health Director, for the administration of nicotine replacement, contraceptives, post-exposure prophylaxis medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, naloxone and COVID related treatments have been updated, organized, and can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy's temporary new address 3812 N. Santa Fe, Suite 300 in Oklahoma City. All upcoming Board meetings will be held at the new location.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following:
- Division 007 – related to Emergency Registration Designation effective March 30 through September 25.
- Division 007 – related to 91-day Extension after a Declared Health Emergency Ends effective March 29 through September 24.
- Division 110 – related to Supervising Physician Dispensing Outlet fees effective March 31 (permanent).
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for its next meeting scheduled for April 13-15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
Notice from TennCare, prior authorization (PA) requirements can be bypassed for certain medications when specific medical conditions exist. Those specific medications and diagnoses can be found here. Prescribers are encouraged to include the applicable diagnosis code on written prescriptions for inclusion on the electronic pharmacy claim. The submitted claim should include a Diagnosis Code Qualifier (Field # 492- WE) of “02,” indicating ICD-10, as well as the appropriate Diagnosis Code (Field # 424-DO). Note: A list of the preferred agents and the clinical criteria can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued a reminder notice on the proper destruction and disposal of prescription medications. For dangerous drugs destruction, a TSBP licensed pharmacist is authorized to destroy stock so that it is unfit for human consumption and disposed of in compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.
Also in Texas, TSBP's COVID website includes a chart comparing the authorizations in the PREP Act amendments with the Texas statutes and rules.
Finally in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) issued the biannual specialty drug list. Members should contact vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us with comments or any questions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is implementing changes to its prescription drug benefits programs to ensure Medicaid patients continue to have access to the medications they need for conditions related to COVID-19. The changes center around copayments, prescription instructions, and approved medication treatments.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) is publishing quarterly updates to many of the Apple Health billing guides and fee schedules, effective April 1, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
Governor Justice (R) has signed two bills aimed at the regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). SB 312 provides legislative approval for Rules promulgated by the Insurance Commission to enact HB 2263 of 2021, landmark legislation that sets a reimbursement floor and provides a level playing field for community pharmacy. HB 4112 provides for pharmacy freedom of choice for specialty drugs, addresses 340B programs and will be effective for policies executed, amended or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of April 30, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by Medicaid through a subsequent alert.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arkansas
Since methamphetamine is currently the states’ greatest drug threat, the Department of Human Services (DHS) launched the “Me Over Meth” prevention campaign.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy issued an Amended Waiver: Staffing Ratio of Pharmacists to Intern Pharmacists and General Supervision and Interprofessional Supervision – Immunizations – BPC section 4114.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services issued Stakeholder News that it is still accepting claims for individuals enrolled in the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program. The COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program will end the last day of the calendar month in which the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends. For questions or concerns, please email COVID19Apps@dhcs.ca.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Hawaii
SB (Senate Bill) 3140, legislation requiring the holder of a controlled substances registration to report theft, embezzlement, fraud, or diversion of a controlled substance immediately, is advancing having passed the Senate earlier this month. This week, the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee recommended passage on the Second Reading and referral to Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy published the following final rules effective April 27:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Missouri
MO HealthNet (Medicaid) issued an Opioid Policy update strengthening clinical policies and expanding coverage of non-opioid medications and services to treat chronic pain. MO HealthNet believes in a comprehensive approach to treating and managing pain while also reducing the risk of patient harm, continuing to encourage providers to evaluate non-opioid options to treat patient pain.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed into law LB 767, creating the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act. This act "…establishes the standards and criteria for the licensure and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers…." The effective date is January 1, 2023.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a "Health Alert Network Advisory" about increasing incidence of syphilis in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Mexico
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that she will call a special session April 5th to address taxpayer relief from high gas prices and a spending bill that the Governor vetoed at the end of the regular session.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.