Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy issued a Public Meeting Notice and published the agenda and meeting materials for its next meeting to be held August 10-12, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
Don’t miss the FREE module on preventing Type 2 Diabetes in South Carolina. This course is designed to help you use the South Carolina Provider Toolkit to evaluate, test, treat and refer patients with prediabetes to an in-person or online evidence-based diabetes prevention program. To learn more, click here to view the flyer.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
TennCare is abandoning plans to set limits on some prescription drugs. This change comes after advocacy groups voiced concerns for low-income patients whose medication access may be limited.
Also in Tennessee, the Tennessee Pharmacy Association (TPA) wants to hear from you! If you are a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, please take their 2022 Needs Assessment to share your educational needs and your interest in diverse types of educational programming.
TPA’s “COVID-19 Updates: Paxlovid Prescribing and Best Practices for Vaccinating under 5” Webinar on Wednesday, August 10, 12-1pm CT, will provide the most current COVID updates.
Finally in Tennessee, updated versions of the PDL (Preferred Drug List), criteria PDL, and interim criteria PDL as well as the monthly provider notice for August 2022 can be found here.
The updates below became effective 8/1/2022:
- Vimpat moved from preferred to non-preferred
- ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic suspension moved from non-preferred to preferred
- Sirturo was added to as non-preferred
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy posted new guidelines clarifying the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) mandatory lookup requirements in integrated health records for pharmacists checking a patient’s controlled substance history before dispensing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or carisoprodol.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA) has been working with the Department of Insurance as they create a way for pharmacists/pharmacies as well as patients/consumers to file complaints regarding PBMs (Pharmacy Benefits Managers). APA has created two QR codes that can be printed out for easy access. One is for pharmacists/pharmacies and will take you directly to a page on the Department of Insurance website specifically for the purpose of filing a PBM complaint. The other is for patient use. You may find it useful to print this out and place it where patients can easily access it with the camera on their smart phone.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Board of Pharmacy, Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) issued a reminder to complete the workforce survey. HCAI, in partnership with the Board of Pharmacy and DCA, developed a workforce survey for individuals to complete during the electronic licensure renewal process. Individuals are asked to contribute to this important data collection effort by completing the survey at the time of licensure renewal. Please feel free to contact HCAI at workforcedata@hcai.ca.gov. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the HCAI licensure data collection are also posted on the Board’s website under License Renewal Online.
Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association (CRA) submitted a joint letter to the Board of Pharmacy expressing members’ concerns with recent delays in approvals of licenses and permits by the Board of Pharmacy. In the letter, we offered to work with the Board on solutions to this issue to ensure demand for critical medications and other pharmacy services are being met.
Also in California, NACDS and CRA submitted a joint letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee to “opposed unless amended” AB 852, legislation that would revise requirements originally enacted under AB 2789 (Wood, Ch. 438, Statutes of 2018) pertaining to e-prescribing. Of particular concern, AB 852 would require pharmacies to accept electronic prescriptions without advance notice and minus the lead time necessary to build out system capabilities both internally and with external system vendors to accommodate this. NACDS and CRA urge lawmakers to amend the legislation to clarify that pharmacies do not have to accept electronic prescriptions from software vendors without a mutually agreeable contractual relationship with a pharmacy that includes assurances of interoperability and complies with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- Update: Implementation of Phase I, Wave III – Reinstatement of Prior Authorizations for 11 Drug Classes (July 26)
- Now Active – Reinstatement of Reject Code 88 (July 22)
- Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for July 15-21 (July 22)
Finally in California, on July 28, Medi-Cal posted the following:
- Alert: “Real Time Eligibility Transactions” – Medi-Cal is currently experiencing intermittent technical difficulties with the Point of Service system network for eligibility transactions submitted by Leased Line users.
- News: “Coming Soon: Laboratory Test CPT Code for the Orthopoxvirus” – New CPT code 87593 created to streamline the reporting of moneypox testing. A notification for claims submission to follow.
- News: “Update for Paper RADs and No Pay Documents” – The discontinuance of paper RAD, Electronic Fund Transfer and No Pay documents has been extended. No future discontinuance date has been announced.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Board of Pharmacy will hold a virtual Stakeholder Meeting on August 5th on multiple proposed revisions including Rule 17 (Collaborative Pharmacy Agreements); Appendix C (Statewide Protocol for Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)); Appendix A (Statewide Protocol for Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptive Patches and Oral Contraceptives), and the Colorado Self-Screening Contraception Risk Assessment Questionnaire to include Vaginal Rings and Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DPMA); and the proposed Appendix E (Proposed New Statewide Protocol for Statin Therapy). Potential considerations to revise the rules to implement new legislation concern: Colorado Senate Bills 22-116, 22-173, 22-027, and 22-098; and Colorado House Bills 22-1235, 22-1246, 22-1326, 22-1115, and 22-1122.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins July 27th and runs through August 7th. Florida shoppers are eligible to purchase clothing and school supplies tax-free for the next two weeks.
School-related items include:
- Clothing and shoes, priced $100 or less per item;
- Backpacks, handbags, and wallets, priced $100 or less per item;
- School supplies, priced $50 or less per item;
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles, selling for $30 or less;
- Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories, priced up to $1,500.
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 Confirmation of Coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitors per Public Act 102-1093.
Also in Illinois, the state’s sales tax holiday begins on August 5th, runs through August 14th, and applies to clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item and certain school supplies. School supplies are not subject to the $125 threshold.
The Illinois Department of Revenue has released an Informational Bulletin providing comprehensive details including how to handle coupons, exchanges, returns, backorders, etc. It also lists qualifying and non-qualifying items.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
A special session on banning abortion and taxes was convened on Monday, July 25. Pharmacies are promoting an amendment allowing pharmacists prescribing self-administered hormonal contraceptives.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services issued INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2352-MC-FFS outlining the following August 2022 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes effective August 1, 2022.
- New Drug Prior Authorization (PA) Criteria
- Finerenone (Kerendia)
- Odevixibat (Bylvay)
- Pegcetacoplan (Empaveli)
- Changes to Existing PA Criteria
- PCSK9 Inhibitors
- Point of Sale Billing Updates:
- ProDUR Quantity Limits
- Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Update
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) issued a Provider Bulletin to inform all providers rendering services to Louisiana Medicaid members with updates on COVID-19 covered services.
Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy announced Joe Fontenot, Jr, RPh (registered pharmacists) as their new Executive Director, replacing Malcolm Broussard who retired after serving 23 years.
Finally in Louisiana, the Board issued Bulletin No. 22-01 – Status of Interim Policies From COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency, terminating some of the policies effective May 31, 2022, and further extending some of the policies including the 4:1 pharmacy technician ratio until the end of the calendar year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Minnesota
The latest issue of the Department of Health’s weekly vaccine update can be found here and includes a link for members to sign up to receive it directly.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
Effective 8/30/2022, all pharmacies located in the state must post physically or electronically a sign at the pharmacy indicating that the pharmacy is licensed and regulated by the Missouri Board of Pharmacy including the Board’s address, telephone number, and email address. The Board will be mailing each pharmacy a sign at no cost prior to August 15th. An electronic version of the sign will also be available for copying after August 1st. The required sign must be prominently posted near the pharmacy in a manner and location that is easily viewable and readable by the public.
Also in Missouri, the New Preferred Drug Searchable Database for MO HealthNet Pharmacy Program is now live.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services published a Notice of Public Hearing for changes to Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) Title 172, Chapter 1 – Rules of Practice and Procedure Governing Reinstatement of a Health Professional License. The hearing will be held on September 6 at 10:00 a.m. Written comments may be provided no later than the day of the hearing.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted a Notice of Public Hearing for changes to 172 NAC – Wholesale Drug Distributors and 172 NAC 134 – Delegated Dispensing Permits. The hearing will be held on September 7 at 10:00 a.m. Written comments may be provided no later than the day of the hearing.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the following under Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Resources:
Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 22-13: Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations effective June 17.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy recently released a letter on its determination to extend the Remote Processing Pilot Program.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
As you are aware, late in 2021 several PBM legislative packages were signed into law. Now as the NYS Department of Financial Services is developing regulations, the Department is seeking public comment on a series of issues. Those requests for comments can be found on the Department of Financial Services website: www.dfs.ny.gov/pbm.
The most recent Department request is for public comments about the applicability of the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (“PBM”) laws set forth in New York Insurance Law Article 29, as well as the need for rules to be promulgated thereunder, on PBM conduct while credentialing and re-credentialing pharmacies into a PBM network. View the Request for Public Comments (PDF)
Responses should be emailed to PBM@dfs.ny.gov, with “PBM2022-05” included in the subject line. Failure to include “PBM2022-05” in the subject line may result in your comment not being considered. The deadline for responses is September 9, 2022.
Also in New York, NYS Medicaid recently held a pharmacy sector meeting and discussed the work being done to ensure a smooth transition for pharmacy benefits from Medicaid Managed Care to Fee for Service (FFS). Here are the NYSDOH Pharmacy Benefit transition slides presented at the July 20th Medicaid meeting.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
All immunizing pharmacists who vaccinate NC Medicaid beneficiaries, NC Medicaid wants to hear from you on how you bill for vaccine and vaccine administration to NC Medicaid. Please take 1 minute to answer three simple questions to help us determine if we can help make claims processing an easier process for you. Please respond by August 1, 2022.
Also in North Carolina, the Board of Pharmacy has been made aware that a pharmacy has implemented a policy whereby its prescription processing system will not allow an NP- or PA-issued prescription to be processed without the supervising physician’s name and other information.
A supervising physician’s information is not required on NP (Nurse Practitioners)- or PA-issued prescriptions. On February 1, 2021, the NC Medical Board amended the prescribing authority rule for physicians’ assistants by removing the supervising physician information requirement for prescriptions written by physicians’ assistants.
On August 1, 2021, the NC Medical Board amended the prescribing authority rule for nurse practitioners by removing the supervising physician information requirement for prescriptions written by nurse practitioners.
Prior to the Medical Board’s 2021 rule amendments (as detailed in long-standing Board guidance, see Item 2403), the absence of a supervising physician’s name and telephone number did not render a PA- or NP-issued prescription “invalid,” “illegal,” or otherwise ineligible for dispensing under the North Carolina Food Drug and Cosmetic Act or the North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Pennsylvania
The Wolf Administration issued a press release announcing they have amended the Physician General’s Naloxone Standing Order to include ZIMHI. The announcement encouraged state residents to print the standing order and bring it to pharmacies to request the prescription. NACDS reminds members that PA has a program to reimburse pharmacies for Naloxone copays when the customer is reluctant to fill a script due to the copay cost. This federally funded program runs on the current PACE adjudication platform but is open to any Pennsylvanian regardless of whether they have state or private/commercial insurance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy quarterly meeting is Tuesday, August 2. Included on the agenda for possible ultimate action on the adopting of the pharmacy counseling waiver and non-sterile compound rules.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Virginia
The Department of Health (VDH) has updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order to reflect the recent EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) of Novavax. For pharmacies enrolled in VaxMax, Novavax will become available for ordering beginning August 4th. You can view the COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order on the VDH website. The Summary of Authorities for Pharmacists to Administer COVID Vaccines has also been updated.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Health Care Authority announced that the University of Washington Pain and Opioid Provider Consultation Hotline is a free telephone consultation service for health care providers caring for patients with chronic pain issues. Any health care provider in Washington State can receive consultation and recommendations from a pharmacist or physician with specialized expertise in chronic pain care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are being extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of August 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT.
Medicaid is preparing now for the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid partners can assist in relaying a consistent and simple message to the Medicaid recipients by sharing key messages from the Agency in your newsletters, social media posts, and other means of communication. To learn more about the "Yellow Postcard" campaign and the Communication Toolkit, please click here.
Also in Alabama, registration is open for the APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Training Program hosted by Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA). The program is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the APA office in Montgomery. The program is an innovative, intensive, and practice-based CPE activity, based on national educational standards for immunization training from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). For more information and to register for the full certification course
Additionally, if it has been longer than three years since you were certified and you want a refresher course or if you need to satisfy the PREP Act's 2-hour immunization CPE requirement, APA is offering six hours of continuing education in conjunction with the APhA program (minus the shots), which will include the most current immunization recommendations and guidelines. Also, the program has been approved by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy for six hours of consultant credit. For more information and to register for the refresher
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) signed into law HB (House Bill) 145 which recognizes pharmacists as prescribers and mandates payment parity reimbursement for pharmacy services. The bill also broadens collaborative practice agreements, allows pharmacists to independently prescribe and dispense vaccines, and allows pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and emergency medications. It will go into effect on September 28, 2022.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.