In The States – Page 95 – Weekly news about states

Louisiana

HB 471, by Rep. Barbara Freiberg (R) allowing pharmacists, pharmacy interns supervised by a pharmacist, and licensed technicians supervised by a pharmacist to administer immunizations to individuals seven years old or older, passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on May 31 without amendments by a 5-2 favorable vote, and is now pending Senate floor action for a final vote. Pharmacies need to contact state senators in their community and urge a YES vote on the Senate floor. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on June 8.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:44:45-04:00June 2, 2023|Louisiana|

Massachusetts

The Board of Pharmacy issued two notices after its May 31 board meeting. In regard to scope of practice, the first order pertains to immunizations and injections as well as from new policy 2023-08. The second order issues a new policy that consolidates previous stocking allowance orders.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:44:05-04:00June 2, 2023|Massachusetts|

Michigan

The Board of Pharmacy published a final rule on Central Fill Pharmacies, effective May 19, 2023.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:38:55-04:00June 2, 2023|Michigan|

Minnesota

As the 2023 legislative session came to a close, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed session law Chapter 70 (SF 2995). The legislation requires Medicaid to conduct a feasibility study and implementation plan for carving the prescription drug benefit out of managed care and into Fee-For-Service. The study is due to the General Assembly by January 15, 2026.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:36:34-04:00June 2, 2023|Minnesota|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications for Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) benefits for homeschooled and fully virtual school-age students (K-12); application deadline is June 22. Through P-EBT, eligible school children receive temporary emergency nutrition benefits loaded on EBT cards that are used to purchase food. All benefits for homeschooled students and fully virtual students will be issued on August 15, 2023, for the 2022-2023 school year.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:35:02-04:00June 2, 2023|Nebraska|

New York

The State Department of Financial Services posted its proposed rulemaking for Pharmacy Benefit Managers regulation on May 24, 2023. The purpose is to establish rules for PBMs regarding assessments, license requirements, reporting and record keeping and to clarify definitions. Public comments are due 60 days from when this was published.

The NYRx Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit transition announced this week a 30-day countdown for transition fills. As you know, as of April 1, 2023, Medicaid members enrolled in mainstream Managed Care (MC) plans, Health and Recovery Plans (HARPs) and HIV-Special Needs (SNPs) began receiving their pharmacy benefits through NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program.

To ensure a smooth transition for members, NYRx instituted a transition fill period from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. During the transition period, members were provided a one-time transition fill for up to a 30-day supply of a drug that would normally require prior authorization (PA) under the NYRx Preferred Drug Program (PDP). The one-time transition fill does not mean that a PA will not be required for future fills. Beginning on July 1, 2023, all claims will be subject to NYRx pharmacy program criteria listed on the NYRx PDL.

PAs issued by Medicaid Managed Care plans prior to April 1, 2023 (that are active/valid after April 1, 2023) will continue to be honored by NYRx. This includes clinical PAs that may also require PA under NYRx. The state encourages members to continue to use the portal and call with any issues. The upcoming change of note is starting July 1, 2023; all claims will require a prior authorization via the IVR/Portal System (with some exceptions).

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:33:52-04:00June 2, 2023|New York|

Ohio

The Department of Medicaid (ODM) announced that on July 1, 2023, they will transition pharmacy benefits for Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) enrollees to Gainwell, their single pharmacy benefits manager (SPBM). This transition consolidates oversight of Medicaid pharmacy benefits for managed care and FFS members, giving prescribers and providers one vendor to work with regardless of how their patients are enrolled in Medicaid. Beginning July 1, Medicaid FFS prescribers and pharmacies will route claims to Gainwell’s new BIN 024251 and PCN OHRXPFFS. This information will be included on the new FFS member ID cards, but they will retain their current member ID numbers. The Pharmacy Reference Guide and Payer Sheet has been updated to reflect the changes. For questions about the transition, please email MedicaidSPBM@medicaid.ohio.gov

Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy’s final rule on pharmacists’ immunizations authority was published, effective June 1. The rule reflects the passage of HB 6 of 2021 (134th GA). It updates the state’s current practice to permit pharmacists to administer: Flu and COVID vaccines by protocol or vaccines for “any other disease” with a prescription to patients aged 7 years and older; and “any disease” under a protocol. Further regulations concerning technician and intern vaccines required under HB 6 are still in the rulemaking process. NACDS continues to work with our in-state partners and the Legislature to pass legislation to bring pharmacy immunization authority in line with the PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act.

Finally in Ohio, on May 24 the Board of Pharmacy posted numerous guidance documents regarding pharmacy technician and technician trainee registration, reciprocity and training programs. To view the documents please go to Pharmacy.Ohio.Gov.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:31:17-04:00June 2, 2023|Ohio|

Oklahoma

With two-thirds support in both houses, on May 17, lawmakers, not Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) called a special legislative session to get more time to finalize the state’s $12.8 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year and to ensure that they get the final say on any bills they pass. The special session ran concurrently with the regular legislative session that adjourned sine die on May 26. The special session gives lawmakers the ability to come back in June if they need to override any of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes on budget bills or related pieces of legislation.

The legislature officially adjourned the regular session on May 26. Prior to adjournment, lawmakers overrode 13 bills that Gov. Kevin Stitt’s (R) vetoed, including HB 1843, legislation that moves the enforcement authority over PBMs from the Insurance Commissioner to the Attorney General, effective November 1, 2023.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:28:32-04:00June 2, 2023|Oklahoma|

Oregon

The June 7-9, 2023 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2023-06-02T10:24:02-04:00June 2, 2023|Oregon|