Texas
The Health and Human Services Commission's Vendor Drug Program wants to remind pharmacists that May 31st is the last day that the current Texas Medicaid Standing Order for Mosquito Repellent will be valid. Beginning June 1st, pharmacies must have a valid prescription from a Medicaid-enrolled provider to dispense mosquito repellent for Medicaid patients.
Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will suspend COVID-19 vaccine providers from ordering vaccines if they have not reported their current COVID-19 vaccine inventory effective May 6. Per the COVID-19 provider policy, COVID-19 vaccine providers must self-report by the fifth day of each month. Non-reporting providers will have their order privileges suspended until their monthly report is submitted.
Also in Texas, NACDS, Texas Federation of Drug Stores and our chain pharmacists met State Representatives Stephanie Klick (R), Chair of the House Public Health Committee, and Nicole Collier (D) who also serves on the House Public Health Committee, in their Tarrant County district offices. We shared stories of chain pharmacies engagement in the community during the pandemic and laid out our 2023 priority agenda.
Finally in Texas, Kroger pharmacists welcomed Ian Shaw, a Dallas attorney recently appointed as a public member on the Board of Pharmacy, behind the counter in a busy uptown pharmacy on a Friday afternoon.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Utah
The Board of Pharmacy announced its next meeting on May 24; agenda is pending.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Washington
The State Health Care Authority's (HCA) emergency provisions for in-person interpreting allowing over the phone interpreting has ended. Now the Health Care Authority and Universal Language Service (ULS) signed the new spoken language contract to provide over-the-phone and video remote interpreting services. Providers must register under the new contract to have access to the over-the-phone and video remote interpreting contract. To register, email accounts@ulsonline.net. Pharmacists interested in providing interpreting services under the over-the-phone and video remote contract also must register via email at interpreter@ulsonline.net.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
Effective May 14, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development amended regulations under 12 AAC 02 to reduce application, license, registration, and renewal fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, remote and other pharmacies, wholesale drug distributors, outsourcing facilities, and third-party logistics providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
HB 2841, the general appropriations act (2022-2023), includes funding for the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Task Force; see page 9 for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
- Medi-Cal Rx Policy for Requesting Alternative Medication in Case of Supply Shortage (April 15)
- Medi-Cal Rx Policy for Requesting Alternative Medical Supplies or Enteral Nutrition Products Due to Supply Shortages (April 15)
- Medi-Cal Rx List of Resources (April 11)
- Prior Authorization Status Notifications (April 11)
- Medical Supplies Update on Pen Needles (April 11)
- Medi-Cal Rx Coordination of Benefits (COB) Reminder (April 8)
- Dexcom Therapeutic Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – Issue Resolved (April 7)
- Medicare Remit Easy Print Software for EDI 835 Files (April 5)
- Medi-Cal Rx 101 Trainings for April 2022 (April 4)
- Friday, April 22 – 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PST
- Friday, April 29 – 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PST
- Enteral Nutrition Update: Temporary Interchange of Equivalent Contracted Enteral Nutrition Products Due to Recent Formula Recall (April 4)
- Monoclonal Antibodies for the Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 as a Pharmacy Benefits (April 1)
- Changes to Pneumococcal 15 & 20 Vaccines (April 1)
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (April 1)
- Changes to the Contract Drugs List (April 1)
- Changes to the Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Over-the-Counter Drugs (April 1)
- Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Authorized Drug Manufacturer Labeler Codes (April 1)
- Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (April 1)
- How to Find Covered Drugs (March 28)
- Deadline Reminder: Electronic Claims Agreement (March 25)
- By April 30, 2022, all participating Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy providers and billers need to submit a Medi-Cal Rx Telecommunications Provider and Biller Application Agreement (DHCS Form 6500) to continue submitting electronic claims without interruption. Refer to the Medi-Cal Rx Electronic Claims Agreement alert, originally posted on December 31, 2021.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the following to the website:
- Legislation and Regulation Committee Meeting Agenda – April 26
- Communication and Public Education Committee Meeting Agenda and Meeting Materials – April 26
- Full Board Meeting CORRECTED Agenda – April 26-27
Also in California, AB 852, related to e-prescribing software requirements and prescriber exceptions to e-prescribing requirements, was amended on April 18.
Finally in California, AB 1651 was amended on April 18, creating the Workplace Technology Accountability Act. Among its various provisions, this legislation would give workers new rights with respect to their data, regulates data employers collect, regulates how employers can monitor workers, regulates the ways in which employers use algorithms to monitor workers and creates a new enforcement regime through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The bill is sponsored by the California Labor Federation, SEIU California, the United Food and Commercial Workers-Western and the States Council.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law on April 6, two bills, HB 1209,, effective July 1, 2022, which allows registered pharmacy technicians, with appropriate training, to administer vaccines to adults, and SB 544, also effective July 1, 2022, which allows a pharmacist to dispense an emergency opioid antagonist, an auto injection delivery system or intranasal application, pursuant to a pharmacist’s order or to a non-patient-specific standing order.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
On April 9, the Illinois Senate adopted Senate Resolution 792, which calls upon the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) administration of pharmacy benefit managers.
Also in Illinois, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) issued the following Provider Notice. HFS and state's Department of Public Health asked that we issue a reminder that even though the HRSA uninsured program has ended there is still a process through HFS.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
HB 424, by Rep. Chris Taylor (R) related to immunization administration authority, was amended and reported out of the House Health and Welfare Committee last week. The bill is scheduled on the House Calendar on Monday, April 25. The bill would allow pharmacists to continue their authority granted under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) authority to immunize patients seven years of age and older without a prescription. NACDS is urging members to take action immediately utilizing the NACDS RxIMPACT Alert.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services posted the agenda for the next Medicaid DUR Board Meeting scheduled to be held on May 10.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services issued Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 112209 O3 facilitating the selection of a qualified bidder to provide a full-risk, capitated Medicaid Managed Care program for physical health, behavioral health, pharmacy and dental services for at least the next five years. Nearly all Medicaid beneficiaries currently receive health care services through Heritage Health, the state's integrated managed care program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
The Office of Health Insurance Programs of the New York State Department of Health has approved the release of the March 2022 Medicaid Update.
You may also go straight to an article or topic that pertains to you by selecting it from the current issue's table of contents below.
Policy and Billing
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program Childhood Vaccine Counseling Coverage Benefit (Cover)
- New York State Medicaid Professional Pathology Policy
- Attention: New York State Medicaid Fee-For-Service Providers Administering Drugs
- Pharmacy and Medical Billing Guidance for SPRAVATO® (esketamine)
- Discontinued Coverage for TerSera Therapeutics LLC Drugs
- COVID-19 Testing, Therapeutics, Vaccine Administration, and Vaccine Counseling Policy Reminders
All Providers
- Medicaid Consumer Fact Sheets Now Available
- Official Launch of eMedNY Provider Enrollment Portal
- New York State Medicaid Launches Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport Program
- NY State of Health: Affordable Care Act 12th Anniversary; Congress Encouragement to Extend American Rescue Plan Tax Credits; Medicaid Resumes Eligibility Reviews, Disenrolled Members Should Be Directed to the Marketplace
- New York State Department of Health Medicaid Accelerated eXchange (MAX) Workshop Series: Register for Round Two and Upcoming Informational Webinar
- Medicaid Breast Cancer Surgery Centers
Pharmacy
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
The Department of Medicaid (ODM) held its second stakeholder webinar regarding the implementation of the Single Pharmacy Benefits Manager (SPBM) under the Next Generation of Managed Care program on April 15. The subject matter was the new Specialty Drug Program. Copies of the PowerPoint slides and other information regarding the program can be found on ODM’s SPBM webpage. The slides state the next webinar will be held in early May and will cover SPBM pricing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
Long-awaited Board of Pharmacy regulations allowing pharmacy interns to immunize have been released in final form by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), where they are scheduled for a vote on May 19. After IRRC passage, the regulations will go to the Attorney General and be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The regulations will be final 30 days after the official publication date. The rulemaking is pursuant to the Pharmacy Act amendments made by Act 8 of 2015, the same law that allowed pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines to children aged 9 years and older.
Also in Pennsylvania, the PACE program issued a bulletin regarding Program audit procedures. It includes clarification regarding who is responsible for providing information related to the requested documents.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy is having supply chain issues with the paper it uses for licenses. The paper currently being used does not provide the perforated wallet card. However, it does allow for the wallet card to be cut out and used for business purposes. The Pharmacy Board inspectors are aware of the change with the licensing paper. This will not affect pharmacists’ ability to practice.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Gov. William Lee (R) signed SB 2446/HB 2131 into law on April 8, effective immediately, the legislation modernizes the definition of pharmacy technicians and now clearly allows a pharmacist to delegate tasks to a technician based on their education, training, and support, allowing all members of the pharmacy team to practice at the top of their education and training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) amended companion bills HB 1323 and SB 672 to add language in that was removed during the legislative process allowing pharmacists to test and treat for flu, strep and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Our original language that codifies pharmacies’ immunization and testing authority allowances under the PREP Act remains intact. The bill also allows pharmacists to initiate tobacco cessation therapy, including prescription drugs. These bills will now have to go before the Legislature on April 27 to approve or reject the governor’s recommendation on the amended language. NACDS applauds the Virginia Association of Chain Drug Stores (VACDS) and the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) for all the groundwork on this bill and to members for your outreach to the Governor’s office.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Wisconsin
Effective immediately, Dr. Jasmine Zapata is the new Wisconsin physician signing the Statewide Standing order for Naloxone. You must use Dr. Zapata's prescriber number going forward as Dr. Jon Meiman's prescriber number can no longer be used. In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated its web pages.
Under this new standing order, there are new resources available through the enhanced Dose of Reality Initiative. Patient education regarding overdose recognition and naloxone administration can be found on the following web pages:
- Review common questions about opioids and address risk factors that can put someone at increased risk of overdose: Dose of Reality: Get the Facts on Opioids
- Provide an overview of how to recognize an overdose and the proper procedure to respond to an overdose: Dose of Reality: Overdose
- Discuss how to administer naloxone and when: Dose of Reality: Safer Use
- Discuss how to safely dispose of opioids and other unused prescription medication: Dose of Reality: Safe Disposal
If you have questions, reach out to: DHSOpioids@dhs.wisconsin.gov
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Arkansas
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that the Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero is resigning on May 6th to take a job with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
On March 30, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed HB 2490 (Chapter 98), providing clarity for collaborative practice agreements including requirements, rules, and definitions.
Also in Arizona, on March 24, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed HB 2612 (Chapter 59), removing certain occupational licensing requirements and regulations that applicants/persons must be “of good moral character” to be approved for certain licenses and certifications including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Finally, in Arizona, on March 25, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed SB 1639 (Chapter 78), that requires integrating a medical practitioner’s electronic medical records system with the state’s Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP) central database tracking system either directly or through the statewide health information exchange or a third-party vendor, by December 31, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
As a reminder regarding the COVID-19 declaration of emergency, the Board of Pharmacy has a webpage dedicated to Pharmacy Law Waivers; interested parties may sign up to receive the Board’s alerts for the most up-to-date information. Also, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has a webpage dedicated to DCA Waivers and Guidance Documents..
Also in California, as a reminder, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) eased DUR edits in Medi-Cal Rx until May 1. NACDS and the California Retailers Association have been in communication with the DHCS staff to request advance notice be provided to pharmacy providers of the Department’s plans for these DUR edits in advance of May 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Georgia
The Georgia Board of Pharmacy is excited to announce and introduce the first installment of a new “Newsletter.” The newsletter will be produced on a quarterly basis and is intended to provide insights and updates on the profession of pharmacy in Georgia. The newsletter will also be posted on the GBOP website for easy access as well. Since the newsletter is a new resource, the Board asks that you please distribute it to others in your organization or staff.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Board of Pharmacy published the following Notices of Intended Action. Written comments may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. on April 26. A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 27 at the offices of the Board and via Zoom.
- ARC 6279C– amending Chapter 3, “Pharmacy Technicians” and Chapter 6, “General Pharmacy Practice to permit remote processing
- ARC 6280C – amending Chapter 12, “Precursor Substances” to add one chemical as a precursor substance in response to similar action taken by the DEA.
- ARC 6182C – amending Chapter 8, “Universal Practice Standards,” and Chapter 19, “Nonresident Pharmacy Practice” to provide modification of the handling of ownership changes, add requirements for nonresident pharmacies and other changes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Missouri
In advance of the April 12th Senate Insurance and Banking hearing on HCR HB 1677, NACDS submitted a letter supporting certain provisions of the legislation that would strengthen Missouri’s PBMs laws to enhance patients’ ability to receive pharmacy care from their pharmacy of choice and improve provisions for fair and equitable standards for the management of pharmacy benefits. In our letter, NACDS specifically called out support for the provisions that would prohibit PBMs from preventing, penalizing or restricting patients’ ability to obtain services from a contracted pharmacy; the provisions that would enhance the appeals process to requiring PBMs to increase a pharmacy’s reimbursement in instances when reimbursement is found to be below a pharmacy’s cost for purchasing a drug; and the provisions that would prevent PBMs from imposing unwarranted fees on claims related to administering a health plan.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
Executive Order No. 22-02 — Continued Waivers to Facilitate Hospital Planning and Ensure Additional Healthcare Workforce Capacity — states “Executive Order No. 21-15, which is currently scheduled to expire on March 31, 2022, per [E]xecutive [O]rder No. 21-18, shall remain in effect through September 30, 2022.” See item 6 in Executive Order No. 21-15 suspending Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2866.01 and its implementing regulations “in order to permit pharmacists to have any number of pharmacist interns and pharmacy technicians under their supervision insofar as they determine it necessary within their professional discretion when administering vaccinations”.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the next COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on May 4 at noon (Central).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
The State Education Department regulation expanding the pharmacist immunization authority which took effect on January 31, 2022, is set to expire on April 10. At the last Board of Regents meeting, the Board took emergency action effective April 11 to keep the regulation in effect until it can be permanently adopted at the Board May Meeting.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.