The Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Durable Medical Equipment Program has announced that it will make the following changes regarding reimbursement: Reimbursement for CPAP (E0601), Humidifier Reimbursement (E0561, E0562), and Mask Reimbursement (A7030, A7032, A7035). For more information, click here.

Also in Alabama. All previously published expiration dates related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency have once again been extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is earlier than August 31, 2020, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERTs and notices related to the health emergency is available on the Agency’s COVID-19 page.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

All previously published expiration dates related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of July 31, 2020, the conclusion of the COVID-19 National emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. A listing of previous Provider ALERT and notices related to the health emergency is available on the Agency’s COVID-19 page.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Notice of the Board of Pharmacy announces that a pharmacist may fill a noncontrolled-substance maintenance medication prescription with an appropriate number of 30-day supply refills through the year with a 90-day supply with the commiserate number of refills without contacting the physician to obtain a new prescription. This policy was accepted by the Board of Pharmacy during the Business Meeting held on May 13th. 

Also in Alabama... The Alabama Board of Pharmacy has issued several notices which can be found below. A hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2020, in Birmingham. Comments are due July 15, 2020. 

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to clearly and accurately communicate pharmacy technicians’ requirements for each renewal cycle and also include background checks for reinstatement of pharmacy technicians.  

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to update the pharmacy technician continuing education requirement timelines to match registration requirements. 

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to remove outdated requirements for pharmacies to have a prescription balance.  

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-3 to allow for a one-time, nondisciplinary administrative penalty of $500 for late renewal of a controlled substance permit. This penalty shall be in addition to the prevailing renewal fee. Any subsequent instance of late renewal shall result in disciplinary action.  

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to add language consistent with federal requirements under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and provide clarity for new categories and facilities including private label distributors, repackagers, third-party logistics providers, and outsourcing facilities.  The rule would address requirements for security, recordkeeping, inspections, written policies and procedures, operations, transfer of ownership, personnel, and violations. A hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2020, in Birmingham.  

Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would adopt regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to establish requirements for prescriptions of noncontrolled substances. The rule would address requirements for original prescriptions and transfers.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Effective July 1, 2020 the Alabama Medicaid Agency will remove prior authorization (PA) from Mometasone nasal spray (generic Nasonex) and Modafinil (generic Provigil). Brand Nasonex and Provigil will now require PA. They will also update the Preferred Drug List to reflect the quarterly updates. The updates can be found here.   

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Alabama Medicaid Agency has issued an ALERT stating that all previously published expiration dates related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency are once again extended. The new expiration date is the earlier of June 30, 2020, 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.

Notice of the Department of Insurance announces that health care providers will receive claim reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and treatment services provided to uninsured individuals. The reimbursements will be provided at Medicare rates for services or admittance on or after Feb. 4, 2020. 

Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy amends regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to provide pharmacy technicians an extension to complete required training until Dec. 31, 2020, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The extension applies to technicians who initially registered on or after Jan. 1, 2020, through the end of the state of emergency. The rule is effective March 25, 2020 and expires July 23, 2020. 

Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to allow the board to issue temporary pharmacist practice permits during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule applies to applicants licensed in another state who meet specified criteria. The rule is effective April 2, 2020 and expires July 31, 2020. 

Emergency rule of the Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations under AAC 680-X-2 to allow the board to issue temporary in-state pharmacy permits if the applicant meets specified criteria during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The rule is effective April 2, 2020 and expires July 31, 2020. 

Emergency rule of the Medicaid Agency adopts regulations under AAC 560-X-13 to temporarily ease the EPSDT referral requirements, “face to face” provider visit requirements, and expiration dates of orders related to Durable Medical Equipment during the state of emergency as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule is effective March 24, 2020 and expires July 22, 2020. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.