The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an extension effective March 26, 2024, through December 31, 2028, for a 1115 “Behavioral Health Reform” demonstration project. This approval continues the state’s existing authority to receive federal financial participation (FFP) for providing clinically appropriate substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services for short-term residents in residential and inpatient treatment settings that qualify as an institution for mental diseases (IMD), as well as provides additional services to enhance the comprehensive and integrated behavioral health system for children, youth and adults with serious mental illness (SMI), severe emotional disturbance (SED) and/or SUDs (Substance Use Disorders). 

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

The Board of Pharmacy proposes to adopt regulation changes dealing with closure of a pharmacy and examination requirements for licensure. Written comments are due April 10. 

• Notice of Proposed Regulations 
• Proposed Regulations 
• Proposed Regulations FAQ 

Also in Alaska, both pharmacy’s patient freedom of pharmacy choice bills are moving forward in both houses but are facing stiff opposition. SB 121 was heard in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on March 20. HB 226 is pending in the House Labor and Commerce Committee.  

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

PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Management) reform bills NACDS supports continued to advance this week. SB 121 was heard in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and HB 226 was heard in House Labor and Commerce on Committee. 

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

In advance of hearings in both the House Health and Social Services Committee on February 27 and the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on February 28, NACDS submitted a letter in support of HB 226/SB 121, broad PBM reform legislation.

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

The broad PBM reform bill pharmacies are supporting, AK SSSB 121 was amended and referred to both the Senate Labor and Commerce and the Finance Committees for action.

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

The Board of Pharmacy is meeting online on February 15. Anyone wanting to attend the Zoom meeting must register. Here are the agenda and public meeting packet.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey to evaluate the cost of dispensing prescription medications in the state. The DOH scheduled a webinar on February 9 at 10:30 am AKST to discuss dispensing cost survey objectives and solicit feedback on the survey tool. If you are interested in participating, contact Matt Hill.

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

The Board of Pharmacy statutes and revised regulations that took effect on January 19 are now posted on the Board’s website.

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

The Board of Pharmacy issued a reminder to pharmacists regarding Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs). CPAs are established between medical providers and pharmacists and are housed at the Medical Board, not the Board of Pharmacy. It is important to note that CPAs are established between a physician and a lead pharmacist, not a pharmacy. In the event of a change of pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) at a pharmacy that affects an established CPA, a new CPA must be submitted to the Medical Board for review.

Also in Alaska, pharmacists now have the authority to prescribe immunizations, epinephrine, and emergency drugs. As a result, a Collaborative Practice Agreement is not required to prescribe and administer these items. 

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