Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Action Plan outlining the following priorities given the potential of both the approval of boosters and the eligibility of children under the age of 12 years.

1. Vaccinate those that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated while closing the equity gaps;
2. Ensure enough capacity to administer booster shots; and
3. Vaccinate children under age 12 [years] as they become eligible.

Also in California, due to the Fawn Fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on September 27 in Shasta County.  The Board of Pharmacy issued an alert reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062(b) and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents. The Board’s formal policy for filling prescriptions during an emergency is available in its Board Policy Statement: Disaster Response.

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Executive Order N-16-21 extending the telehealth services expansion.  This Executive Order also extends the previous order’s provisions related to relaxing certain state and security laws for medical providers.

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom(D) signed several bills related to workers and working conditions, including SB 362, legislation sponsored by the United Food and Commercial Workers and the California Pharmacists Association, that prohibits chain community pharmacies (75 or more stores under one ownership in California) from establishing pharmacy quotas as defined in the bill with certain exceptions.

Also in California, the Department of Public Health recently released the COVID-19 vaccine State Public Health Officer Order with an effective date of November 30.  Please note the August 5, 2021, State Public Health Officer Order still applies, and facilities must be in full compliance with this order by September 30.

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is currently accepting written comments on the following proposed regulations.

• Title 16, CCR Section 1704 related to providing addresses, specifically electronic mail address.
  • Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
  • Proposed text
  • Comment deadline: October 18
• Title 16, CCR Section 1784 related to self-assessment of a wholesaler/third-party logistics provider by the designated representative-in-charge or responsible manager
  • Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
  • Proposed Text
  • Self-assessment form
  • Comment deadline: November 1
• Title 16, CCR 1715. 65 related to Inventory Activities and Inventory Reconciliation Reports of Controlled Substances
  • Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
  • Proposed Text
  • Comment deadline: November 1

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy distributed the September 2021 issue of its newsletter, “The Script”.  Highlights include the FAQs related to the e-prescribing requirement effective January 1, 2022, and the new regulations for automated drug delivery systems.

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

NACDS and the California Retailers Association (CRA) submitted the following letters to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D):

• a joint letter urging the governor to sign into law AB 1064, legislation authorizing a pharmacist to independently initiate and administer any vaccine that has been approved or authorized by the FDA and received an ACIP individual vaccine recommendation published by the CDC for persons 3 years of age and older,
• a joint letter urging the governor to sign into law SB 409, the Board of Pharmacy’s legislation permanently authorizing pharmacists to perform CLIA-waived testing services, including COVID-19 and flu tests and
• a joint letter expressing significant concerns with specific provisions AB 1533, the Board of Pharmacy sunset legislation.  These provisions would allow the Board of Pharmacy to levy penalties of up to $150,000 on chain community pharmacies that would be excessive and disproportionate to the violations in question, which may jeopardize access to critical healthcare services.

Also in California, NACDS submitted a joint letter with the California Retailers Association to the Board of Pharmacy on an issue pertaining to the state’s electronic prescribing mandate that will go into effect in 2022.  Specifically, chain pharmacy encouraged the Board to clarify compliance requirements for the transfer of unfilled electronic controlled substances between pharmacies considering the federal DEA requirements and existing NCPDP standards for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances that constrain what pharmacies can currently do.

Also in California, SB 362, legislation sponsored by the United Food and Commercial Workers and the California Pharmacists Association, that prohibits chain community pharmacies (75 or more stores under one ownership in California) from establishing pharmacy quotas as defined in the bill with certain exceptions, passed both chambers and was sent to the governor for signature.  Capitol Advocacy, on behalf of NACDS and CRA, advocated for amendments refining the definition of “quota” and creating exceptions related to measurement and evaluation of performance, competence or quality of care provided to patients by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

Finally in California, Both the agenda and meeting materials for the Board of Pharmacy meeting on September 23 are posted.  Note: Agenda Item VI. Strategic Planning Session will include the results of the 2021 Environmental Scan conducted earlier this year.

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

In an emergency meeting, the Board of Pharmacy voted to re-instate the remote processing waiver until December 31 or 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is later. NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a joint letter requesting the board to take this action in accordance with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) Executive Order N-39-20 to reissue the remote processing waiver that expired on June 30, 2021.

Also in California, due to Cache Fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on September 7, 2021, in Lake County.  The Board of Pharmacy issued an alert reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062 and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents.

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

The Department of Health Care Services issued an All Plan providing guidance to Medi-Cal managed care health plans related to the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program.  Effective September 1, participating Medi-Cal managed care health plans may be eligible to participate in the Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program. 

In California, the Board of Pharmacy published an updated list of prescribers (effective August 27) whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California. This information is intended to prevent dispensing of controlled substances prescribed by restricted prescribers. 

Also in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued several waiver extensions including the following. A list of current waivers is available on the DCA website. 

• Order Waiving License Reactivation or Restoration Requirements  
• Order Waiving Restrictions on Telemedicine and Extending Time to Refill Prescriptions  

Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association sent a joint letter to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Board of Pharmacy and Governor’s Office requesting a pharmacy law waiver to allow pharmacy technicians to administer flu vaccines to adults.  We await a response from DCA.   

Lastly in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published its Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (September 1).  This month’s issue includes changes to the Contract Drugs List, effective September 1, and Medi-Cal Rx Provider Training Information. As a reminder, full Medi-Cal Rx implementation is scheduled to go-live January 1, 2022 moving the prescription drug benefit from Medi-Cal managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service. Please review opportunities for training. 

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

Due to fires, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared states of emergency on July 16 in Siskiyou, Lassen and Plumas counties and on July 23 in Plumas, Butte, Lassen and Alpine counties. The Board of Pharmacy issued alerts reminding pharmacies and pharmacists of provisions in Business and Professions Code section 4062 and section 4064 to help provide prescriptions for displaced residents.

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

The Board of Pharmacy published an updated list of prescribers whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California (MBC). This information is intended to prevent dispensing of controlled substances prescribed by restricted prescribers.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published its Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin (August 1).  This month’s issue including information about the full Medi-Cal Rx implementation on January 1, 2022 moving the prescription drug benefit from Medi-Cal managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service, updates to the Contract Drug List (effective August 1) and changes to Provider Enrollment Division (PED) to include a new PED Online Inquiry Form. 

Also in California, the DHSC issued ALL PLAN LETTER 20-022 (REVISED) to all Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans to provide updated information and guidance related to COVID-19 vaccine coverage and administration in the Medi-Cal program.  The DHCS is following California’s COVID-19 vaccination plan as approved by the state’s Department of Public Health. 

Finally in California, the DHCS distributed COVID-19 vaccine awareness materials developed by state’s Department of Public Health.  There are two versions of the cards with one “Top 5 FAQs for Parents” and the other “Top 5 FAQs”.

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

Having accepted a Conflict Avoidance Plan, the Department of Health Care Services plans full Medi-Cal Rx implementation will begin January 1, 2022, meaning the prescription drug benefit in Medicaid managed care will move to Medicaid fee-for-service. The Conflict Avoidance Plan will be posted on the DHCS website. 

Also in California, on July 1, the Department of Health Care Services updated its COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Provider FAQs. 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is offering a free six-hour online CE training program, “Prescription Drug Abuse and Diversion: What a Pharmacist Needs to Know,” on August 11. Preregistration is required and space is limited. For questions about the event, email the Board.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy published a Notice of Proposed Action to amend section 1709 to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations related to Ownership, Management and Control of Pharmacies and Other Business Entities. Written comments are due September 7. 

Also in California, the California Pharmacy Law Update 2021 Edition, a free continuing education webinar from the Board of Pharmacy, is now available. The program includes recently enacted pharmacy laws, recently adopted regulations, an overview of the Board’s organizational structure and activities and tips for navigating the Board’s website.  

Also in California, the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs issued several waiver extensions including one waiving license renewal requirements for individuals with active licenses between March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2021. 

Also in California, the governor appointed Nicole D. Thibeau, a pharmacist, to the Board of Pharmacy. Since 2013, Dr. Thibeau has been Director of Pharmacy Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She previously served as a pharmacist-in-charge at both Target and CVS pharmacies. 

Finally in California, on July 27, Gov. Gavin Newsome (D) signed AB 133 (Chapter 143, Statutes of 2021) that includes language adding medication therapy management (MTM), provided by a pharmacist in conjunction with the dispensing of qualified specialty drugs, to the list of covered pharmacist services under the Medi-Cal program. It also makes an exception for MTM to the 85% Medi-Cal rate, requiring the Department of Health Care Services to implement an MTM reimbursement methodology.

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

The Board of Pharmacy has posted its agenda and meeting materials for the July 28-29 Full Board Meeting. 

Also in California, as a reminder, the COVID-19 related waivers to expand remote order entry and remote supervision expired in June 2021. The board is considering only site-specific waivers. 

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

Pharmacy facility licenses with a PHY prefix may be renewed on the Board of Pharmacy’s website with credit card payment. Online payments may be submitted no more than 60 days prior to the expiration date and allow two business days for processing.  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services reminds providers that the California poppy and blue and white version of the Benefits Identification Card (BIC) are still be to accepted by providers, and providers must continue to verify eligibility. 

Also, the California, the Board of Pharmacy will conduct several committee meetings as follows. The Full Board Meeting will be held on July 28-29; agenda and materials will be posted on the website in advance. 

• Licensing Committee agenda for July 14 
• Communication and Public Education Committee agenda for July 14 
• Enforcement and Compounding Committee agenda for July 15 
• Legislation and Regulation Committee agenda for July 15 

Also in California, AB 128, the 2021-22 budget bill authorizing Medi-Cal coverage of continuous glucose monitors for adult individuals with type 1 diabetes effective January 1, 2022, has been signed into law (Chapter 21, Statutes of 2021).   

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy announced the extension of the pharmacy law waiver related to retired or canceled pharmacist licenses until September 1 or when state of emergency ends, whichever is sooner.

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