The following alerts have been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:  

• Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Claim Processing for Other Health Care Benefits 
• DUR (Drug Utilization Review) Global Board Meeting – February 2022 
• Revised Emergency Fill Quantity Limit and Frequency Policy 
• Revised Prior Authorization Policy for Pharmacy Providers 
• Pharmacy Professional Dispensing Fee Provider Self-Attestation 

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) recently appointed two new public members to the Board of Pharmacy filling the remaining public member vacancies. Kula Koenig, of Sacramento, has been Senior Director of Impact at the United Way California Capital Region since 2018. Indira J. Cameron-Banks, of Los Angeles, has been a Sole Practitioner at Cameron Banks Law since 2021.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy announced the first meeting of the Standard of Care Ad Hoc Committee being convened consistent with the requirements of AB (Assembly Bill) 1533 (Chapter 629). 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy distributed its February 2022 Update.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy announced a schedule for the listening sessions to hear from California pharmacy technicians. Note: space is limited, and registration is required. The Board is also taking comments via a brief survey.  

Finally in California, the Department of Justice issued a notice to all CURES data submitters as a reminder of the transition from Atlantic Associates Inc. to Bamboo Health, the new contractor for prescription data collection services for CURES. Note: dispensers will continue to send data to Atlantic Associate through February 22. Effective February 23, dispensers will be required to report data to CURES via Bamboo Health's PMP Clearinghouse.  

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

The following alerts have been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:  

• Daily Office Hour Sessions 
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin 
• Enteral Nutrition Updates 
• New Medications for Automatic Prior Authorization (Auto-PA) 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provided the following information related to over the counter COVID-19 testing: 

• DHCS Communications – Stakeholder News 
• Medi-Cal Rx Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits 
• List of Covered Emergency Use of Authorization (EUA) COVID-19 Antigen Tests (Note: the information at the top of the spreadsheet regarding reimbursement and dispensing of test kits.) 
• Department of Health Care Services' Medical Director's Prescribing Order COVID-19 Testing Accessibility for Over-the-Counter, FDA-authorized, Self-Administered COVID-19 Antigen Tests for All Eligible Medi-Cal Beneficiaries 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services adjusted the release date of the Med-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) Request for Proposal (RFP) from February 2 to February 9. Note: this adjustment will not affect the implementation date of January 2, 2024.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy took the following actions during its recent public meeting held January 27-28. A complete list of actions is available here. 

• Voted to modify language and initiate a 15-day comment period on the modified text for Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR), sections 1793.5, 1793.6, and 1793.65, related to Pharmacy Technician Application. 

• 15-Day Comment Period: January 28 to February 12 
• Notice of Modified Text 
• Modified Text
• Voted to modify language and initiate a 15-day comment period on the modified text for CCR section 1708.1, related to Notification of Temporary Closure. 
• 15-Day Comment Period: January 28 to February 12 
• Notice of Modified Text 
• Modified Text 
• Voted to modify language and initiate a 15-day comment period on the modified text for CCR section 1715.65, related to Inventory Reconciliation. 
• 15-Day Comment Period: January 28 to February 12 
• Notice of Second Modified Text 
• Second Modified Text 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued an AMENDED WAIVER: Prescriber Dispensing of COVID-19 Antiviral Medication to an Emergency Room Patient. 

Also in California, AB (Assembly Bill) 1400, legislation that would have implemented single payer in the state, will not advance this year. It did not have enough votes to pass out of the Assembly so the author (Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D)) decided not to bring it up for a vote. 

Finally in California, last Friday, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced investigations into business operating loyalty programs and send notices regarding noncompliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

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

The Board of Pharmacy distributed the following: 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Pharmacists 
• Joint Statement on Western States Recommendation of Expanded Pfizer – BioNTech Booster Eligibility for 12- to 15-Year Olds 
• Statement Regarding Dispensing Prescriptions Not Transmitted Electronically 
• Information and Additional Resources Regarding e-Prescribing Requirements

Also in California, the following alerts have been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: 

• Medi-Cal Rx Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits (January 26) 
• Prior Authorization Required: Reject Code 75 (January 26) 

Finally in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved amendments to the following regulations:  

• Pharmacists Initiating and Administering Vaccines. (Effective immediately) 
• Address Change Notification. (Effective April 1) 
• Ownership, Management, and Control of Pharmacies and Other Regulated Business Entities. (Effective April 1) 

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

On January 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released his proposed 2022-23 State Budget. Both the Governor's Budget Summary (See page 109+ for Health and Human Services) and Proposed Budget Detail have been posted. Of interest in the Health and Human Services section include: 

• Savings related to Medi-Cal Rx Implementation ($327 Million)
• Savings related to Pharmacy Recoupment (See bottom of page 10.) ($100 Million)  

Legislative hearings and negotiations will begin and February and continue through May. The Governor will release a revised budget in May. 

 Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services published the following alerts: 

• Alert Summary for the Week of January 9-14
• Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center Main Menu Prompt Options
• DHCS COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Provider FAQs – January 7, 2022 
• Reject Code 73: Max Refill 
• Medi-Cal Rx Finance Portal Job Aid Available 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy sent a notice about reissued pharmacy law waivers in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) declaration of emergency and the nation declaration of emergency. 

• Duty to Consult (Title 16, California Code of Regulations, section 1707.2(a)) 
• Prelicensure Inspection at Proposed Location of an Automated Drug Delivery System (ADDS) – Business and Professions Code sections 4119.11(a)(9) and BPC 4427.2(e) 
• Signature Requirement for Receipt of Delivery of Drugs (BPC section 4059.5) 
• Requirement for Consulting Pharmacist to Make Quarterly Visits to Clinic (BPC sections 4182(a) & (b)/BPC 4192(a) & (b)) 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued a Notice of Meeting and Agenda for the Teleconference Medication Error Reduction and Workforce Committee Meeting on January 27. Meeting materials will be posted on the website in advance.  

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy published a Notice of Meeting and Agenda for the Teleconference Public Board Meeting scheduled to be held January 27-28. Meeting materials will be posted on the website in advance.

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

Medi-Cal Rx posted the following alerts. To view all alerts, visit Bulletins & News on the Medi-Cal Rx website. 

• Claim Submission Reminders (January 11) 
• Prior Authorization Required: Reject Code 75 (January 9) 
• Pharmacy Claims Reject Code 65 – Resolved (January 9) 
• Alert Summary for the Week of January 3-7 (January 7) 

Also in California, note the recently issued Billing Guidance for Pharmacy Providers on COVID-19 Oral Antivirals (January 6). 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued a pharmacy law waiver for Prescriber Dispensing of COVID-19 Oral Therapeutic Medication to Emergency Room Patients.  

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has rescheduled its next quarterly two-day meeting.  The new meeting dates are January 27-28.   Committee meeting materials have also been posted. 

• January 18, 2022 

• • Enforcement and Compounding Committee, 9 a.m. 
  • Legislation and Regulation Committee2:30 p.m. 

• January 19, 2022 

• • Licensing Committee, 9 a.m. 
  • Communication and Public Education2:30 p.m. 

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

Medi-Cal Rx was implemented on January 1, 2021. The Monthly Bulletin for January has been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.  

Also in California, Medi-Cal Rx issued a Share of Cost bulletin to clarify that the process will be unchanged by the implementation of Medi-Cal Rx.  

Also in California, Medi-Cal Rx issued an alert announcing that reject code 16 M/I Prescription/Service Reference Number is temporarily suspended. Pharmacy providers may resubmit claims if they receive this rejection.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy published its January 2022 monthly update. Note the last item about pharmacy laws effective in 2022. 

Finally, the Board of Pharmacy also published a reminder of the new e-prescribing laws effective January 1, 2022. 

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

The Department of Health Care Services continues to post and publish information to prepare pharmacy providers for the implementation of Medi-Cal Rx effective January 1, 2022.  See "Medi-Cal Rx begins January 1st, are you ready?". Note: use this link Office Hour Luncheon Session ,which is only available Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PST (excluding holidays).  Please note the prior authorization process and other essential information. Lastly, the Medi-Cal Rx customer service number is 1-800-977-2273 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year after January 1, 2022. The Customer Service Center published a list of Main Menu Prompt Options. 

Also in California, the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal has been updated with the following.  Note: Medi-Cal Rx will be implemented effective January 1, 2022.  

• Countdown to Go-Live – Have You Reviewed the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Transition Policy? 
• Medi-Cal Rx Electronic Claims Agreement 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published its Stakeholder Communication Update – December 2021.  Highlights include the following.  See update for details and additional information.  

• Continuous glucose monitors, as a pharmacy-billed medical supply benefit through Medi-Cal Rx, will be covered effective January 1, 2022.  See Medi-Cal Rx: Transitioning Medi-Cal Pharmacy Services from Managed Care to Fee-for-Service Frequently Asked Questions (Version 10.0 – December 3, 2021). 
• Medi-Cal Rx: For questions or comments related to Medi-Cal Rx, email RxCarveOut@dhcs.ca.gov 
• CMS has approved SPA 21-0028, adding MTM as a payable Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service pharmacy service provided in conjunction with certain complex chronic medical conditions. participate in the program, Medi-Cal-enrolled pharmacies will be required to enter a contract with DHCS.  

Also in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued a news release reminding providers of mandatory e-prescribing requirements effective January 1, 2022, pursuant to AB 2789 (Chapter 438, 2018). 

Finally in California, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that Bamboo Health will be the new vendor for prescription data collection services for the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). Additional details and information will be provided in the coming weeks regarding the transition process in early 2022 from the current vendor, Atlantic Associates Inc. (AAI), to the new vendor, Bamboo Health.

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

The Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal has been updated with the following:  

• Medi-Cal Rx Web Claims Submission (WCS) User Guide. More information on User Administration Console (UAC) registration is available in the UAC Quick Start Guide. 
• Countdown to Go-Live — Are You Aware of the Cutoff Dates? includes important information and deadlines leading up to implementation of Medi-Cal Rx, effective January 1, 2022. 

Also in California, for Medi-Cal Rx updates, please visit the Department of Health Care Services' Medi-Cal Rx: Transition website and the Medi-Cal Rx website. Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy stakeholders are strongly encouraged to sign-up for urgent announcements and other updates as they are posted to the Medi-Cal Rx website. Medi-Cal Rx will be effective January 1, 2022.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy released the following Notices of Modified Text: 

• Further amending section 1715.6 to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations related to Reporting Drug Losses.
  • Notice of Modified Text
  • Modified Text  

• Further amending section 1715.65 to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations related to Inventory Reconciliation.
  • Notice of Modified Text
  • Modified Text  

Comments are due December 18 and can be submitted to Lori Martinez . 

Finally in California, This is a reminder that under SB 212 (2018), which established a prescription drug and sharps take-back program in California, retail pharmacies that sell a covered drug under their own label must submit written notification to the Board of Pharmacy identifying the covered entity from which the retail pharmacy obtains the covered product.  

"Covered entity" is defined under SB 212 as a manufacturer of covered products that are sold into the state. If there is not a manufacturer for a covered product, then the covered entity is the distributor of the covered product sold into the state. If there is not a manufacturer or distributor for a covered product, then the covered entity is the owner or licensee of a trademark or brand name under which covered products are sold into the state. If there is not a manufacturer, distributor, or owner or licensee of trademark or brand name, then the covered entity is the importer of the covered product into the state. 

Please click here to view the relevant provision in statute – Public Resources Code Section 42031(b).  

We have been made aware that few pharmacies required to report this information have not done so. If applicable, this is a reminder to please submit this information to the Board of Pharmacy's Executive Officer, Anne Sodergren, at anne.sodergren@dca.ca.gov and lilly.fang@dca.ca.gov.  

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

The Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for December has been posted. Below is an outline of this month’s updates. As a reminder, Medi-Cal Rx is schedule to be implemented effective January 1, 2021.

1. Changes to the Contract Drugs List (CDL), Effective December 1, 2021
2. Changes to the Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Over the Counter Drugs, Effective December 1, 2021
3. Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary, Effective December 1, 2021
4. Medi-Cal Rx Medical Supplies Updates
5. Reimbursement for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Claims
6. Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual
7. Adult Vaccination Administration Fee: Pharmacy Claims and Reimbursement
8. Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost (MAIC) 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice
9. 45-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice
10. Contract Drugs List (CDL) Flyer
11. Medi-Cal Rx Provider Training Details
12. Registering Multiple NPIs in UAC
13. UAC Registration and Sign-In Troubleshooting
14. UAC Registration Reminders and Helpful Tips
15. Introducing the Medi-Cal Rx Education and Outreach Team
16. Prescriber Training Checklist
17. Pharmacy Training Checklist

Also in California, NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy in support of the proposed rule revising 16 CCR §1746.4 pertaining to requirements for notification to patients’ primary care provider following vaccine administration. In modifying the notification provisions of the rule to apply only when requested by a patient, the proposed rule change would reduce the administrative burden of preparing and forwarding potentially redundant information that is not always needed or desired by every primary care provider, especially considering that pharmacies also report administered vaccines to the California Immunization Registry. Considering pharmacist and pharmacy workload demands having amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, eliminating unnecessary administrative requirements free up pharmacy personnel to focus on meeting public demand for increased pharmacy services.

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