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.

On June 11, 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Executive Order (EO) N-08-21, rolling back the provisions of numerous Executive Orders previously issued in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Among these is the provision in paragraph 4 of EO N-55-20 that included the pharmacy waived delivery restriction that will expire June 30, 2021. Effective July 1, 2021, beneficiaries and clients, or their representatives, will need to sign for medications in person from their home or sign onsite at their provider location for all Department of Health Care Services programs. 

Also in California, as a reminder, the Remote Processing (BPC section 4071.1(a)) limited waiver will expire on June 30, 2021.  Note: although the waiver is expiring, persons or entities may request a site-specific waiver from the Board. 

Also in California, on June 11, 2021, the Department of Health issued the State Public Health Officer Order of June 11, 2021, mandating various requirements as of June 15, 2021. The order replaces the previous pandemic public health orders with limited requirements related to face coverings, mega events and child and youth environments. 

Also in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a letter to the Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee expressing opposition to AB 1533, the Board of Pharmacy sunset bill, unless it is amended to modify and clarify the provisions allowing the Board of Pharmacy to levy penalties of up to $1 million on chain pharmacies that would be excessive and disproportionate to the violations in question.  

Also in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved a proposal to add section 1747 to Title 16 of the Code of Regulations, regarding independent authority to furnish HIV Preexposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis and the order of adoption has been posted. The new regulation was effective June 8, 2021. 

Also in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved a proposal to add section 1717.5 in Article 2 of Division 17 of Title 16 of the Code of Regulations, regarding Automatic Refill Programs and the order of adoption has been posted. The new regulation is effective July 1, 2022. 

Lastly in California, the California Privacy Protection Agency Board, created by Proposition 24, held its first board meeting on June 14, 2021. The meeting focused on how to staff the agency as they organize it to get up and running. All board members agreed that a monthly meeting was necessary; however, no specific meeting date was provided.

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

NACDS and the California Retailers Association submitted a joint letter to the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) May Revise budget proposal to provide medication therapy management payments to the Department of Health Care Services’ contracted pharmacies dispensing specialty drugs and services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries and urged its passage.

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

The State Board of Pharmacy published its agenda for the June 17, 2021, teleconference public board meeting that includes discussion and consideration of adoption of board approved regulation, Section 1717.5 related to automatic refill program, and discussion and consideration of public comments received during the 15-day comment period on the proposed new modifications to the regulation.

Also in California, the Department of Managed Health Care released an All Plan Letter 21-016 to provide information and guidance on when health care service plans must cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing. The letter specifies that health plans must continue to cover testing as required by federal law and guidance that is still in effect and to refer to COVID-19 testing guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Lastly in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued a notice amending regulations under 16 CCR 1715.6 to revise drug loss reporting requirements to establish a minimum reporting threshold and align with federal standards. Hearing requests are due July 5, 2021, and comments are due July 19, 2021

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