Effective July 1, 2023, the Board of Pharmacy and all other Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing boards and bureaus were required to grant temporary licensure to the spouse or domestic partner of an active-duty military member stationed in the state if the applicate is currently licensed and holds an active and unrestricted license in another state with the same scope of practice as the profession in California for which they would like to practice. This applicant population also receives expedited processing and initial application and license fee waivers. Applications for this temporary licensure are available through the board or bureau with jurisdiction over the type of license being sought. DCA posted the requirements and additional information. 

Also in California, as required in Business and Professions Code Section 4301.3, the Board of Pharmacy submitted its report to the Legislature. The report provides summary information of the efforts undertaken to evaluate whether moving to a standard of care enforcement model would be feasible and appropriate. The report offers recommendations, including most notably that the Board concludes that a hybrid enforcement model remains appropriate for the regulation of the practice of pharmacy for consumer protection. The report also provides next steps, including continuing to work with stakeholders to advance patient access to care that achieves health equity for California consumers without compromise to public safety. 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following weekly notices and alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for July 7-13 (July 14) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (July 14) 

• Prior Authorization Submission Processing – System Issue Resolved (July 13) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 30-July 6 (July 7) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (July 7) 
• 30-day Countdown: Phase IV, Lift 1: Reinstatement of Claims Edits for Age, Gender, and Labeler Code Restrictions for Members 22 Years of Age and Older (July 3) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for July (July 1) 

• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List (July 1) 
• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List – Blood Factors (July 1) 
• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List – Over-the-Counter Drugs (July 1) 
• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment Pharmacy Formulary (July 1) 
• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (July 1) 

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 23-29 (June 30) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (June 30) 
• 90-day Countdown: Reinstatement of Prior Authorization Requirements for Enteral Nutrition Products for Members 22 Years of Age and Older (June 23) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 16-22 (June 23) 

Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following: 

• July 2023 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 
• July 2023 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 
• COVID-19 Medi-Cal Response Page Update and Vaccine Guideline Removal 
• 2023 HCPCS Quarter 3 Update 

• Simplified Bivalent Vaccine Administration Codes Added for COVID-19 
• Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 
• June 2023 Update: Discontinuation of the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program 
• National Correct Coding Initiative Quarterly Update for July 2023 

• June 2023 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 
• June 2023 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Medi-Cal Update Bulletin 

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:  

• Reinstatement Spotlight (June 23) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 16-23 (June 23) 
• Drug Lookup Tool – Enhanced Functionality (June 20) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (June 16) 

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for June 2-8 (June 9) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (June 9) 

 Also in California, on June 13, the Department of Health Care Services posted a Freeze on Processing Paper Electronic Health Care Claim Payment/Advice Receiver Agreement Form [DHCS 6246 form]. 

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for the Full Board Meeting on June 21.  

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted these resources to provide further resources to assist with Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement.

• Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement: Phases II-III: Easy access to resources and support
• FAQ: Frequently asked questions regarding Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement
• DHCS Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement slide deck
• Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement information page: Select Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement tab, located on the left

For further questions, email Medi-Cal Rx Education & Outreach. DHCS values your input. Please complete this short survey to provide feedback.

Also in California, this week, the Board of Pharmacy issued a notice to be “Beware of Scam Calls” as a result of licensees reporting being victimized by scam callers claiming to represent the “California State Board of Pharmacy” (Board) or another government agency.

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly wrap-ups on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:

• Billing Tips Guide Updated (June 8)
• Reminder: Fiscal Year Two-Week Fee-for-Service Hold for Specific Provider Payments (June 2)
• Medi-Cal Rx Checkwrite Schedule – State Fiscal Year 2023-24 Available (June 2)
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for May 26-June 1 (June 2)
• Reinstatement Spotlight (June 2)

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly wrap-ups on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• Updates to the List of Contracted Personal Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices and Blood Pressure Cuffs, Effective July 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023 (June 1) 
• Updates to the List of Contracted Enteral Nutrition Products, Effective July 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023 (June 1) 
• Medical Supplies Update: Updates to Diabetic Blood Glucose Test Strips and Lancets Quantity Limits, Effective July 1, 2023 (June 1) 
• Updates to Diabetic Testing Supplies, Effective July 1, 2023 (June 1) 
• Updates to Medical Supplies: Basal Thermometers, Effective July 1, 2023 (June 1) 
• Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-day Pharmacy Provider Notice (June 1) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for June (June 1) 
• Changes to the Contract Drugs List (June 1) 
• Changes to Contract Drugs List – Over-the-Counter Drugs (June 1) 
• Changes to Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (June 1) 
• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (June 1) 
• Pharmacy Locator Tool – Enhanced Functionality (May 26) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for May 19-25 (May 26) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (May 26) 
• Emergency Fill for Unbreakable Packages (May 24) 
• 30-day Countdown – Phase III, Lift 4: Retirement of the Transition Policy for Beneficiaries 22 Years of Age and Older (May 23) 

Also in California, Medi-Cal published this PHE Update for Who May Prescribe Home Health Services, DME and Medical Supplies (May 19). 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services announced this Medi-Cal Rx Update. 

On May 19, Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement Phase III, Lift 3 was successfully launched. On May 23, a 30-day notification for Phase III, Lift 4: Retirement of the Transition Policy for Beneficiaries 22 Years of Age and Older was released, notifying stakeholders that on June 23, 2023, Phase III, Lift 4 (P3/L4) will be implemented, lifting the Transition Policy for 46 Standard Therapeutic Classes. This is the fourth in a series of lifts to retire the Transition Policy by reinstating NCPDP Reject Code 75 – Prior Authorization Required.  

Also in California, as part of the Board of Pharmacy’s April 2023 Board Meeting, the Board approved a policy statement related to digital signatures. 

Finally, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the Medication Error Reduction and Workforce Ad Hoc Committee Meeting scheduled for June 7. 

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

AB 317, legislation requiring a health care service plan or certain disability insurers that offer coverage for a service that is within a pharmacist’s scope of practice to pay or reimburse the cost of the service provided by the pharmacist at an in-network pharmacy or by a pharmacist at an out-of-network pharmacy if the health care service plan or insurer has an out-of-network pharmacy benefit, passed the Assembly on April 27 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health on May 10. 

Also in California, AB 1341, legislation authorizing a pharmacist to furnish COVID-19 oral therapeutics following a positive CLIA-waived test, passed the Assembly on April 17 and was referred to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on May 10. Prior to passage in the Assembly, the bill was amended to include an urgency statute meaning it will be effective immediately upon enactment. 

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly wrap-up on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for May 12-18 (May 19) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (May 19) 
• Billing Tips: Non-Covered Medical Supplies (May 12) 

 Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:   

• Medi-Cal Update – Pharmacy – May 2023 – Bulletin 1039 (May 16) 
• Medi-Cal Update – Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies – May 2023 – Bulletin 572 (May 16) 

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• List of Medications Eligible for an Extended Duration Prior Authorization (May 12) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (May 12) 
• Medi-Cal Weekly Wrap-up for April 28-May 4 (May 5) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (May 5) 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the May 17 meeting of the Full Board. Discussion topics include proposed regulations related to automated drug delivery system self-assessment form and the draft legislative report regarding assessment of Standard of Care Enforcement Model in the Practice of Pharmacy. 

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

The Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA’)s printing provider is currently experiencing technical difficulties. As a result, the printing of the Board of Pharmacy’s renewals, certificates, licenses and letters is delayed. Printing interruption began on April 13. At this time, DCA does not have an estimated time of restoration. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. 

To verify your license status online: Go to the Board’s website and click on License Search in the “Quick Hits” column to view and print your license record. California law allows the printout of a license record from the Board’s website to serve as license verification. 

Renewing your license: The Board reminds licensees of their responsibility to renew licenses before they expire. Renewal application forms and fees may be submitted up to 60 days before expiration. 

• To renew online: Pharmacists, advance practice pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, designated representatives, pharmacies, hospitals and drug rooms may renew licenses online. Go to the Board’s website and click on License Renewal Online in the “Quick Hits” column. 

• To renew by mail: Go to the Board’s website and click on License Renewal by Mail in the “Quick Hits” column. 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the following reflecting actions taken at the recent April Board Meeting:  

• Pharmacist Remote Processing Waiver on Behalf of a Health Care Facility Licensed Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1250 
• April 2023 Board Meeting Action Items  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts, weekly notices and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:   

• Reminder: Prior Authorization Signature Requirements (May 4) 
• Refill of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Supplies (May 2) 
• Discontinuation of the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program (May 1)
• Reinstatement of the Medi-Cal Rx Controlled Substance Policy on Buprenorphine Products (May 1) 
• Updates to the List of Covered Emergency Use of Authorization (EUA) COVID-19 Antigen Tests, Effective June 1, 2023 (May 1) 
• Updated Appendix H – List of Physician Administered Drugs (PADs) with Reject Code 816 (May 1) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for May (May 1) 
• Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) (May 1)
• Changes to Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Over-the-Counter Drugs (May 1) 
• Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (May 1) 
• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (May 1) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for April 21-27 (April 28) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (April 28) 

 Finally in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:    

• Medi-Cal Managed Care Members with Other Health Care Coverage (April 28) 
• Medi-Cal Update – Pharmacy – April 2023 – Bulletin 1038 (April 28) 

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

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:  

• Policy Reminder: Limitations on Coverage of Certain Drugs or Classes of Drugs (April 24) 
• NCPDP Reject Code 76: Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Supplies (April 21) 

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for April 14-20 (April 21) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (April 21) 
• 30-day Countdown – Phase III, Lift 3: Retirement of the Transition Policy for Beneficiaries 22 Years of Age and Older (April 19) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for April 7-13 (April 14) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (April 14) 

• Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (April 12) 
• Medication Abortion: Coverage of Misoprostol-Only Regimen (April 11) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for March 31-April 6 (April 7) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (April 7) 
• Mpox Vaccine: Change in Reimbursement Rate (April 5) 

• Updated: Patient Counseling Signature Requirements in Provider Manual (April 1) 
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for April (April 1) 
• Changes to the Contract Drugs List (CDL) (April 1) 
• Changes to the Contract Drugs List (CDL) – Authorized Drug Manufacturer Labeler Codes (April 1) 
• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Manual (April 1) 

• Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for March 24-30 (March 31) 
• Reinstatement Spotlight (March 31) 
• Mpox Vaccine No Longer a Family PACT Pharmacy Benefit (March 30) 

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:    

• Medi-Cal Update – Pharmacy – April 2023 – Bulletin 1037 (April 14) 
• Medi-Cal Update – Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies – April 2023 – Bulletin 571 (April 14) 
• Policy Update of Mpox Vaccines as a Medi-Cal Benefit (April 5) 
• Update: Discontinuation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Uninsured Group Program on May 31 (April 3) 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the Standard of Care Ad Hoc Committee meeting on May 3. 

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy is accepting written comments on the following: 

• Title 16 CCR § 1715.1 – Self-Assessment of an Automated Drug Delivery System 

• Notice of Additional Modified Text 
• Modified Text 
• Modified Self-Assessment Form 
• Deadline for Written Comments is May 6. 

• Title 16 CCR § 1706.6 – Temporary Licenses for Military Spouses/Domestic Partners 

• Notice of Proposed Action 
• Initial Statement of Reasons 
• Proposed Text 
• Deadline for Written Comments is May 30. 

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