After months of promoting making permanent Prep Act guidance allowing pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, the Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule effective March 17, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) announced a COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement rate increase reflecting the extra costs providers might incur in efforts to vaccinate Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members, retroactive to November 20, 2020. The new rate is $19.27 for the first dose and $28.39 for the second dose – a 24% increase over our standard vaccine administration rates. These updated rates can be found on the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing’s Provider Rates and Fees website under the “Immunization Rate Schedule” section.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is seeking multiple vendors to bid by April 26, 2021, for the State’s Canadian Drug Importation Program. More information is available on the Colorado Vendor Self Service (ColoradoVSS) website. The Program website has been updated to include an Importation Fact Sheet For Wholesalers and FAQs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 13th for a 120-day session, and is scheduled to adjourn on May 12.
Also in Colorado. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) Department’s substance use disorder services (SUDS) is now available to Medicaid members effective January 1, 2021. More information can be found here.
Lastly in Colorado. The Board of Pharmacy will hold a virtual public hearing on January 21, 2021, on a proposed rule revising pharmacy standards for refrigerator and freezer storage, allow pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations, and simplify the recordkeeping requirements for pharmacists and pharmacies relating to vaccine administration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is hosting a virtual stakeholder meeting on December 22, 2020, to gather feedback on a legislative proposal that grants regulatory boards and programs within DPO or the Division greater flexibility to respond to similar, widespread disaster emergencies in the future. Click here to register.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The General Assembly approved a COVID-19 relief package of 10 bills on Wednesday, ending a three-day extraordinary session called by Gov. Jared Polis (D) focused on addressing disaster relief funding for small business, child care, housing aid, broadband, food insecurity, utility assistance, and public health response.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) is planning to convene a special session of the Legislature after the Thanksgiving holiday to address COVID relief.
Also in Colorado. On November 19, the Board of Pharmacy approved emergency rules effective immediately allowing pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and immunizations (Rule 19). The Board also unanimously supported a motion for permanent rulemaking at their January 2021 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy will meet virtually on November 19, 2020. On the agenda will be a discussion on pharmacy technicians administering immunizations.
Also in Colorado. The Medical Board will be considering a proposed rule on the electronic prescribing law NACDS supported two years ago that will be implemented on July 1, 2021, defining “temporary technological failure,” “temporary electrical failure,” and “economic hardship” for purposes of the statutory exceptions. A virtual hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2020.
Also in Colorado. The PEP/PrEP final rule adopted by the Board of Pharmacy earlier this year allowing pharmacists to distribute HIV infection prevention medications to patients will become effective on November 14, 2020.
Lastly in Colorado. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform (COPRRR) released the 2020 Board of Pharmacy sunset report which provides recommendations to legislators for the 2021 session. NACDS and the Colorado Retail Council provided extensive joint written comments and held multiple meetings with staff to provide input.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is hosting training sessions focusing on the upcoming residential and inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) service benefit on October 22 and 29, 2020. The program will cover topics including an overview of the SUD benefit expansion, enrollment with Health First Colorado as a residential/inpatient SUD treatment provider, billing procedures for the new services, ASAM Criteria documentation of medical necessity, utilization management, provider licensure requirements, and content provided by the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) and Managed Service Organizations (MSOs) for treatment providers. Members may register for the training and can visit the Ensuring a Full Continuum of SUD Benefits website (for additional information).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.