On April 24, the Pharmacy Sunset legislation pharmacies support that expands our scope of practice unanimously passed the Senate and is now pending further action in the House where we will push to have it scheduled in committee as soon as possible.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Via an emergency regulation effective February 24, the Division of Insurance amends regulations under 3 CCR 702-4 to specify that carriers must provide coverage for persons undergoing treatment and receiving vaccines for COVID-19.
Also in Colorado, The Division of Insurance amends regulations under 3 CCR 702-4 related to coverage and cost-sharing requirements for the commercial insurance market coverage of COVID-19 claims. “Section 6 Access to Prescription Drugs During the COVID-19 Emergency” includes language to allow 90-day refills before the scheduled refill date and to prohibit carriers from applying a different cost-sharing amount for early refills. This emergency regulation 21-E-04 was effective March 19.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
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.
