May 18, 2020 is the tentative date for the Legislature to resume the session that was paused on March 14th. While there are more than 350 bills pending, it is very likely that most will die and the legislators will focus only on COVID issues and the state’s budget, which forecasters estimate it to be around a $3.2-4 billion shortfall.  

Also in Colorado. The Department of Public Health and Environment, Prevention Services Division, issued a Final rule repealing regulations regarding the state’s Cancer Drug Repository Program, effective May 15, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Gov. Jared Polis (D) provided guidelines for Colorado’s reopening after the statewide stay-at-home order expired on April 26th. Retailers will have the option to open May 1,2020, as long as they have social-distancing policies in place. The Governor also directed that workers in critical businesses wear masks or face cloth coverings

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

NACDS and the Colorado Retail Council submitted a joint comment letter to the Department of Regulatory Agencies identifying multiple opportunities to modernize and reform the current practice of pharmacy to secure more value, drive innovation, and provide cost-effective healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of Colorado residents.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Colorado Retail Council (CRC) submitted a second letter to Gov. Jared Polis requesting that he sign an executive order to waive state pharmacy board and plan sponsor requirements on retail pharmacies that would otherwise prevent them from offering mail, home, or curbside delivery services for non-scheduled and schedule V prescription drugs, including the suspension of mandatory face-to-face patient counseling by pharmacists and any conflicting contract language through the emergency. CRC also requested enhanced access to personal protection equipment (masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer) for the front-line workers at retail stores with direct contact with customers.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Retail Association (CRC) has been partnering with other pharmacy groups aggressively and successfully seeking waivers from Gov. Jared Polis (D) as a result of the declared health emergency.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

March 30, 2020 is the deadline for all technicians to be certified with the Board of Pharmacy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Colorado’s bill, HB20-1061, legislation that would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense PEP and PrEP medications, was amended again. The bill is expected to pass the House this week and to be referred to the Senate for further consideration.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Legislative Day at the Capitol in Tuesday, February 18, 2020. 

Also in Colorado... The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) provided an update on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Benefit 1115 Waiver demonstration application pending at CMS. HCPF is also in the process of pursuing a State Plan Amendment to include residential and inpatient SUD treatment and withdrawal management services in Medicaid. HCPF convened the SUD Implementation Workgroup meeting in mid-January to discuss various issues including utilization management, care coordination, provider enrollment/billing, capacity development, provider training and support, etc., that need to be addressed prior to the introduction in July 2020 of Medicaid coverage for new SUD treatment benefits. For more information, go to the SUD website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations is hosting an educational webinar about the new state certification requirement for all pharmacy technicians. To register for the February 6th webinar, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6460030340400548364.  

Also in Colorado… Effective March 30th, the new state law HB19-1242 – Regulate Pharmacy Technicians requires pharmacy technicians obtain a certification from the State Board of Pharmacy. Certification requirements are in Rule 29 on page 199 of the new Rules.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.