The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued updated guidance to help people celebrate the holiday season more safely as the state continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine Additional Dose and Booster Dose. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has also posted a REVISED version of the 09/03/2021 Provider Notice entitled Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Governor JB Pritzker (D) has signed two pieces of opioid legislation. HB1842, sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D),  which amends statute to modify prescription drug monitoring program requirements and HB3596, sponsored by Representative Dagmara Avelar (D), which amends statute to require Schedule II-V substances prescriptions to be sent electronically.

Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Continuing Prior Approval Requests for Early Synagis Dosing.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

HB711, sponsored by Representative Gregory Harris (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 19, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022 and applies to all managed care organizations and provides requirements concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements, denial of claims or coverage by a utilization review program, and the implementation of prior authorization requirements or restrictions.

Also in Illinois, HB1745, sponsored by Representative Gregory Harris (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 19, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2023 and requires every health insurance carrier which provides coverage for prescription drugs to ensure that at least a certain percent of an individual’s healthcare plan must apply a flat-dollar copayment structure to their entire drug benefit.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Prior Approval Requests for Synagis Continued through September 30, 2021.  You may view the new Notice at the following link:

Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted an Updated Preferred Drug List Illinois Medicaid October 1, 2021. You may view the Updated List at the following link.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed SB2172, which amended the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act and specifically provides that beginning January 1, 2024 (rather than January 1, 2022), it must be the joint responsibility of a pharmacy and its pharmacist in charge to ensure that all new pharmacy technicians are educated and trained using a standard nationally accredited education and training program.

Also in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Additional Instructions for COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Booster Dose. Additionally, the  Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Chantix Shortage –Temporary Distribution of Apo-Varenicline 0.5 mg and 1 mg Tablets.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

SB1682, sponsored by Senator Scott Bennett (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on August 16, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022, this measure amends statute to provide for additional drug pricing transparency from pharmacies.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding “Prior Approval Requests for Synagis”. You may view the new Notice at the following link.  

Also in Illinois, HB135, sponsored by Representative Michelle Mussman (D), was signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) on July 22, 2021. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2022 (Section 25 will take effect on January 1, 2023) and requires hormonal contraceptives to be dispensed according to a prescription or standing order by a licensed physician or the medical director of a local health department. The standing order will allow a pharmacist to dispense a 12-month supply of hormonal contraceptives to a patient after completing self-screening, counseling, and patient consultation. All services provided by a pharmacist for hormonal contraceptives must be covered by a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan. The Department of Public Health must adopt rules that require a pharmacist to complete an educational training program. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Department of Human Services issued a proposed rule that would amend regulations under 77 IAC 2070 to add dronabinol oral solution and capsules to the list of Schedule II controlled substances. Comments are due August 9. 

Also in Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Critical Access Pharmacy (CAP) Dispensing Fee Fiscal Year 2022 Attestation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.