The Department of Health issued a new statewide naloxone standing order.

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

Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed Executive Order 21-14 to extend the public health emergency to June 30 and Executive Order 21-15 to adjust COVID-19 requirements effective June 1st. Each directive from executive orders continued throughout the public health emergency will cease on June 30th. The following directives relating to pharmacy practice will no longer be in effect:  

• EO 20-05: Suspended the requirement that a healthcare provider holds an Indiana license if he or she: (1) has an equivalent license from another State, and (2) is not suspended or barred from practice in that State or any State. Authorized the head of any state agency (including PLA) to waive, suspend, or modify any existing rule where the enforcement of which would be detrimental to the public welfare during the emergency. 

• EO 20-12: Non-controlled substances as maintenance medications permitted a one-time 90-day emergency refill. 
• EO 20-13: Retired health care professionals who, within the past 5 years, retired or surrendered their license, may provide health care services in Indiana without reinstatement or approval by the relevant license board. 
• EO 20-21: Pharmacy students who have completed all required course work, applied for a pharmacist license, and supplied a certificate of completion, may practice as a pharmacist without first taking and passing the MPJE and NAPLEX. 
• EO 20-27 and 20-31: Any license set to expire during the public health emergency is extended for the duration of the public health emergency.  

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

The Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services issued a notice of a proposal to reimburse COVID-19 vaccine administration and monoclonal antibody treatment at the Medicare rate, effective July 1, 2021. Comments are due June 25, 2021. Contact Sara Albertson; FSSA, Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning; 317-233-4455; spacomment@fssa.in.gov

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

Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed into law House Bill 1468 – Various health matters – Indiana General Assembly, 2021 Session by Rep. Steven Davisson, a broad health care provider bill NACDS supported that included the following provisions that impact pharmacy practice:

• Increases to 8:1 the pharmacy technician-to-pharmacists ratio;
• Allows pharmacy technicians to work remotely performing certain non-dispensing duties including data entry and insurance processing;
• Permits pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians to administer the COVID-19 vaccine according to a prescription, protocol, or standing order in addition to the 11 other vaccination categories listed in statute;
• Allows pharmacies to transfer unfilled C-II prescriptions;
• Expands therapeutic substitution under a protocol;
• Removes the requirement for shared record-keeping systems for pharmacists that engage in a collaborative practice agreement;
• Delays e-prescribing for controlled substances until January 1, 2022.

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

House Bill 1405 PBM reform legislation NACDS supported led by Meijer passed the General Assembly and was sent to Gov. Eric Holcomb (R). There were multiple provisions important to pharmacies including (1) prohibitions on quantity or refill limits, (2) weekly MAC list updates, (3) notification to all pharmacies on successful MAC appeals and adjustments, and (4) established a formal complaint process for addressing MAC appeals and contractual issues.

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