A subcommittee of the Senate Human Resources Committee advanced SSB 3164 (formerly SF 2019), legislation to expand immunization authority and create statewide protocol for test and treat of strep and flu, despite concerns expressed by physician groups.  NACDS asks members operating in Iowa to look for grassroots action alerts from the Iowa Pharmacy Association to engage the full Human Resources Committee. 

Also in Iowa...  The Senate Committee on Human Resources passed SF 123, legislation pertaining to collaborative practice in the commercial payer space.  However, the Committee discussion will likely lead to future amendments to expand the bill to include Medicare and Medicaid, which could hinder further progress. 

Also in Iowa...  A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 582, which would permit partial dispensing fees for partial fills.  NACDS strongly opposes this legislation and is working with in-state partners to prevent further advancement of the bill. 

Also in Iowa...  A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 685, legislation pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies.  NACDS is reviewing the legislation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Iowa Pharmacy Association issued a call to action for HSB 583, legislation expanding pharmacist immunization authority and statewide protocols for strep and flu, asking members living in the districts of the House Human Resources Committee to contact their legislators in support of the bill. NACDS submitted this letter to Committee leadership.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Iowa Pharmacy Association’s scope of practice legislation was not advanced by a Subcommittee of the Human Resources Committee after hearing from proponents and   opponents of the bill.  The legislation seeks to expand pharmacist immunization authority and establish statewide protocol for point of care testing for flu and streptococcus A.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise has added a new provider type to allow pharmacists to enroll as Medicaid providers. Pursuant to statewide protocols, this will allow pharmacists to order and dispense naloxone and nicotine replacement therapy tobacco cessation products, as well as to order and administer vaccines to Medicaid members. For details, please see the Informational Letter No. 2048-MC-FFS dated November 18.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise has added a new provider type to allow pharmacists to enroll as Medicaid providers. Pursuant to statewide protocols, this will allow pharmacists to order and dispense naloxone and nicotine replacement therapy tobacco cessation products, as well as to order and administer vaccines to Medicaid members. For details, please see the Informational Letter No. 2048-MC-FFS dated November 18.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed into law HF 766, which, among its provisions, includes appropriations for health and human services. The Act codifies pharmacy reimbursement at Average Acquisition Cost (AAC) and establishes a professional dispensing fee of $10.07 for the fiscal year beginning Monday, July 1. Also, this reimbursement methodology serves as a rate floor for Medicaid managed care.

Also in Iowa… The Board of Pharmacy issued a press release to remind pharmacy stakeholders about revised rules for the Prescription Monitoring Program that took effect on May 15. Changes include policies pertaining to reporting elements, delegation and registration. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Tiffany and Sharon Smith.

Also in Iowa… Gov. Reynolds also signed into law SF 563, which requires Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to submit an annual report to the Iowa Insurance Commissioner. The report must include information such as the administrative fees collected and rebates received that the PBM does not pass on to its customer health plans.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.