The Iowa Board of Pharmacy shared an update about pharmacist emergency licenses.  Among the information is this reminder: Upon the expiration or termination of the Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, the Board will provide notice to all pharmacists with emergency licenses regarding the date by which the required exams must be completed to retain active Iowa pharmacist licensure.  

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

The Iowa Department of Human Services reminds pharmacies that its latest biennial Medicaid Cost of Dispensing survey is due Thursday, April 30th. 

Also in Iowa…  The Iowa Board of Pharmacy issued a press release with information about rules relating to the distribution of COVID-19 testing kits, including serology tests, into the state of Iowa.  

Also in Iowa...  Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued an extension of the emergency proclamation, permitting regulatory relief to pharmacies through May 27, 2020.  The Board of Pharmacy responded with this guidance. 

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

The Iowa Medicaid Cost of Dispensing survey’s deadline of March 26th has been extended to April 30, 2020. 

Also in Iowa...  The Iowa Department of Human Services issued an Informational Letter announcing temporary fee-for-service and managed care policy changes pertaining to signature requirements, audits by Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, prior authorizations, and more. 

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

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has issued COVID-19 guidance to pharmacies about its enforcement of administrative rules and published a document with Frequently Asked Questions.

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

The Iowa state legislature suspended its session for a minimum of thirty days as of March 16th out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Iowa Board of Pharmacy issued guidance for pharmacies with limited supplies of compounding garb.

Also in Iowa…  A reminder that the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise’s cost of dispensing survey is due March 26, 2020.  For more information, please see this Information Letter.

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

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R ) announced the reappointment of two members of the Board of Pharmacy: Brett Barker, PharmD of NACDS member company NuCara Pharmacy, and Gayle Mayer, RPh.

Also in Iowa…  The Iowa Department of Human Services announced the delay of the Medicaid pharmacy changes outlined in Informational Letter No. 2086-MC-FFS scheduled to be effective March 18.

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

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued an Informational Letter clarifying how pharmacists can enroll as providers, enabling them to order and dispense naloxone and smoking cessation products, as well as order and administer vaccines to Medicaid members.  Payment for pharmacists enrolled as providers will be effective July 1, 2020.  For more information, please see the Iowa Pharmacy Association Journal article. 

Also in Iowa...  NACDS reminds members that the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise’s biennial cost of dispensing survey was sent to pharmacies on February 4 and is due by March 26.  More information can be found on a recent Informational Letter. 

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

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.