The Board of Pharmacy issued a response to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ (R) October 16 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency. All previous pharmacy regulatory relief provisions remain in place through November 15, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement is now available online. According to the state, Iowa health care providers who intend to provide COVID-19 vaccines need to complete the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccination Provider Agreement via a REDCap survey. Also please see the FAQ from the Department of Public Health. Questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Agreement can be directed to the IDPH Immunization Program at 1-800-831-6293 or COVID19Vaccines@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued an informational letter announcing changes to the Preferred Drug List effective October 1. Among other policy changes included in the Informational Letter, prior authorization is now needed for 90 morphine equivalent units (MME), reduced from 120 MME.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Human Services issued an Informational Letter outlining Medicaid flexibilities in response to the Derecho disaster. Flexibilities outlined in the letter pertain to prior authorization, early refills, and telehealth.
Also in Iowa. The Department of Human Services announced another delay of the effective date of a final rule that amends regulations under 441 IAC 78 and 79 regarding covered prescription and nonprescription outpatient drug policies. The rule revises the list of covered nonprescription drugs, the quantities of prescribed drugs, refill requirements, drug reimbursement methodology, and credits for returned unit dose drugs not consumed. In addition, the rule addresses prior authorization limitations on medication-assisted treatment. The rule was scheduled to be effective February 12 and was delayed to August 11 except for provisions relating to automatic prescription refills, which will take effect in 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Medicaid Director Michael Randol will be leaving his position on Friday, August 14, 2020. Deputy Medicaid Director Julie Lovelady will serve in the interim while DHS recruits a replacement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
With SF 2357 recently signed into law, prescriptions issued by a Physician Assistant are no longer required to include the name of the supervising physician. For more information, please see the Iowa Board of Pharmacy newsletter.
Also in Iowa. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy published a response to the June 25 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
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.
