Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has appointed Lisa Lee to serve as the new commissioner of Department for Medicaid Services. Previously Lee served in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
In this week’s election for governor, Attorney General Andy Beshear (D) has claimed victory over incumbent Governor Matt Bevin (R) in a very tight race. However, Bevin has not conceded. Bevin claims that the race is too close to call and has requested a recount. That recount is scheduled to take place next week.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Though its original implementation was slated for December 2019, last week, the Board of Pharmacy voted not to adopt USP General Chapter <800>, standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize the risk of exposure to healthcare personnel, patients and the environment. NACDS supported efforts of our in-state partners to advocate against the state adopting these standards at this time.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
A new law (KY Acts ch. 185) allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency supplies of insulin was effective June 27. The law closes a loophole in the state’s current emergency refill statute that excluded insulin because it does not fall into a 72-hour dose category. It also contains language to allow emergency dispensing of inhalers for treatment of chronic respiratory illnesses.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, has been signed by Gov. Matt Bevin (R) after passing both Chambers unanimously. The law will be effective Friday, January 1, 2021, and contains exceptions similar to those in NACDS’ model language. NACDS thanks the Kentucky Retail Federation for its on-the-ground efforts to support this legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Legislation requiring all controlled substances to be prescribed electronically has also advanced in Kentucky. HB 342, sponsored by pharmacist Rep. Steve Sheldon (R), passed both chambers and is currently on Gov. Matt Bevin’s (R) desk for his signature. The bill contains exemptions similar to NACDS’ model language and would be effective January 1, 2021. NACDS appreciates the on-the-ground efforts of the Kentucky Retail Association on this important bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
HB 342, legislation that would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be e-prescribed, passed the House of Representatives. The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, was amended with a clarification to one of the exemptions, was favorably reported and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
HB 200, the state budget bill, was enacted on April 13 after the legislature overrode Gov. Matt Bevin’s (R) veto. The final budget includes language increasing Medicaid managed care dispensing fees by $12 million in 2018-2019.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pharmacists will be required to inform patients about the importance of safe disposal of prescription drugs under a bill that became law this week without the Governor’s signature. SB 6, would have originally required pharmacies and practitioners to distribute or sell drug sequestration or deactivation products with every controlled substance prescription, but was significantly amended during the legislative process with a compromise amendment that made it optional for pharmacies to sell or distribute the drug disposal products. However, the law will require pharmacies and practitioners to inform patients filling certain controlled substances with information on safe drug disposal methods either verbally, in written format or through signage. The law also contains graded penalties for pharmacies and practitioners who violate the law, starting at $25 for a first offense. Additionally, the law encourages manufacturers of the drug disposal technologies to enter into consignment-reimbursement contracts with pharmacies to stock their products. The law’s effective date is yet to be determined, but likely will be in mid-July 2018. NACDS supported the on-the-ground efforts of the Kentucky Retail Federation to advance the amendment to the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.