The Department of Health (LDH) announced that Mercer will be conducting a mandatory cost of dispensing survey in mid-April 2018.

Also in Louisiana…LDH is hosting public forums across the state to solicit input on the Medicaid Managed Care program adopted in 2012.

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

On February 21, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) convened a special fiscal session of the legislature to deal with an estimated $1 billion shortfall for its 2018-2019 budget beginning on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

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

Effective January 16, the Department of Health renewed a standing order for naloxone allowing participating pharmacists to dispense naloxone to laypeople including caregivers and family and friends of an opioid user.

Also in Louisiana…Effective January 1, 2018, the final rule of the Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy, amended regulations under LAC 46.LIII, Chapter 9 to require pharmacy technician candidates to demonstrate proof of enrollment in a training program to qualify for the candidate registration was adopted. The rule also requires the training program selected by the candidate to be accredited by a national accreditation organization approved by the board. In addition, the rule requires applicants to demonstrate successful completion of a nationally accredited training program and makes technical changes regarding continuing education records and the scope of practice. Finally, the rule allows for additional board-approved technician certification examinations, clarifies terminations of enrollment, deletes a notification requirement for training programs and revises practical experience requirements for candidates enrolled in training programs.