The Senate passed HB 579, the PEP/PrEP bill, as amended by a vote of 38-0. The bill now goes back to the House to concur with the Senate amendments.

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

The Department of Health (LDH) requested the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) start a new project that will span six months, ending September 30, 2024, requiring each MCO to thoroughly review and make corrections to their network reporting to eliminate inaccurate or outdated information. 

Also in Louisiana, the May 14 issue of Pharmacy Facts announced that beginning July 1, 2024, Louisiana Medicaid is revising the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL), shifting both brand and generic versions of these drugs to preferred status. With the implementation of the new PDL, prescribing providers are advised to note “brand name necessary” on prescriptions where they want to ensure pharmacies fill their prescriptions with brand name drugs. Absent this notation, individual pharmacists will make the decision on whether to fill the prescription with brand or generic drugs. The new PDL will be posted online.  

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

HB 579, the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)/pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) bill supported by pharmacies, passed unanimously out of the House. It was amended in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee last week. Next step is to be voted on by the full Senate, and then returned to the House for concurrence. 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued a Bulletin acknowledging that they are working to resolve several issues associated with the implementation of the Single Managed Care Organization (MCO) pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), Magellan (MMA). Pharmacists are encouraged to email Medicaid pharmacy staff directly for assistance. 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued a revised Medicaid Bulletin on April 15, clarifying 340B reimbursement.  

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting was held at the Board’s office on May 7 and 8.  

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) posted a plethora of resources for healthcare providers addressing substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition through stigma-free care and ensuring access to treatment options.  

Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a Public Hearing on May 28 for four regulatory projects – Product Integrity, CDS (Clinical Decision Support) Licensing, Open Meetings via Electronic Means and Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Council Open Meetings via Electronic Means. 

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

The Department of Health (LDH) provided new Policy memos on a variety of subjects:  

• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Point of Sale Quantity Limit – Effective April 1, 2024 
• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Point of Sale Age Requirements – Effective April 1, 2024 
• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Point of Sale Edits for Therapeutic Duplication and Prior Use – Effective April 1, 2024 
• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Point of Sale Diagnosis Code Requirement – Effective April 1, 2024 
• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Point of Sale Clinical Authorization and Updates – Effective April 1, 2024 
• Louisiana Medicaid Pharmacy Compound Drug Coverage for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) – Effective April 1, 2024 

Also in Louisiana, the PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) Monitoring Advisory Council met on April 11 to discuss these agenda items. The draft minutes from the February 7 meeting are available.  

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

HB 579, legislation filed by Rep. Wayne McMahen (R) allowing pharmacists to screen patients, initiate therapy, administer and dispense PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) and PrEP (Pre exposure Prophylaxis) medications, and receive payments at the same rate as other healthcare providers, was reported favorably from the House Health and Welfare Committee on April 3.  

Also in Louisiana, HB 193, legislation filed by Rep. Chris Turner (R) that authorizes the transfer of a prescription or prescription information for controlled substances between pharmacies in conformance with federal regulations, unanimously passed the House on April 2 and was referred to the Senate. 

Also in Louisiana, the next regular meeting of the PBM Monitoring Advisory Council on which NACDS has a designated Council seat is scheduled for April 11 and will be held in the Poydras Hearing Room (Ground Floor) at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The meeting agenda includes instructions on how to participate in a Zoom meeting. 

Finally in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued Informational Bulletin 19-3, revising the options to providers for pursuing resolution of issues with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) and the state’s fee-for-service claims processor, Gainwell Technologies. Unless explicitly notated, providers should first seek resolution with the MCO or Gainwell directly, prior to engaging LDH or other third parties. 

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

Two new final rules were published in the March 20 Louisiana Register, effective immediately. The PMP rule streamlines the CDS (controlled dangerous substance) license reinstatement process, updates the facility CDS license change of ownership procedures, and adds a new subsection to address changes to CDS license status. The Pharmacist Application rule removes the requirement to submit an application for initial pharmacist licensure to the Board at least 30 days prior to any examination. 

Also in Louisiana, the 2024 regular session of the Louisiana legislature convened on March 11. The Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacies and NACDS’ top priority this session is to advance a PEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, filed by Rep. Wayne McMahen (R). The bill has been referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee. 

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

A HIVPEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, was pre-filed by State Rep. Wayne McMahan (R). The bill is modeled after the 2023 Arkansas law (Act 314). 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) issued an Informational Bulletin 24-3:  updating the immunization fee schedule. 

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

Medicaid issued a Pharmacy Facts program update alerting pharmacies that the Single Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) for Managed Care Organizations (MCO) Magellan, will contact network Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAO), chains and independent pharmacies, to agree to the new level of effort (LOE) compound fee schedule effective April 1, 2024.

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

The Department of Health’s (LDH) Informational Bulletin 24-3 providing Medicaid immunization fee schedule updates has been posted.  

Also in Louisiana, providers who bill for medically necessary services for specialized mental health and substance use services for dual eligibles for Medicaid enrollees should follow the process detailed in LDH’s Informational Bulletin 15-17. 

Also in Louisiana, LDH’s Informational Bulletin 24-2 provides the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria updates for adult substance use services. 

Finally in Louisiana, the agenda for the February 21 Board of Pharmacy meeting should be available on the website soon.  

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