The Maryland House and Government Operations Committee Subcommittee on Insurance and Pharmaceuticals met this week and advanced an amended version of HB 76, a bill that would expand pharmacists’ ability to immunize children. The negotiated amendment to the bill would allow pharmacies to provide COVID, flu and any vaccine available because of a public health emergency to children aged 3 and older, as well as all ACIP-recommended vaccines and travel vaccines to children 7 years of age and older. The bill was reported out of subcommittee with 3 negative votes. It now goes to the full House. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The House Health and Government Operations Committee (HGO) held an informational briefing on January 25 regarding the Department of Health's (MDH) study of establishing NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) + Fee-for-Service dispensing fee in the Medicaid Managed Care Program. 3 Axis Advisors presented to the Committee, pointing out the elements that MDH's study did not consider that would impact patient access, costs, and pharmacy viability. 

Also in Maryland, on February 1, the House Health and Government Operations Committee will hear testimony on HB 76, a priority bill for pharmacy that would allow the administration of routine childhood vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to children aged 5 years and older. Its companion bill, SB 18, is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on February 13. If any members would like to testify on the pharmacy panel at either hearing, please contact NACDS' Jill McCormack 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Board of Pharmacy final rule, COMAR 10.34.34, permitting Technician Product Verification (TPV) has been published and will be effective on January 28, 2024. You can find more details in the latest Board of Pharmacy newsletter. The rule allows TPV in both community and institution-based pharmacies. 

Also in Maryland, the Department of Health announced that, in accordance with Senate Bill 678/House Bill 1151, they will permit Medicaid-enrolled pharmacist providers to bill Maryland Medicaid for professional services rendered within their lawful scope of practice, effective January 1, 2024. They released guidance for MTM (Medication Therapy Management) and Tobacco Cessation services on transmittal # PT 29-24 and transmittal # PT 49-24. Medicaid-enrolled pharmacists can bill Maryland Medicaid using billing and coding information according to the CMS 1500 Billing Instructions (Revised September 2023). For other ordinary questions, please email mdh.pharmacistsprofservices@maryland.gov or visit Pharmacists Professional Services.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Medicaid published an advisory regarding upcoming denials of prescription claims due to the prescribing provider not completing revalidation. The advisory also contains email and phone contacts for patients and provider issues. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Stakeholder Council will be held remotely at 2:00 PM on Mon. December 18, 2023, and is open to all stakeholders. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council  page prior to the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details about joining the meeting. To register for in-person comments, please refer to the Stakeholder Council page. You can find more information about upcoming and previous meetings of the Board and the Council, and presentation materials on the PDAB website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted the presentation from their October meeting. They are in the process of developing a plan to implement Upper Payment Limits on certain drugs in the commercial market. NACDS intends to submit comments to the PDAB prior to their November meeting urging them to consider the impact on pharmacy as they move forward. The next meeting is scheduled for November 27. To register, click here. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Medicaid has issued Advisory #251 from the Office of Pharmacy Services in reference to the COVID-19 Home Test Kit Coverage for The Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program. Anyone interested in directly receiving upcoming Advisories may forward his/her name, company affiliation and email address directly to: Deborah.washington@maryland.gov.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Secretary of Health Laura Ferrara Scott, MD, issued a standing order this week authorizing pharmacies to administer RSV vaccines.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) released the agenda for the July 24 meeting which will be held remotely at 2:00 p.m. Please register for the meeting in advance. The Board continues to welcome public comment and input on all its work. Please submit comments to comments.pdab@maryland.gov, and they will be provided to the Board prior to the upcoming Board Meeting. Please visit the Board's website for more information about the upcoming and previous board meetings, presentation materials, and to learn more about the PDAB's work. 

Also in Maryland, The Department of Health (MDH (Maryland Department of Health)) is currently accepting applications and nominations for physicians and pharmacists to serve on the Medicaid Drug Use Review (DUR) Board in 2024. The DUR Board is comprised of up to twelve (12) licensed and actively practicing physicians and pharmacists in Maryland. Members are appointed by the Secretary of MDH and serve one term of three (3) years from the date of their appointment with the option to serve an additional three (3) year term. All interested applicants are required to submit a formal application by August 1, 2023. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.