MassHealth, the state Medicaid agency, is asking pharmacies to post this flier for notice to recipients of the planned redetermination of all MassHealth beneficiaries that will begin on April 1. One half million Massachusetts residents were added to MassHealth under the PREP Act and individuals may lose their MassHealth coverage and be moved to other state sponsored or commercial health plans.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On February 3, the Department of Public Health published its final regulations (105 CMR 700) that authorizes pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and other immunizations. The regulations also reduce the age of persons from 9 to 5 years who may receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. Pharmacists may also administer the first dose of a controlled substance to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders upon the order of a practitioner. This regulation was effective upon publication.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The Board of Pharmacy has approved draft sterile compounding regulations to conform with the new USP standards. These regulations will require a public hearing and comments and review by the Governor before they are finalized.  

Also in Massachusetts, an APS (Automated Pharmacy Systems) that meets all the requirements of the policy, and having been approved by the Board, is considered an extension of the pharmacy’s licensed area whether its location is contiguous or non-contiguous to the pharmacy. As a reminder, one of the policy’s requirements is that the APS must be at the same physical address as the pharmacy. Please see the updated policy 2022-07 relative to Automated Pharmacy Systems. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Please see these updated Provider Bulletins here (2022) and here (2023) regarding Coverage and Reimbursement Policy for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Bivalent Vaccine Doses and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, Extension of Flexibilities for Prior Authorization of Formula, Pediatric Immunization Vaccine / Administration SL Modifier Change and Managed Care Entity Bulletin 95: Access to Health Services through Telehealth Options for Members Enrolled in Managed Care Entities. To view and download other MassHealth publications visit Provider Publications. 

Also in Massachusetts, on January 11, 2023, the Massachusetts Public Health Council approved redrafted regulations at 105 CMR 700.00 which will authorize pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and other immunizations as designated by the Department of Public Health. Regulations also reduce the age of persons from 9 to 5 who may receive a vaccination at a pharmacy. DPH also adopted an amendment that will allow a pharmacist to administer the first dose of a controlled substance for the treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders. These regulations are expected to be published in the next two weeks. 

Also in Massachusetts, regarding Long Term Care Facilities and Pharmacies, 105 CMR 721.070(A)(11) provides an exception to the e-prescribing mandate for prescriptions written for long term care (LTC) residents. This exception was set to expire on January 1, 2023, or such later date as determined by the Department. Considering the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) extending, from January 1, 2023, to January 1, 2025, its implementation of the requirement to e-prescribe Medicare prescriptions in LTC facilities, the Department will follow suit and hereby extends, until January 1, 2025, the exception for prescriptions issued to LTC resident under 105 CMR 721.070(A)(11). Those LTC facilities with e-prescribing in place are encouraged to continue using it.  

Please see 105 CMR 721 (mass.gov) and accompanying 2019 ePrescribing Manual for details.  

Finally in Massachusetts, while Amoxicillin Oral Powder for Suspension remains on the FDA drug shortage list, Board-licensed pharmacies may compound this product from solid oral dosage forms provided that the FDA guidance on compounding beta-lactam products in shortage is followed to mitigate the potential risk of cross-contamination.  

Once the shortage has resolved, use of commercial products must resume.  

Please review the Board’s Policy on Compounding Copies of Commercially Available Drugs.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The Department of Public Health and Board of Pharmacy would like to remind pharmacies operating of the Standing Order for Dispensing Emergency Contraception Pills and the law regarding the mandatory coverage of a 12-month supply of oral contraceptives as well as the below policy changes.  

Standing Order for Dispensing Emergency Contraception Pills  

A statewide standing order is now in place for pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception pills. Please visit this webpage for FAQs as well as a copy of the standing order.  

Oral Contraceptives  

Most Massachusetts insurance plans, including MassHealth, Group Insurance Commission and private insurers, are required to cover a 12-month supply of birth control pills to be dispensed all at once. Check with the insurer for any questions. 

Changes to Prescriptions 

Please note that pharmacists are permitted to make quantity changes for drugs that do not require PMP [Prescription Monitoring Program] reporting in accordance with Board policy.  

Please be aware that MassHealth is changing prescription drug days’ supply limitations, effective December 19. Pharmacists are permitted to make quantity changes for drugs that do not require PMP [Prescription Monitoring Program] reporting in accordance with Board policy. 

Vaccine Administration by Qualified Pharmacy Technicians 

Please review updated training requirements. 

Automated Pharmacy Systems (APS) 

Policy changes include requirements for Schedule IV, V or Schedule VI additional drugs such as gabapentin in an APS for patient pickup.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

A new standing order for over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests has been developed by the Department of Public Health in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 19A, which authorizes the issuance of standing orders for licensed pharmacists to dispense a COVID-19 control measures. This standing order is now in effect and should be utilized going forward. Please be aware that the January 14, 2022, Standing Order for Dispensing Over the Counter (OTC) Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer in effect and may no longer be used.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Latest edition of MassHealth Pharmacy Facts has been distributed to MassHealth Pharmacy providers.

Also in Massachusetts, MassHealth has issued the attached corrected bulletin #352 relative to the reporting and payment of overpayments received from MassHealth. The original bulletin was issued in September 2022.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Effective December 19, 2022, MassHealth will make it mandatory for certain designated generic drugs, other designated low-net-cost drugs and drugs listed as preferred in the Brand Name Preferred section of the MassHealth Drug List to be dispensed in a 90-day supply. These drugs will be designated on the MassHealth Drug List A-Z list with a footnote of M90. Policy details can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

A statewide standing order is now available for the dispensing of emergency contraception pills (ECP). While not required to dispense ECP under the standing order, a training program is available through the MGH Institute of Health Professions that also offers continuing education credits.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.