Medicaid issued proposed policy 2341 Documenting Beneficiary Consent Authorizing Automatic Refills of Prescribed Pharmacy Products for public comment. 

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

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice of proposed policy regarding Documenting Beneficiary Consent Authorizing Automatic Refills of Prescribed Pharmacy Products. Comments are due to MDHHS (Michigan, the Department of Health, and Human Services) (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) on November 7, 2023.

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

The Board of Pharmacy has posted the public notice and agenda for the October 30 Rules Committee Work Group meeting and the minutes from the September 11 Rules Committee Work Group meeting.

Also in Michigan, MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) has proposed a rule regarding documenting patient consent for automatic refills that aligns with 2014 CMS guidance. Comments are due November 7 to the email noted on the policy’s transmittal sheet.

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

This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed SB 219 effective July 19. The bill codifies PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act authority, allowing pharmacies to provide all ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) vaccines to patients aged 3 years and older. It also authorizes pharmacists to order and administer CLIA-waived tests for COVID, Flu and RSV and provide drugs that treat those conditions under CDC protocols. Many thanks to members, the Michigan Retailers Association, and the Michigan Pharmacists Association for their work with the Legislature on this critical patient access to care law. 

Also in Michigan, the Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) sent a communication reminding pharmacy that the new Central Fill and Shared Pharmacy Services rules were effective as of May 19, 2023. The email asks that Licensee review the rules and statute for a complete understanding of all applicable requirements. Questions about the revised rules may be sent to BPLHELP@michigan.gov. 

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

The House Health Policy Committee reported a substitute version of SB 219 (H-2). The bill allows pharmacists to order and administer immunizations to patients aged three years and older; order and administer tests for COVID, flu or respiratory illness and furnish medications to treat COVID and flu. The bill is scheduled for a vote by the full House and must be returned to the Senate for concurrence.

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

NACDS filed comments with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) supporting its proposed rule pursuant to the PBM (Pharmacy Benefits Managers) Licensure and Regulation Act. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy has published the agenda for the June 14 meeting.

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

The Board of Pharmacy published a final rule on Central Fill Pharmacies, effective May 19, 2023.

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

An amended version of S-4 version  SB 219 codifying PREP Act allowances overwhelmingly passed the Michigan Senate this week by a vote of 36-1. It now goes to the House Health Policy Committee for further consideration. NACDS will be supporting the efforts of members and partners to make appropriate changes to the language in the House. 

Also in Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services issued Numbered Letter L 23. It clarifies billing requirements for Medication Therapy Management. Medicaid letters and bulletins can be accessed on the provider webpage. 

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