As the Mississippi Division of Medicaid’s (DOM) transitions to a new Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), the Department has announced a series of workshop webinars will be available in August and September to train providers in how to use the new system, MESA: Medicaid Enterprise System Assistance. Details about those webinars and instructions on how to register for them can be found on Gainwell Technology’s new Learning Management System (LMS), which is now available online.  

Only current Medicaid-enrolled providers will be able to access the LMS and register for training (the webinars are not intended for CHIP-only providers). To verify your status as a Medicaid provider, you are asked to:  

• Please only send us the current (Conduent/Envision) Medicaid Provider ID Number and email address for the individuals that would like to attend the training to the following: ms_provider.inquiry@mygainwell.onmicrosoft.com. 
• Please include “LMS Registration” in the email subject line. We will use this information to validate your participation in the Mississippi Medicaid program. 
• Once validated we will then send LMS registration instructions which will include the link and registration key for accessing the LMS.  
• The instructions will also include how to sign up for the upcoming workshop webinars in August and September.
• Additionally, there will be Computer Based Trainings (CBTs) available beginning Aug. 1, 2022. We recommend you review these CBTs prior to the MESA go-live date of Oct. 3, 2022. 

Providers can also learn more about MESA and find the latest updates and FAQs on the system implementation on DOM’s website.  

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

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM), on July 1, 2022, will reestablish payment methods for the ingredient costs of prescription drugs that existed prior to the July 1, 2021 rate freeze. This change will remove the freeze for dates of service on or after July 1, 2022. DOM has been in frequent communication with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding State Plan Amendment 21-0018, which was submitted last year to freeze reimbursement for outpatient drugs in compliance with Senate Bill 2799 as passed during the 2021 Legislative Session. While CMS has not yet taken official action, DOM anticipates CMS will disapprove SPA 21-0018. Once this disapproval is received from CMS, DOM will reprocess fee-for-service claims for prescription drugs with dates of service between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule on pharmacy shared services as well as proposed amendments to the definitions found in Title 30 Part 3001, which will remove outdated definitions and add new ones to clarify the Board’s regulations. More information on these proposed rules can be found here.

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

The Mississippi Pharmacy Association has an opening on the Executive Committee, a member-at-Large Representative, for which all current MPhA Members may apply. This position is a two-year term and qualifies one to run for Vice President in the next two years if desired. A position on the executive committee is one that helps to guide the business of our organization. Since moving to a part-time Executive Director two years ago, this position also has several responsibilities that will require you to assist with various tasks of running the organization. Please reach out to any of our current Executive Committee members, www.mspharm.org/board or our staff if you have any questions. The deadline for application is March 15, 2022. 

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

Join MPhA for a virtual Last Chance Seminar! This seminar will offer two (2) live CE hours. These hours satisfy the opioid/drugs of abuse required by the Board of Pharmacy. December 12, 2021, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Click here to register.

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

The Division of Medicaid (DOM) is ending coverage of the Temporary Telehealth Procedure Codes effective Friday, Nov. 20, 2021, which aligns with the end of Mississippi’s COVID-19 State of Emergency.

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

As a reminder, the Division of Medicaid (DOM) will require providers to include accurate CPT® Category II codes on physician, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner claims, effective October 1, 2021. To learn more read see the linked memo.

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

The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy amended regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article XXXI, to clarify that a compounding certificate becomes inactive if a pharmacy fails to compound any prescription during a calendar year. The rule is effective Aug. 7, 2021. 

Also in Mississippi, the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy amended regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article XXXI, to clarify requirements for initiation and/or modification of drug therapy under a protocol agreement. The rule is effective Aug. 7, 2021. 

Finally, the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy adopted regulations under Title 30, Part 3002, Chapter 8, to establish requirements and procedures for background checks for applicants for a board license, registration, or permit. The final rule addresses petitions for determination, determination factors and disqualifying crimes, and the disqualifying determination notification. The rule is effective Aug. 8, 2021. 

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

A Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article XII to specify that medication orders in long-term care settings are considered prescriptions. Comments are due June 29, 2021.

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