The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule that amends regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article IV to change the number of required continuing education hours that a licensed pharmacist must take that address opioid abuse to two hours. Comments on these proposed changes are due August 21, 2020.

Also in Mississippi. The Board of Pharmacy also issued a proposed rule that amends regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article VII, to require a pharmacist in charge to be physically present at a facility for at least 50% of the time or 20 hours per week. The rule also would require that a permit for a pharmacy becomes inactive if an application for a new pharmacist in charge is not submitted within 15 days. Comments to the proposed changes are due August 21, 2020.

Lastly in Mississippi. The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule to adopt regulations under Title 30, Part 3001, Article XLVIII to establish standards and procedures for delivering pharmacy services through a telehealth system that monitors the dispensing of prescription drugs and provides for related drug use review and patient counseling services by an electronic method including audio, video, still image capture, and store and forward. Comments are due August 21, 2020.

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

The Division of Medicaid published a proposed rule that would amend regulations under Title 23, Part 200, Chapter 4, to clarify which provider activities constitute a change of ownership. The rule also would require a provider to notify the department of a change of ownership within 35 days. Comments are due July 25, 2020.

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

The Division of Medicaid issued a final rule that amends regulations under Title 23, Part 209, Chapters 1 and 2, to clarify requirements for beneficiary signatures for durable medical equipment and/or medical supplies delivered during a national or statewide emergency. During a national or statewide emergency, a signature is not required and the provider must document the emergency and confirmation of delivery by an alternate means including, but not limited to: (1) telephone, (2) text message, or (3) other electronic communication. The rule is effective on August 1, 2020.

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

The Mississippi House and Senate adjourned last week and will return no later than October 5, 2020 for a 6-day extension of the session.  

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

Proposed rule of the Division of Medicaid would amend regulations under Title 23, Part 209, Chapters 1 and 2, to clarify requirements for beneficiary signatures for durable medical equipment and/or medical supplies delivered during a national or statewide emergency. A hearing has not been schedule at this time. Comments are due June 30, 2020. 

Also in Mississippi... Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would adopt 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 rule would address petitions for determination, determination factors and disqualifying crimes, and the disqualifying determination notification. Comments are due June 29, 2020. 

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

Notice of the Board of Pharmacy announces a statewide standing order to authorize dispensing and administration of naloxone by pharmacists licensed to practice in the state. The order is effective May 18, 2020 and expires May 18, 2021. 

Also in Mississippi... Proposed rule of the Division of Medicaid would amend regulations under Title 23, Part 214, Chapter 1, Rules 1.12 to add standards that remove the beneficiary signature requirement for prescription drug delivery during a national or statewide emergency. The rule also would add to the list of facilities exempted from certain beneficiary signature requirements. No hearing is not scheduled on this rule.  Comments are due June 27, 2020. 

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

Notice of the Board of Pharmacy announces the suspension of the 2020 live continuing education requirements for pharmacists. The notice specifies that pharmacists, upon request, still will be required to submit evidence of five hours of education on opioid abuse and prevention, drug abuse, or addiction-related issues and a total of 15 hours for the year 2020.

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

Effective May 11, 2020, providers – whether medical or pharmacy – are prohibited from collecting co-payments from Medicaid beneficiaries. For more pharmacy specific information, please click here.

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

Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following guidance this week. HHS recently authorized pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests. Pharmacies will need a CLIA Certificate of Waiver from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to participate in testing. It will be up to the pharmacy and the pharmacist-in-charge to deem all appropriate training for the testing to be completed. For anyone interested in conducting COVID-19 testing, please stay alert for any changes made by the FDA, HHS, MSDH, or Mississippi Board of Pharmacy. Positive test results must be reported to MSDH with patient information; negative results must be reported daily in aggregate (number) without patient information.

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