The RX Cares for Missouri Program, administered by the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, is seeking grant funding proposals for the purpose of developing or providing programs or education to promote medication safety or prevent prescription drug abuse, misuse, and diversion.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) Board of Pharmacy issued a bulletin on Vaccine Provider Healthcare Assistance in response to the Board of Pharmacy received regarding if pharmacies can use non-pharmacy healthcare providers to help provide both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) issued a standing order for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11 years old. Pharmacies using a physician protocol to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 pediatric vaccine need to make certain that their protocol includes this age group and booster doses. DHSS will host a webinar on November 8 at 2:00 p.m. Central to discuss booster doses and, vaccinating children ages 5-11 years old. Register at this link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division is implementing new edits effective October 21st requiring Medicaid participants to receive a 90-day supply select medications.
Also in Missouri, prescribers of controlled substances for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) participants are required to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) prior to prescribing a controlled substance starting on October 1, 2021. The FAQ is available under Frequently Updated Documents and is titled Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) FAQ.
Finally in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy is holding a virtual meeting on October 19 and 20 MO BOP Virtual Meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet issued a bulletin announcing the Medicaid prescription reimbursement will be increased on October 1, 2021. In-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $12.22, plus an adjustment to account for the cost of the Missouri Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance attributable to Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions. The professional dispensing fee plus the current adjusted amount will total $12.70. Out-of-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $8.85.
Also in Missouri, effective September 1, 2021, MO HealthNet (Medicaid) started paying for transportation for Medicaid fee-for-service patients with an appointment at a pharmacy to receive vaccinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is hosting a webinar on October 8th aimed at helping pharmacists identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the MO HealthNet pharmacy program. Pre-registration is required – (Click here to register).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Senior Services is now offering two options for free COVID-19 testing: (1) in-person testing events hosted around the state www.health.mo.gov/communitytest; and (2) residents may order a free PCR test kits mailed to their Missouri address with a return FedEx shipping container, with results emailed back within 48 hours www.health.mo.gov/communitytest.
Also in Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson (R) issued a new COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration focusing on the healthcare system and recovery from COVID-19, extending the order here to December 31, 2021.
Finally in Missouri, the Department of Commerce and Insurance issued a revised COVID waiver updated by the Board of Pharmacy to include the Remote Data Entry waiver approved by the Governor. Current Board rule 20 CSR 2220-2.725 allows qualified pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists to perform remote data entry from home or at an in-state non-pharmacy location. The COVID-19 Remote Data Entry waiver allows pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists to also perform remote data entry at a site that is not located in Missouri, if authorized by the supervising pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians/intern pharmacists may perform remote data entry at a non-Missouri location in compliance with 20 CSR 2220-2.725 while the COVID-19 waiver is in effect (Missouri locations are authorized by 20 CSR 2220-2.725).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
In response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CMS) certain immunocompromised individuals can begin receiving third doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health and Senior Services revised their standing order.https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/statewide-orders.php.
Also in Missouri, mask mandates are back in several metro areas. Jackson County implemented a 30-day mask mandate effective August 9th for everyone 5 years and older, regardless of vaccination status. Kansas City reinstated its indoor mask mandate for individuals who are at least 5 years old for the month of August. St. Louis City and County both implemented an order requiring masks to be worn by all individuals over the age of 5 while indoors as of July 26th, with no end date.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
In 2020 voters approved a state constitutional amendment mandating Medicaid expansion. Gov. Mike Parson’s included funding in his budget proposal but the General Assembly refused to fund the expansion to cover 275,000 more low-income adults and hire 75 more employees to administer the expanded program. On August 10th the Circuit Court ruled that the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) should immediately begin enrolling people into the MO HealthNet program.
Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy will be holding a virtual meeting on August 18th to discuss the newly formed Pharmacy Working Conditions Task Force members and meeting schedule, finalize draft legislation for 2022 session, and cover the following topics: https://pr.mo.gov/boards/pharmacy/meetings/future/2021-08-18%20OPEN%20Conf.%20Call.pdf.
Finally in Missouri, the Pharmacy Agent Corporation (PAC) along with the Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA) and consultant, G.L.O. & Associates, secured an additional $5 million in funding for MO HealthNet to increase the net dispensing fee to $10.05 after all provider tax payments and expenses.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.