Effective February 18, MOHealthNet changed the early refill policy for medications to 85% for controlled and non-controlled substances. Providers may contact the Pharmacy Help Desk at (800) 392-8030 option 3 if overrides are needed.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Board of Pharmacy will host its next Lunch with the Chief Inspector series on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at noon CST and will cover regulations currently in process.  Please register here.

Also in Missouri. MOHealthNet has issued several bulletins outlining changes to pharmacy reimbursement. In one bulletin, MOHealthNet announced changes to the professional dispensing fee and a new policy of one dispensing fee every 25 days, effective February 1, 2021.  MOHealthNet also published a new provider manual in which they added a definition for Usual and Customary (pages 162-163). NACDS does not have a record of such a definition previously in Missouri. NACDS has requested feedback to be submitted to Joel Kurzman by COB Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Department of Commerce and Insurance issued an emergency rule authorizing technician immunization authority effective January 19, 2021, and expiring July 17, 2021. Please visit the above link for more information.

Also in Missouri. Per Governor Parson’s (R) emergency waiver, pharmacists are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines: (1) under a statewide standing order issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services or (2) according to a protocol with a Missouri-licensed physician. All HHS requirements apply to COVID-19 vaccines administered under the emergency waiver, including, all training and reporting requirements. More information can be found in this Board of Pharmacy’s Frequently Asked Questions Document which can be found here.

Also in Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services issued an emergency rule establishing a process for practitioners to obtain a waiver from electronic prescribing requirements for Schedules II, III, and IV substances beginning March 30, 2021. Please visit the link above for more information.

Lastly in Missouri. The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs has released a new online reporting system for reports of losses, thefts, and diversions. Reports may now be submitted electronically online so a paper form does not have to be used and mailed. More information can be found at the above link.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

MOHealthNet has published a new Bulletin with information on COVID-19 vaccination billing. Please visit the above web link for more information.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

MOHealthNet reminds its providers about upcoming system updates, including Pharmacy Point of Sale and the Helpdesk. The Pharmacy Point of Sale will not be available for approximately 1.5 hours starting at midnight CDT on Saturday, December 5, 2020, and will be brought up by 1:30 A.M. CDT on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Pharmacies may begin submitting claims after 1:30 A.M. CDT. The Pharmacy Helpdesk will be unavailable on Saturday, December 5, and will be available on Sunday, December 6, 2020, for normal business hours.

Also in Missouri. The State of Missouri COVID-19 vaccine planning team will host Vaccine Planning for Vaccinators meetings on Thursdays from 3-4 pm Central, with its first meeting being held on December 3. The planning team will provide state and federal updates as needed on COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution plans and answer questions from providers who have enrolled with DHSS as COVID-19 vaccinators as well as those who are seeking more information about the process before enrollment. View the vaccinator webpage for more information. To register to attend the December 3 meeting, please register here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Department of Social Services’ MOHealthNet issued an updated set of COVID testing and specimen codes as of November 9. Please visit the above link for additional information.

Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a statement regarding pharmacy technicians and HHS expanded vaccination authority. All of the Board’s COVID-related updates can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The regulation to implement a pharmacist’s authority to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy products went into effect on October 30. The statute was enacted in 2019 from SB 514 led by pharmacist Senator David Sater, who recently retired from elected office due to term limits. More information can be found at the above links.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Missouri COVID-19 Vaccinator Enrollment program is now open. Beginning Wednesday, October 28 at 8:00 a.m., providers will be required to utilize Missouri’s Immunization Information System, ShowMeVax, to complete the enrollment process. Tools and instruction can be found here, as is the Memorandum of Agreement form required for new providers. Questions about the enrollment process can be asked here.

Also in Missouri. Applications are now being accepted for the Rx Cares for Missouri Medication Destruction Program. Applications and a Program Guide can be found on the Board of Pharmacy website. Current program participants do not have to re-enroll. Enrollment is limited.

Also in Missouri. The Department of Health and Senior Services announced enhancements to ShowMeVax, Missouri’s web-based immunization information system. In early 2021, the current ShowMeVax daily data feeds into the enhanced ShowMeVax will cease. According to the Department, all providers wishing to continue exchanging vaccination data with the new system will need to register here. Questions about the transition can be addressed to the HL7 On-boarding team.

Lastly in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a proposed rule to adopt regulations under 20 CSR 2220-2 to establish licensing requirements and compliance standards for Class R remote dispensing site pharmacies. The rule would authorize the preparation, dispensing, and compounding of medication for patient dispensing without a pharmacist physically present at the Class R site to monitor and supervise pharmacy activities. The rule also would establish supervisory requirements. The proposal currently is in effect as an emergency rule. Comments are due November 14, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

Governor Mike Parson (R) issued a waiver authorizing pharmacists to order and administer COVID vaccinations per the HHS guidance issued under current the PREP Act declaration. For more information, please visit the above link.

Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy issued a reminder that all amendments to existing immunization protocols that add additional childhood vaccines, revise age limits, or add the COVID-19 vaccination must be signed and dated by all pharmacists participating in the protocol in addition to the physician.

Also in Missouri. The Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA) has shared information that Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) grant funding is available to help pharmacies become accredited sites for diabetes classes and education and bill for these services. For more information, please contact MPA’s Annie Eisenbeis.

Also in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy filed an emergency rule to implement Class R Remote Dispensing sites per 2019 HB 1682 effective August 28 and published a guidance statement.  Questions about Class R licensure can be emailed to the Board. For more information, please visit the above links.

Lastly in Missouri. The Board of Pharmacy will meet on October 8, 2020.  Among the many agenda items, the Board has  proposed rule language on prescription and medication order transfers.  For more information please visit the above link.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.