On November 28 at 1:00 pm, a public hearing will be held via remote conferencing to consider proposed adoption of New Rule I pertaining to pharmacist prescribing [MAR Notice No. 24-174-80]. The 2023 legislature passed SB 112, allowing for independent prescribing authority for pharmacists in limited situations; it is necessary to set standards for patient care, evaluation, recordkeeping, and provider notification required of pharmacists prescribing under SB 112’s authority. In addition to oral testimony at the hearing, written comments may be submitted at dli.mt.gov/rules or P.O. Box 1728; Helena, MT 59624-1728; comments must be received no later than 5:00 pm on December 1.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has received calls regarding denials and prior authorization requirements on stimulants due to the shortages. Many of these can be handled by the pharmacy by calling the prior authorization (PA) call center at 1-800-395-7961. Please try the PA call center before involving the provider or turning the patient away. The DPHHS is approving short term prior authorization to mitigate some of the issues caused by these shortages. If you have questions, please contact Dani Feist, Pharmacy and Home Infusion Program Officer at 406–444–2738.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Based on the annual survey conducted by the Department of Public Health, this year’s survey results provide data to support a proposed minimum dispensing fee of $5.11. Also, the maximum dispensing fee, for each volume range, is proposed to increase to incorporate the legislatively approved provider rate increase. 

The Department of Public Health and Human Services issued a Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to ARM 37.85.105, updating effective dates of Medicaid fee schedules effective July 1, 2023. The public hearing via remote conferencing will be held on July 27 at 9:00 a.m. Below are the proposed changes to pharmacy reimbursement. 

(f)The outpatient drugs reimbursement dispensing fees range, as provided in ARM 37.86.1105(3)(b) is effective July 1, 2022 July 1, 2023: 

(i) for pharmacies with prescription volume between 0 and 39,999, the minimum is $4.32 $5.11 and the maximum is $15.73 $16.36;  

(ii) for pharmacies with prescription volume between 40,000 and 69,999, the minimum is $4.32 $5.11 and the maximum is $13.62 $14.16; or  

(iii) for pharmacies with prescription volume greater than or equal to 70,000, the minimum is $4.32 $5.11 and the maximum is $11.52 $11.98.  

(g) remains the same.  

(h) The outpatient drugs reimbursement vaccine administration fee, as provided in ARM 37.86.1105(6), will be $21.32 for the first vaccine and $15.65 $18.65 for each additional administered vaccine, effective July 1, 2022 July 1, 2023. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

On May 1, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed SB 112 (Chapter Number: 322), legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications with limitations. In the coming months, the Board of Pharmacy will promulgate rules.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed the following bills: 

• HB 379 (Chapter Number: 259), extending the prohibition on PBMs to require federally certified health entities to identify 340B drugs from June 1, 2023, to June 1, 2025. 
• HB 710 (Chapter Number: 216), permitting a pharmacist to delegate the administration of immunizations to a pharmacy technician or licensed intern, who has completed requirements for education and training. Administration of immunizations by technicians and interns will be supervised by the pharmacist. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Dept. of Labor and Industry published the following effective March 25, 2023: 

• 24.174.101 – The Board of Pharmacy adopts and incorporates the organizational rules of the Dept. of Labor and Industry. 
• 24.174.201 – The Board of Pharmacy adopts and incorporates the procedural rules of the Dept. of Labor and Industry.
• 24.174.202 – The Board of Pharmacy adopts and incorporates the public participation rules of the Dept. of Labor and Industry. 

Also in Montana, HB 710, legislation permitting pharmacy interns and technicians to administer immunizations, passed the House (90-8) and Senate (44-5). It has not yet been transmitted to the Governor. 

Finally in Montana, SB 112, legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications with limitations, passed the Senate (34-15). In the House Human Services Committee, the bill was amended and passed (14-7).    

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

HB 710, legislation permitting pharmacy interns and technicians to administer immunizations, passed the House (90-8) and was transmitted to the Senate on March 3. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

HB 710, legislation permitting pharmacy interns and technicians to administer immunizations, was introduced on February 21 and passed the Business and Labor Committee on February 24. After SB 239 failed to advance, the Montana Retail Association and the Montana Pharmacy Association found a new sponsor to pursue this legislation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

HB 379, extending the prohibition on PBMs to require federally certified health entities to identify 340B drug from June 1, 2023 to June 1, 2025, was amended and passed the House Business and Labor Committee on February 14.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.