The Pharmacists Association (NMPhA) announced its new Executive Director, Alexandra (Lex) Garcia. Lex replaces Dale Tinker, who has been at the helm of the association for 35 years.
Also in New Mexico, despite pushback from Democratic leadership, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) called the legislature into a 30-day (or less) special session beginning on July 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Medical Assistance Division notified Medicaid Pharmacy Providers that some of the Group and PCNs were incorrect. Here’s the updated list:
Presbyterian
United Healthcare
Molina
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Fee-For-Service
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health issued protocols to increase access at pharmacies for Medicaid patients to over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception, the OTC progestin-only birth control pill and the OTC home pregnancy tests.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
To increase access to over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception, the OTC progestin-only birth control pill and OTC home pregnancy tests, the Department of Health’s standing order allows Medicaid patients to access these OTC items from the pharmacy and covers these items at pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On behalf of our members operating pharmacies throughout the state, NACDS sent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) a letter regarding our concerns with HB 165 that was sent to her to be signed into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Legislature adjourned its 30-day session on February 15.
Also in New Mexico, HB 165, legislation increasing the Medicaid Managed Care professional dispensing fee for independent pharmacies only, unanimously passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D) for signature. Members are urged to contact the Governor to urge her to veto the bill.
Also in New Mexico, HB 33, the Prescription Drug Transparency Act, was also sent to the Governor to sign into law.
Finally in New Mexico, the Governor has until March 6 to sign bills into law. Any legislation not acted upon by the governor is pocket vetoed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
A new “Opioid Crisis and Pain Management ECHO” program for health professionals aimed at providing information on the safe use of opioids, the risks of opioid overdose and proper pain management will launch on February 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The short 30-day legislative session focuses primarily on the budget tax and spending bills, reconciling Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) proposed $10.5 billion budget and lawmakers proposed $10.1 billion spending plan.
Also in New Mexico, HB 33, prescription drug transparency legislation, requires reporting to the Superintendent of Insurance (SOI) and the Legislature. Failure to comply could result in the Superintendent assessing a penalty. The bill was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee on January 22.
Finally in New Mexico, HB 35 is legislation seeking to appropriate $1.1 million to the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion communities to develop a careers program aimed at addressing shortages in the healthcare industry in New Mexico.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Legislature convened its 30-day session on January 16.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.