The legislature will convene its 30-day short session on January 16.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Legislative Health and Human Services Committee met on November 28 to discuss the Prescription Drug Purchasing Report and a presentation on reducing prescription drug prices to reduce healthcare costs.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The State Ethics Commission reached a settlement agreement between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and the New Mexico Human Services Department over a terminated request in January of 2023 for proposals (RFP) for the Turquoise Care Medicaid program. Five managed care organization contractors responded to the RFP and all but one, Western Sky Community Care, was awarded the RFP.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

While the legislature is scheduled to adjourn their 60-day session on March 18, several bills of interest to pharmacies are pending. 

SB 92, legislation that would allow a pharmacist to order, test, screen and treat for five enumerated conditions (COVID, influenza, group A strep pharyngitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infection, and HIV [limited to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis]) as well as any other conditions of public health importance identified by the Department of Health, was amended in committee, and passed the Senate. The bill was referred to the House and is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee on March 10. 

HB 451 is the PBM tiered reimbursement rate bill that was filed late and recently reported favorably from the House Health and Human Services Committee. It is currently pending in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee with a fiscal note.  

SB 14, legislation regulating the practice of PBMs, was voted favorably from the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further action 

HB 177, therapeutic interchange legislation that would allow pharmacists to change an initial prescription to comply with the health plan formulary, is on the House calendar awaiting a floor vote. HB 132 provides payment parity for mail order and retail pharmacies, is also awaiting a House floor vote.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Walgreens pharmacist Amy Bachyrycz and Dale Tinker, Executive Director of the New Mexico Pharmacists Association, were honored last week by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, receiving the “Immunization Champion” award.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Immunization Coalition and Department of Health Immunization Program have put together a brief survey to gauge how provider offices handle vaccines for their adult patients.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Legislative Health and Human Services Committee in early August to discuss state strategies for prescription drug access, access to pharmacy care, controlling the excessive cost of drugs, and pharmacy supply chain stakeholders (wholesalers, pharmacy benefit managers, manufacturers, and Insurers). 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Medical Assistance Division (MAD) of the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is requiring all prescribers including pharmacists with prescriptive authority for Centennial Care members to enroll as a Medicaid Provider by November 12, 2022, to continue to receive payment for prescriptions. Failure to enroll as a Medicaid Provider will result in denial, rejection, or recoupment of payment for prescriptions when written for Centennial Care members.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed an executive order creating a Prescription Drug Task Force directed to identify ways to expand access and affordable pricing for medications. The EO (Executive Order) directs its members to analyze and report solutions to manage and minimize the cost of prescriptions for New Mexicans. Membership will include a New Mexico licensed pharmacist engaged in practice at an independent pharmacy, the Superintendent of Insurance, a licensed physician in New Mexico, a patient advocate, and an individual whose profession is in the health insurance industry. 

Also in New Mexico, the Medical Assistance Division (MAD) of the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is now requiring ALL prescribers, including pharmacists with prescriptive authority for Centennial Care members to enroll as a Medicaid Provider to continue to receive payment for prescriptions. Failure to enroll will result in denial, rejection, or recoupment of payment for prescriptions when written for Centennial Care Members effective November 12, 2022. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.