The Insurance Superintendent issued a notice to health insurers regarding the use of telehealth services during the pandemic, specifying that the HIPAA penalty waiver relating to the use by providers of certain communications technologies will continue through the calendar year 2021 and that the coverage parity requirements that apply to behavioral health services are not linked to the declaration of the public health emergency.

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

The Board of Pharmacy issued a final rule effective December 15 allowing the transfer of an original unfilled noncontrolled substance prescription and prescription adaptation permitting changes to quantity and dosage. The rule also requires the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.

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

The Department of Health provided detailed guidance to pharmacies on receiving, handling, and administering vaccines and is encouraging all New Mexico pharmacies to be enrolled as state providers regardless of participation in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. To apply please click here. Questions may be submitted to  COVID.Vaccines@state.nm.us.

Also in New Mexico. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) requested community pharmacies display this poster which instructs the public how to sign up for COVID-19 vaccines.

Lastly in New Mexico. The Legislature convened its 60-day session on January 19 with plans to keep the Capitol closed to the public and operate committee hearings virtually. NACDS will continue to monitor activities in New Mexico and update members accordingly.

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

The state moved past COVID Phase 1A, which featured vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and residents and employees at long term care facilities, to Phase 1B. Consequently, persons 76 years of age or older, those 15 or older with underlying medical conditions that place them at greater risk from COVID-19, frontline essential workers who cannot work remotely, educators and other school employees, and vulnerable populations such as those at congregate care facilities are now eligible to join phase 1A in getting vaccinations.

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

On November 24, the Legislature held a one-day special session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) authorizing a $329 million aid package for unemployment benefits, grants to small businesses, and aid for families impacted by the COVID pandemic. More information can be found here.

Also in New Mexico. In advance of the December 2 public hearing, NACDS submitted a letter to the Department of Health opposing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) law passed last session establishing a Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program. Specifically, NACDS mentioned that the requirement for pharmacies to report adverse events within 15 or 90 days, depending on the type of event, is not workable and is duplicative of the FDA established process for reporting adverse events. NACDS also raised the issue that the reimbursement must be sufficient such that it is financially sustainable for a pharmacy to participate.

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

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) indicated that she will be calling a Legislative special session focused on aid families and businesses impacted by COVID.

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

On October 30, the Board of Pharmacy issued an order confirming the October 20 HHS guidance allowing Qualified Pharmacy Technician Childhood and COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and COVID-19 Testing. The Board also noted that there is no change to pharmacist prescriptive authority which currently allows pharmacists to vaccinate any age.

Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health held a webinar providing information on the state’s distribution plan and informing that all pharmacies and pharmacists must register as COVID vaccine providers. More information can be found here.

Also in New Mexico. The Department of Health is moving forward with the implementation of the Wholesale Drug Importation Bill, SB-1, that that the Governor signed into law earlier this year. A proposed rule would establish standards to ensure compliance with tracking and tracing requirements and prohibit the distribution, dispensing, and sale of imported drugs outside the state. The rule will be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services for federal approval. Comments are due by December 1, 2020, and a virtual hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2020.

Also in New Mexico. The Board of Pharmacy approved rules effective April 1, 2021, mandating the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.

Lastly in New Mexico. The COVID Vaccines Planning Group is asking pharmacists/pharmacies interested in administering COVID vaccines to complete a brief on-line survey by November 13, 2020, that will help evaluate pharmacies’ ability and interest in collaborating with the state in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. All pharmacies interested in becoming COVID-19 vaccine providers must enroll on the state’s portal. If you have questions, contact Courtney Lovato at courtney.lovato@state.nm.us. Please complete the survey by November 13, 2020.

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

The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance issued a notice regarding coverage for coronavirus diagnostic testing and treatment, which requires issuers to remove cost barriers to testing and treatment and waive any cost-sharing, including co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance. The bulletin specifies that carriers are prohibited from balance billing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing when determined to be medically necessary.

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