The Medical Board issued a Final rule effective March 24th amending and adopting regulations under 16.10.9 through 16.10.22 NMAC (nonconsecutive) to add licensure fees for out-of-state sports team physicians and naturopathic doctors. The rule also adds licensure reinstatement fees for anesthesiologist assistants and polysomnographic technologists, updates fees for physician assistants and genetic counselors, and increases fees for license verification to $37. In addition, the rule requires health care providers who prescribe opioid analgesics for the first time to advise the patient of the risks of overdose and co-prescribe an opioid antagonist for opioid prescriptions written for at least a five-day supply. Finally, the rule adds practice requirements for naturopathic doctors.  

Also in New Mexico... The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance announce a Proposed rule amending regulations under 13.10.13 NMAC to change "copayments" to "cost-sharing" and prohibit cost-sharing for testing and health care services for the new coronavirus, pneumonia, influenza, or other diseases or conditions that are the cause or subject of a public health emergency. The rule currently is in effect as an emergency rule. A hearing is scheduled for April 23rd, and comments will be accepted through 4:00 PM MDT on April 23, 2020. Comments should be sent to Melissa Martinez; Office of Superintendent Insurance; 505-476-0333; melissa.martinez2@state.nm.us.

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

NACDS participated on a conference call earlier this week hosted by the Department of Health answering questions posed by chain and independent pharmacists about COVID19 response.

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

In an successful effort lead by the New Mexico Pharmacists Association and supported by the School of Pharmacy, pharmacy students, NACDS, state retailers, payors, and other pharmacy groups, HB 42 by Rep. Deborah Armstrong, the Pharmaceutical Services Reimbursement Parity bill which will require pharmacists to be paid by for patient care services within the pharmacist’s scope of practice, was signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) on March 6.

Also in New Mexico… Also approved was SM 19 sponsored by Sen. Steven Neville. It directs the Health and Human Services Department to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing study.

Also in New Mexico… On March 4, Gov. Grisham signed SB 1, the Wholesale Drug Importation Act, and HB 292 by Rep. Cadena that caps copays and out-of-pocket expenses for insulin at $25 per prescription for a 30-day supply.

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

With less than a week remaining in the 30-day legislative session, NACDS has sent an RxIMPACT Action Alert to members encouraging them to contact their state senator urging passage of HB 42, Rep. Deborah Armstrong’s payment parity bill that creates the opportunity for more community pharmacies to improve patient access to care. NACDS joined the National Community Pharmacists Association, American Pharmacists Association, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, and American Society of Health System Pharmacists in a letter of support to legislative leadership. The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and students have been activity engaged at the Capitol. They created and excellent video in support of HB 42, the payment parity bill.

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

During week two of the four-week legislation session, payment parity legislation which provides for reimbursement parity for prescribing pharmacists, HB 42 by Rep. Deborah Armstrong, that has broad-based support from NACDS, NMPhA, NMRA, pharmacists and pharmacies, passed the House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee and was sent to the full House for further consideration.  NACDS, NMPhA, NMRA, pharmacists from around the state supported the bill. Also supporting the bill are several of the health plans – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Presbyterian, American Health Insurance Plans, AARP and Young Women United.

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

Pharmacy Day at the Capitol was Monday, January 27.  

Also in New Mexico... NACDS co-signed a letter to Gov. Michelle Grisham Lujan (D) in support HB 42, the bill requiring payment for any pharmacy patient services sponsored by Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, Rep. Deborah Armstrong. Other national organizations cosigning the letter were the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Association (NASPA). The bill was reported favorably from the House Health and Human Services Committee on January 27th by a 5-2 vote, and was referred to the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee for further consideration. NACDS members are encouraged to contact their legislators urging support of the bill. Time is short as the legislature is scheduled to adjourn on February 20.

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

Pharmacy Day at the Capitol is Monday, January 27. 

Also in New Mexico... NACDS co-signed a letter to Gov. Michelle Grisham Lujan (D) in support HB 42, the bill requiring payment for any pharmacy patient services sponsored by Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, Rep. Deborah Armstrong. Other national organizations cosigning the letter were the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Association (NASPA). 

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

In an effort to get Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) Administration to include reimbursement to pharmacists for clinical services in the 2020 one-month fiscal session, NACDS provided our in-state partner, the New Mexico Pharmacists Association, with recommendations for an upcoming meeting with David R. Scrase, MD, the Secretary of the Human Services Department.

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

In an effort to get Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) Administration to include reimbursement to pharmacists for clinical services in the 2020 one-month fiscal session, NACDS provided our in-state partner, the New Mexico Pharmacists Association, with recommendations for an upcoming meeting with David R. Scrase, MD, the Secretary of the Human Services Department.

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