The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) has initiated its Statewide Formulary for Opioid Dependence Agents and Opioid Antagonists.  In a meeting this week with the New York State pharmacy community, the department recognized that there still are some issues with supply and Medicaid Managed Care plans, including pharmacy reimbursement concerns. NYSDOH mentioned a concern about a general lack of awareness by bench pharmacists of this change and strongly urged all pharmacies to send the DOH update to all pharmacy staff.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The New York State Department of Health has updated its policy and billing guidance document regarding Medicaid’s reimbursement policy for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use and instructions for providers to bill the cost of administration of authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

Also in New York, the NYS Education Department has proposed changes to the Pharmacist Licensure Examination, Licensure by Endorsement and a new Requirement for Three Continuing Education Hours in Compounding per Licensure Period for Pharmacists. The Board of Regents is looking to adopt these changes in December to take effect January 1, 2022.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The New York Health Commissioner approved the recommendations of the DUR Board developed at the July 2021 meeting.  The meeting summary on the DOH website has been updated to include the Commissioner’s final determinations.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Senator Bradley Hoylman (D) introduced S 7320  legislation which would expand pharmacists’ authority to administer COVID immunizations down to age two.  No hearing has been scheduled yet.  

Also in New York, the NYS Department of Health held a webinar to update the pharmacy stakeholders on implementation of a single statewide formulary for opioid dependence agents and opioid antagonists effective October 1, 2021.  The full presentation will be available on the Department of Health Website within the week. The Department of Health highlighted that a single formulary would provide consistent same rules for all Medicaid programs both FFS and MC for these categories of drugs.   

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

This week the New York State Board of Pharmacy released the finalized Board of Pharmacy Advisory memo on licensure requirement changes being proposed to the Board of Regents.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the NYS COVID-19 Emergency Declaration expires after June 24, 2021. In response, NACDS sent a letter urging the Governor to recognize the authority of the federal PREP Act to insure a continuity of care for New Yorkers needing COVID vaccinations and tests. As a reminder, today pharmacists have the ability to give COVID-19 vaccines to those aged 12 years and older pursuant to NYSDOH guidance which recognizes this provision in the federal PREP Act. This guidance also speaks to vaccine reporting to NYSIIS/CIR and other related requirements.   

In addition, NACDS wrote Gov. Cuomo a letter in support of SB 4807A, legislation which will authorize pharmacists to immunize patients 18 years of age and older for all CDC approved vaccines. The Governor has until December 31, 2021, to sign this proposal into law.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The New York State Legislature adjourned on June 11 after passing a flurry of proposals in the last hours.  Of particular interest to pharmacy are four bills: 

• A6476A/S4807A authorizes pharmacists to provide current immunizations, which are recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to patients eighteen years or older according to a standing order with a physician or NP. The bill also creates a regulatory process for vaccines approved in the future through the State Health Department and Education Department. 
• A7598/S6603 allows patients to utilize their pharmacy of choice under Medicaid managed care and have a choice in receiving medications by delivery or mail from their local pharmacy across insurance lines. The bill would also make the Fee for Service reimbursement rate for pharmacies apply to Medicaid managed care.   
• A1396/S3762 requires licensure for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and specifies their duties and obligations as service providers, regulated to the State Department of Financial Services and Department of Health.  
• A5854A/S3566 clarifies and strengthens provisions in current law to ensure that patients have the option to access every covered medication from a local network participating pharmacy and are not forced into mandatory mail order if the pharmacy accepts the same reimbursement.   

Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) has until December 31, 2021, to sign the proposals into law.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.