SB 479, the Supporting Community Retail Pharmacies and Improving Transparency (SCRIPT) Act, has been signed by Gov. Josh Stein (D). Effective upon signature, the bill extends the current Medicaid reimbursement paid to pharmacies from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. Additionally, it makes sweeping reforms to pharmacy and prescription drug regulations by expanding patient choice; increasing transparency and oversight of PBMs and pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs); strengthening fair reimbursement and network practices; mandating drug price disclosures; and enhancing consumer protections across the state.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Department of Health and Human Services Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (Commission) proposed to amend, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 26E .0406, Disposal of Unused Controlled Substances from Nursing Home. The Commission also proposes adopting, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 27G .3605, Medication Units and Mobile Units. Both proposed rules are available on the Commission for MH/DD/SAS Proposed Rules page.  

The public comment period for both rules runs June 17 through August 15. Written comments on the proposed rule must be submitted electronically to dmhddsasrules@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to W. Denise Baker, 3001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3001. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Effective May 20, the Pharmacy and Medical Boards approved slight changes to the statewide protocol governing pharmacist initiation of hormonal contraceptive therapy. The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists' Hormonal Contraceptive Toolkit has been updated to reflect these changes, and the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) produced an excellent short video explaining the changes.  

Also in North Carolina, broader guidance on qualifying immunizing pharmacists' authority to initiate certain drug therapy is available online at the Board of Pharmacy's website.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

NACDS and representatives from member companies met with Senate and House leadership in North Carolina to advocate for key priorities related to PBM reform, with a focus on SB 479 and HB 163. In addition, we participated in the NC Retail Merchants Association Spring Legislative Reception.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The legislative session has reached the crossover deadline, the point by which bills must pass their chamber of origin to remain viable this session. Bills that did not meet this deadline are ineligible for carryover to 2026. However, the crossover rule does not apply to budget and appropriations bills, study bills, local bills or constitutional amendments.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The Department of Insurance has published rules regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers were published this week. The reason for this proposed action is to implement statutes for the licensure of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and directed the Department to adopt rules for licensure (see G.S. 5856A-2). Entities to be licensed as PBMs have previously been licensed or registered as third-party administrators (TPAs). Borrowing from the licensure requirements for TPAs, the proposed rules further set out the requirements for licensure as a PBM. Additionally, where G.S. 58-56A-2 gives the Commissioner the authority to charge an initial application fee of $2,000 and a renewal application fee of $1,500, those fees will be established by the proposed rule 11 NCAC 24 .0102. The date of the public hearing will be April 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., NC Department of Insurance, Hearing Room 211, 3200 Beechleaf Ct., Raleigh, NC 27604.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Governor Josh Stein (D) announced an executive order that directs cabinet agencies to safeguard medical privacy, ensures women receive accurate information about their pregnancies, and protects doctors providing lawful reproductive health care.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

On October 25, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) extension request to waive the statutory definition of “food” under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended and accompanying regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. This extension waiver approval allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households statewide, including those with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, to continue to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through December 4, in order to increase access to food after power outages as a result of Tropical Storm Helene that began on September 26. Customer questions should be directed to the EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

The COVID-19 Statewide Standing Orders (SWSOs) authorized under North Carolina Session Law 2022-74, Sec. 9G.7.(a)-(e) and extended under Session Law 2023-65, Sec. 9G.7, will expire on December 31, 2024. No additional extensions have been provided.

If your facility currently uses the SWSOs issued by Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, State Health Director, to facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations, action is required to prevent disruptions in vaccine administration. Coordinate with your lead physician or medical director to develop standing orders or protocols that will take effect by January 1, 2025. Action Required:

• Review and prepare to transition to facility-specific standing orders by coordinating with your medical leadership.
• Finalize and implement new standing orders or protocols by January 1, 2025.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.