The Board of Pharmacy posted guidance to remind pharmacies about their Pharmacy Personnel Licensure and Registration Requirements. Guidance can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Ohio House voted to remove Representative Larry Householder (R) as Speaker of the House by a vote of 90-0. A federal grand jury had previously indicted Representative Larry Householder (R) and four other individuals on various charges, including racketeering. Following that vote, House Republicans chose Representative Bob Cupp (R) to be the next Speaker. Representative Jeffrey Crossman (D) moved to expel Representative Larry Householder (R) from the Legislature during the House session. Ohio House Republicans tabled the motion from further consideration. The Ohio Constitution requires a two-thirds vote for expulsion from the Legislature.  Representative Larry Householder (R) retains his House seat and currently has no opponent in the November election. The House is currently in recess until September, and House Rule 1 states only the Speaker can call a session.

Also in Ohio. The Board of Pharmacy has published guidance rescinding rule 4729:5.5.21, which prohibits the sale of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. The guidance also clarifies that a diagnosis code for COVID is no longer needed to fill those prescriptions as previously required by 4729:5.30.2.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

HB 341, a bill that would allow pharmacists to administer long-acting or extended-release drugs to treat addiction, has passed out of the Legislature.  Sponsored by Rep. Timothy Ginter (R), the bill is on its way to Gov. Mike DeWine (R) for signature.

Also in Ohio. Medicaid (ODM) released guidance on pharmacy billing COVID-19 test specimen collection.  Unfortunately, the guidance does not follow the new NCPDP standard. NACDS is working with members and in-state partners to correct this.

Also in Ohio. Medicaid ODM published draft rules to implement SB 265 of 2019, permissive provider status for pharmacists. The rules will allow pharmacists to receive payment for managing medication therapy, administering immunizations and medications only if the service is medically necessary and is substantiated by a written order from a prescriber.  NACDS has urged ODM to amend the language to allow pharmacists to perform services that are s within a pharmacist’s scope of practice and deemed appropriate based on the pharmacist’s professional judgement.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) presented an update this week before the Office of Administration’s Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Council. In addition to providing updates on Single PBM Procurement, ODM announced: 

• implementation of SB 265 – permissive provider status for administering immunizations, drugs and DTM under CP; 
• that beginning next week, pharmacies can bill for COVID-19 testing by using an NPI number;  
• that It is delaying the implementation of the planned “supplemental dispensing fee” by allocating spread pricing dollars due to state budget concerns  

For a version of the presentation with audio go to 33:13 here. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Board of Pharmacy released a notice this week regarding fraudulent verbal and paper prescriptions for promethazine/codeine

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Rep. Bill Roemer (R) has introduced HB 673. This legislation authorizes licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer immunizations for COVID-19. Specifically, this measure states that licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns are authorized to administer COVID-19 immunizations to individuals aged seven and older. Additionally, it allows for pharmacists to conduct COVID-19 diagnostic and antibodies tests. The House Local and State Government Committee heard proponent testimony this week. NACDS is on record supporting the bill. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Governors from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have formed a pact for coordinating the reopening of the Midwest regional economy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Pharmacists, interns and certified technicians may now administer FDA-approved COVD-19 tests under guidance released this week by the Board of Pharmacy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Board of Pharmacy has issued an emergency rule, effective March 22nd, on the dispensing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. For an FAQ on this issue and other COVID-19 related guidance issued by the board, visit their website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.