The Board of Pharmacy published guidance reminding dispensers that effective Tuesday, March 19, they will be required to report certain products containing naltrexone to the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS). The guidance encourages dispensers to work with their vendors to ensure any system updates that may be needed are in place by the deadline.

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

NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy on a proposed rule modifying the requirements for reporting to the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Specifically, NACDS asked the Board to clarify that pharmacies are required to submit a patient’s phone number as the patient identifier where it is available. Additionally, NACDS asked the Board to change a requirement that pharmacies notify the Board of PDMP submission errors to requiring such a notification only where the submission error cannot be corrected within seven days.

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

On April 4, the Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2018-02, prohibiting insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers from:

• Prohibiting any person, directly or indirectly, from informing, by any means, an individual about less expensive ways to purchase prescription drugs that may also be available under any insurance policy or benefit plan.
• Requiring cost-sharing in an amount, or directing a pharmacy to collect cost-sharing in an amount, greater than the amount an individual would pay for the prescription drug if the drug were purchased without coverage under a health benefit plan.

The bulletin was effective upon release.

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