Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed HB 2725 (Chapter 509), legislation prohibiting PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to clerical error. It also prohibits PBMs from imposing fees on pharmacies after point of sale. It also requires a PBM, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to pharmacy of specific claim that is denied or reduced and detailed explanation for denial or reduction.  

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority has posted new protocols for the following vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Influenza (IIV 2023-24 – Interim), and Influenza (LAIV 2023-24 – Interim). An interim protocol will be replaced with a final protocol once the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations are published in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report). Also, the following protocols have been updated: HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS) vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B.  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted opportunities for interested persons to serve on the Board. The Board has the following member opportunities available:  

• Two Pharmacy Technician member positions available for reappointment or appointment – Apply here by November 5, 2023  
• One public member position available for reappointment or appointment – Apply here by November 5, 2023  

Board members are appointed by Governor Tina Kotek and each Board member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. If you are interested in applying to serve on the Board, please visit the Board Member Opportunities webpage, review ORS 689.115, and apply through the governor's Boards and Commissions website.  

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy announced the next meeting of the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee and posted the meeting agenda.  Of interest is "Concept #1 – Immunizations" under "Committee Protocol Development". A link to the meeting agenda is provided below. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed HB 2725 (Chapter 509), legislation prohibiting PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to clerical error. It also prohibits PBMs from imposing fees on pharmacies after point of sale. It also requires a PBM, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to pharmacy of specific claim that is denied or reduced and detailed explanation for denial or reduction. This measure was effective upon passage. 

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority has posted new protocols for the following vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Influenza (IIV 2023-24 – Interim), and Influenza (LAIV 2023-24 – Interim). An interim protocol will be replaced with a final protocol once the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice) recommendations are published in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report). Also, the following protocols have been updated: HPV vaccines (9vHPV) and Meningococcal A, C, W, T and B. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy announced a rulemaking hearing on September 27 where it is proposing to adopt the following rules. Written comments may be submitted via email to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov by 4:30 p.m. on September 27.  

• Division 007 related to Compliance w/OHA COVID-19 rules 
• Divisions 019/041/043/044/139 related to Short-acting Opioid Antagonist  
• Division 045 related to USP <795> and USP <797> Standards Adopted by Reference  
• Division 115 related to Short-acting Opioid Antagonist 
• Divisions 115/125 related to RPH Applicability, Definitions, Counseling; COPT/PT Prohibited Practices 

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy adopted the following rules, effective March 1, 2024, at its August 2023 Board Meeting: 

• Division 102 related to Board Administration  
• Division 104 related to Universal Rules  
• Division 115 related to Pharmacists  
• Division 120 related to Interns and Preceptors  
• Division 125 related to Pharmacy Technicians  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed SB 608, requiring the Oregon Health Authority (Medicaid) to conduct a cost of dispensing study every three years and the first study is due January 2, 2024. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy announced a rulemaking hearing on July 26 and is proposing to adopt the following rules. The rulemaking hearing will be held virtually and begins at 9:30 a.m. If you plan to testify, please complete the sign-up form on the website. Written comments may be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on July 26 via email. 

• Division 080 related to Schedule I – Xylazine
• Division 102 related to Board Administration 
• Division 104 related to Universal Rules  
• Division 115 related to Pharmacists 
• Division 120 related to Interns and Preceptors
• Division 125 related to Pharmacy Technicians  

 Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy announced it will receive public comments on the following proposed compounding rules at the July 26 rulemaking hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. If you plan to testify or submit written comments, see the above section for guidance.  

• Divisions 041/043/183 related to Drug Compounding (Please note: the board does not intend to adopt these rules in August 2023; It is only seeking public comment.) 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the June 2023 Board Meeting:  

• Divisions 006/041/043/045/080/139/141 related to Standards Adopted by Reference *Effective 6/13/2023 
• Divisions 019/020 related to Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority *Effective 6/13/2023
• Continuation of Therapy including Emergency Refills of Insulin v. 6/2023 
• Travel Medications v. 6/2023 
• HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) v. 6/2023 
• HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) v. 6/2023  
• Contraception v. 6/2023 
• Divisions 019/041/043/045/080/139/141/143 related to Annual Self-Inspection Form Completion Date *Effective 8/1/2023 

Also in Oregon, the House passed the following bills this week: 

• HB 2725 (A-Engrossed), legislation prohibiting PBMs from retroactively denying or reducing payment on a claim after adjudication unless the pharmacy and the PBM agree that payment was incorrect due to a clerical error and requiring PBMs, if denying or reducing reimbursement on a claim, to provide notice to the pharmacy of the specific claim that is denied or reduced and an explanation for the denial or reduction. 
• HB 3013 (B-Engrossed), legislation requiring PBMs to be licensed by the Department of Consumer & Business Services, amending the definition of "pharmacy benefit manager", establishing a rate floor, permitting pharmacies to file a complaint with the Department of Consumer & Business Services, imposing new requirements to coverage of 340B drugs and various other provisions.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy posted an agenda for the Compounding Workgroup meeting scheduled to be held on June 20. See link below

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The June 7-9, 2023 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division (OHA-PHD) announced a public hearing via Zoom on OHA-PHD’s proposal for the use of funds from the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant on May 31 from 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The draft proposal will be posted at www.healthoregon.org/lhd prior to the meeting. Program contact is Sara Beaudrault.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.