Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed SB 95 into law on July 7. It was effective upon his signature. The law allows for pharmacist licensure by endorsement for 180 days to assist with the increased number of new prescriptions coming into stores due to pharmacy closures in the state. A provisional license application will be posted on the Board of Pharmacy's website soon. NACDS thanks the Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores (PACDS) for working with members to get this bill across the finish line remarkably quickly during a very challenging budget season. 

Also in Pennsylvania, the long-awaited Pharmacy Technician Registration Regulations were finalized and effective on June 27. 

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

The Department of Aging’s PACE pharmacy program released a bulletin updating its non-participating manufacturer list and another related to 340B billing.

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

It is our understanding that the Governor’s office is close to completing its review of the Pharmacy Technician Registration Final Regulation #16A-5433. We anticipate that if the Governor’s office sends the regulations back to IRRC (Independent Regulatory Review Commission) by April 14, IRRC can finalize them at its May 15 meeting. Following that, it would be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as final.

Also in Pennsylvania, the PACE Program issued a update regarding manufacturers who, effective April 14, will no longer have their products reimbursed by PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly).

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

The House Health Committee unanimously advanced HB 60, legislation that will bring the Commonwealth into compliance with federal law, allowing pharmacies to transfer Schedule II prescriptions electronically. The full House intends to pass it when they return to session the week of March 17. It will then go to the Senate for consideration. 

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

Link to News Release

As a result of the passage of Act 77, The Insurance Department (PID) announced a process for pharmacies to dispute a drug’s designation as a “specialty drug” by a PBM or insurer.  PID also published a non-binding, non-exclusive list of “specialty drugs,” as well as guidance on how a pharmacy can request a review of a specialty drug designation. This process will be available in 2025 for drugs covered by large group policies issued after October 15, 2024, and by individual and small group policies issued on or after January 1, 2026. Beginning in 2026, PID will also release two annual reports, a Network Adequacy Report is due by April, and a Transparency report will be available by July. These reports will provide critical data on manufacturer rebates and pharmacy reimbursement rates to help identify areas for further action or reform.

NACDS strongly encourages members to review both the proposed list and the complaint process and share your comments with Jill McCormack. We intend to work with PID to help you build and revise the list and to encourage the most efficient process for our members to dispute designations.

PBMs and pharmacies can find more information on Act 77, including a schedule that outlines the Act’s full implementation dates, visit PID’s website. To submit a complaint, contact the PID’s Consumer Services Bureau online or at 1-877-881-6388.

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

The Department of Health issued a buprenorphine guidance document, which focuses on reducing barriers to accessing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). The document includes a frequently asked questions section that addresses inquiries from prescribers and pharmacists about MOUD. It also offers insights on enforcement practices, buprenorphine prescribing, continuity of care and telehealth prescriptions. All questions can be directed to RA-DHRESOURCESERVICE@pa.gov.

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

The Senate has unanimously approved Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D) executive nomination to add James “Jim” Reed to the State Board of Pharmacy. Jim is the Pharmacy Regional Manager for Weis Markets and previously served in several pharmacy leadership roles for Walgreens.

Also in Pennsylvania, Medical Assistance has updated the domain name of the Provider Enrollment application web page.

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

The Department of Human Services published a bulletin to make providers aware of upcoming changes to its domain and URLs in the PROMISe payment system.

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the meeting agenda and remote access instructions for its July meeting.

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