The Department of Public Health (DPH) provided its weekly update on the state of the measles outbreak. The outbreak, which now has infected 789 people, sent some residents to the hospital. The state hopes to diminish complications by increasing MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccination coverage. The Department of Public Health has launched a new Measles dashboard. Please visit the homepage for measles updates from the Department of Public Health, which includes public exposure locations. 

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

Effective for dates of service on or after December 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is updating its billing policy for providers who purchase physician-administered drugs through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) 340B drug pricing program. The changes described in this bulletin only apply to services rendered to Healthy Connections Medicaid members in an outpatient setting who are enrolled in the fee-for-service Medicaid program. 

These policy updates will be published in the Physicians Services, Clinic Services, Hospital Services and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Services provider manual by December 1, 2025. 

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

The Board of Medical Examiners has approved revisions to the SC Protocol for Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists effective September 17. These changes follow recommendations from the Joint Pharmacist Administered Vaccines Committee on September 15.  

Key Update:  

Pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and eligible pharmacy technicians are now authorized to administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines without a licensed practitioner's order, provided administration follows recommendations from one of the following:  

• ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices)  

• AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)  

• AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) or  

• ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)  

Important Reminders:  

• Age restrictions still apply. As outlined in Appendix J, pharmacists may only administer FDA-approved or EUA COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 16 years of age and older, in accordance with guidelines from the groups above.  

• All pharmacies must have a printed copy of the most current protocol in the area where vaccines are administered.  

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

Gov. Henry McMaster (R) has issued an executive order prohibiting the use of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to purchase candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. The order directs the Department of Social Services to submit a waiver request to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to implement the policy. 

The executive order also provides specific definitions for candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages, while outlining certain exceptions. 

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

US Rep. Nancy Mace (R) announced her candidacy for governor this week at The Citadel, where she made history as the first female graduate. She enters a crowded Republican primary field that already includes US Rep. Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

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

The PEBA, the state agency responsible for the administration and management of the state’s retirement systems and employee insurance programs for the state’s public workforce, awarded the contract for pharmacy benefits management services to CVS Caremark. Beginning January 1, 2026, CVS Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the PBM for the State Health Plan. The initial contract term is two years with three one-year renewal options, for a maximum contract term of five years.

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

Effective for dates of service on or after August 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will require prior authorization (PA) for the physician-administered drugs in the document linked below to ensure use is consistent with the medication’s indication(s) and appropriate clinical guidelines. This change only applies to medications administered to Healthy Connections Medicaid members enrolled in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid program. 
 
The list of physician-administered drugs for which a PA is required when administered to a FFS Medicaid member is available in the Procedure Codes section of the Physicians Services Provider Manual on the SCDHHS website. The list in the manual will be updated with the additional physician-administered drugs requiring a PA beginning August 1. The list of additional drugs is available online. 
 
Requests for PA and questions should be submitted to Prime Therapeutics Management at https://gatewaypa.com or by calling 1-800-424-8219 between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday.

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

The Senate Subcommittee Hearing originally scheduled for May 7 has been rescheduled to May 28 at 10:00 am in the Gressette Building, Room 308. NACDS has submitted a support letter for this pivotal legislation for meaningful PBM reform.

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

The General Assembly has adjourned, with plans to reconvene in June to address appropriations bills, gubernatorial vetoes and legislation advancing from conference committees. All bills left on the calendar will carry over to the 2026 legislative session, including NACDS reimbursement reform and scope expansion.

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