South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is hosting two provider training sessions. This annual quality improvement training covers retroactive eligibility as it relates to prior authorization, service types, and submission guidelines for prior authorization and includes an overview of the Keystone Peer Review Organization (KEPRO) website and a provider portal. Learn more here.

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

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) issued guidance for Healthy Connections Medicaid providers on how to receive reimbursement through the new COVID19 Limited Benefit Program. Learn more in the Medicaid provider bulletin here.

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

Effective July 15, 2020, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will update the standard basis of payment for the FFS pharmacy benefit to provide payment at the lowest of:

• The actual acquisition cost (AAC) plus a professional dispensing fee (PDF) of $10.50;
• The state’s maximum allowable cost plus a PDF of $10.50; or,
• The usual and customary charges to the general public.

The AAC is defined as the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). In those instances where the NADAC does not exist, the AAC is defined as the wholesale acquisition cost. For more information, click here.

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

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced a temporary, updated provider payment schedule for #HealthyConnections Medicaid claims submission and payments to accommodate the Independence Day holiday. Key dates are included in the full alert, which is available here.

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

The SC Board of Pharmacy has issued the following guidance in regards to COVID testing by pharmacists in the state.

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

Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced that renewal deadlines for several professional licenses administered through the SC Dept of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) will be extended until September 30, 2020.  This includes licenses and permits issued by the SC Board of Pharmacy and further extends the previous deadline extensions provided in the Board Order issued March 23rd. 

Also in South Carolina... NACDS participated in a South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) webinar which updated Healthy Connections Medicaid providers on the agency’s response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During the webinar, SCDHHS leadership provided a brief overview of actions the agency has already taken to provide additional flexibilities to providers and Healthy Connections Medicaid members and discussed additional ongoing and planned efforts as well as addressed questions submitted by providers. A copy of the presentation can be found here.

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

The SC Board of Pharmacy and SC Board of Medical Examiners issued Joint Guidance regarding the prescribing and dispensing of Hydroxychloroquine, Chloroquine, and Azithromycin. Click here to view this order.

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

COVID-19 Updates from the SC Board of Pharmacy. 

• Order Expanding Certain Deadlines
  This Order expands various licensure and registration deadlines, including pharmacist, pharmacist technician, facility permits, CPR certification, and continuing education. 
• Order Providing Temporary Authorization for Use of Automated Pharmacy Pickup Kiosks
  This Order allows permittees to utilize automated pharmacy pickup kiosks without first appearing before the Practice and Technology Committee or Board. 
• Order Establishing Safe Harbor for Preparation of Pharmaceutical Products in Light of National GARB/PPE Shortage
  This Order establishes the safe harbor provisions for permittees facing a shortage of garb and/or PPE. 

For previous Board of Pharmacy Orders related to COVID-19 and additional information, click here. 

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