The Department of Health is confirming the state's first measles case in 2025 in a Middle Tennessee resident. The likely source of the infection is being investigated. Subsequently, the Department of Health confirmed three additional cases of measles in Middle Tennessee, which is also being investigated by public health officials. 

Also in Tennessee, the Department of Commerce & Insurance added a new PBM Compliance Pharmacist position to serve as a pharmacy consultant and professional resource to the PBM Compliance Section. The position will be responsible for enforcement of current statutes and rules related to PBMs as well as assisting with compliance audits of PBMs, assisting with PBM complaint analysis and investigation and analysis of PBM Annual Reports. 

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

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) expires April 1. The Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) recently learned that the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) does not plan to renew this program beyond the April 1 deadline. Pharmacies are encouraged to use the Healthcare Ready fact sheets to learn how they can best assist their eligible patients while EPAP funding is still available.

Also in Tennessee, TennCare has enhanced reimbursement rates for its Diaper Benefit Program, creating new revenue opportunities for participating pharmacies. Effective February 15, maximum allowable cost (MAC) rates increased for diaper brands on the covered product list, and since February 28, pharmacies have been able to submit claims for private-label and “unlisted” diapers using a Generic Diaper UPC. Diaper program updates provide higher reimbursements, greater inventory flexibility and increased foot traffic for pharmacies statewide.

Finally in Tennessee, the Department of Health is urging clinicians to identify, isolate and inform people regarding suspected measles cases. Immediately report cases by phone at 615-741-7247. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there have been 222 cases of measles across 12 states during 2025 alone, including three identified outbreaks and one pediatric death.

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

The Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) recently posted a consent order with Express Scripts citing multiple violations of PBM laws and rules in the state, including improper payments regarding 277 claims, which adversely affected 40 pharmacies in the state. Express Scripts must pay a civil penalty of $250,000. 

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

CDC and Tennessee Department of Health has released a call for cases investigating reports of serious adverse events, including deaths, following receipt of injectable ceftriaxone. To date, events have not been associated with a sole product manufacturer or lot, and a definitive causal link to ceftriaxone has not been established. A public health investigation is underway to identify and characterize serious adverse events associated with ceftriaxone exposure. Please make reports to the HAI/AR Program at HAI.Health@tn.gov.

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

The Board of Pharmacy has released proposed rules regarding pharmacist-delegated technician authorities. NACDS has carefully reviewed these rules and shared our concerns with members. NACDS will submit feedback to the Board of Pharmacy by the February deadline. 

Also in Tennessee, the Belmont University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences will host a virtual conference on February 25 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm CST, focused on new FDA-approved drugs in 2024. Registration is required with a fee of $15 for pharmacists and $10 for other healthcare professionals, and participants must meet specific criteria to earn one hour of ACPE Pharmacy CE credit. Registration deadline is February 23. Register here!  

Finally in Tennessee, program updates to the TennCare Diaper Benefit Program are coming soon. Please watch the Division of TennCare Diaper benefit website and the OptumRx/TennCare website for information about an upcoming online seminar and added resources to assist pharmacies. Current TennCare pharmacy resources are also posted on the TennCare website. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy has released the proposed rules on pharmacist-delegated technician authorities. The Pharmacy Association wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed rules. A rulemaking hearing will take place on February 27^th.

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

TennCare released a document summarizing the temporary changes in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, aligning with Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) Executive Order No. 105. These changes aim to provide relief to victims of severe weather and flooding and will remain in effect until December 25, 2024.

Also in Tennessee, all pharmacies participating with TennCare and OptumRx are encouraged to contact their provider liaison for any processing issues or questions.

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

TennCare released a document summarizing the temporary changes effective September 27, 2024, in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, aligning with Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) Executive Order No. 105. These changes aim to provide relief to victims of severe weather and flooding and will remain in effect until December 25.

Also in Tennessee, TennCare has made numerous changes to the TennCare Pharmacy Program. Please visit the Optum landing page for these updates. For more information, contact OptumRx’s Pharmacy Support Center at 866-434-5520.

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

The Division of TennCare issued Provider_Notice_Contraceptives_11.05.24.pdf. Effective January 1, 2025, in response to the amended Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 23 (Public Chapter No. 732), TennCare and CoverKids members are eligible to receive up to a 12-month supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives (e.g., oral, topical and vaginal) in a single dispensing. A smaller quantity may be provided if requested by the member or if specified by the healthcare provider.

This legislation does not apply to contraceptives administered by a healthcare provider, such as intrauterine devices, implants and injectable contraceptives.

For TennCare members, please refer to the TennCare-PDL (Preferred Drug List) (optumrx.com) for a list of preferred contraceptives. Non-preferred contraceptives still require prior authorization (PA) approval before a single 12-month supply can be dispensed.

For CoverKids members, please refer to CoverKids Select Standard Formulary (optumrx.com) for a list of covered contraceptives.

All standard point-of-sale edits (e.g., quantity limits, refill too soon, duplicate therapy, etc.) associated with contraceptives will remain in place.

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