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.

In accordance with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Insurance Rule 0780-01-95-.10(1)(b) and 0780-01-95-.10(2)(b), the deadline to submit an attestation of low-volume status and proof of actual prescription volume to your contracted PBMs is December 1, 2024. Volume status is based on your pharmacy’s actual prescription volume from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

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

According to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Rule 0780-01-95-.10(1)(b) and 0780-01-95-.10(2)(b), the deadline to submit an attestation of low-volume status and proof of actual prescription volume to your contracted PBMs is December 1, 2024. Volume status is based on your pharmacy's actual prescription volume from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.  

Also in Tennessee, the Tennessee Pharmacy Association (TPA) is hosting a Pharmacy Technician Conference on November 16 from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm. Pharmacy technicians are invited to register at one of four locations across Tennessee to advance their careers, earn continuing education (CE) credit (including pharmacy law and patient safety) and develop valuable connections. 

Finally, register for the TPA and the Tennessee Pharmacists Consortium for Education's (TPCE's) training program, the PBM Playbook: Mastering MAC Appeals in TN. The three-session training program will be presented by Tyler Dougherty, an esteemed expert in PBM reform and compliance. The sessions are on November 6, November 20 and December 4. Please register in advance.  

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

The Department of Health’s Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program (VPDIP) released “Recommendations for Vaccination After a Flood” addressing recommended vaccinations following flooding events. It includes updated vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, flu and COVID-19 as well as vaccines for cholera and typhoid.

Also in Tennessee, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee released its proposed 2025 essential and preferred formulary changes. Removals include Victoza, Humira, brand name Vyvanse and many more. The formulary changes also include new additions, tier modifications, quantity limit additions/removals and new prior authorizations.

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

Gov. Bill Lee (R) issued an executive order allowing pharmacist to dispense a 30-day supply of medication (excluding controlled substances) without prior authorization for victims of Hurricane Helene. This order remains in effect until November 10. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association has compiled a list of resources and ways to support the impacted communities as relief efforts continue. Recent Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Bulletin 24-03 also provides for one early or replacement prescription refill per medication; see last bullet on page 2.

Also in Tennessee, the Tennessee Pharmacy Association requests your participation in the TennCare Diaper Program Survey. The feedback will provide data that will be shared directly with TennCare pharmacy leadership addressing reimbursement rates, administrative fees, successes and difficulties that pharmacy professionals have experienced since the diaper program launch.

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