The Health and Human Service Commission’s (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) extended the comment period for the annual prescriber survey for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to May 14. 

Also in Texas, the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) posted information for pharmacies on the following three topics:  

• Provider Portal training materials available 
• Pharmacy Education Information and Opportunities 
• Pharmacy Email Addresses Must Be Current in PEMS (Provider Enrollment and Management System) 

 Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) touted that according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Texas economy continues to grow faster than the nation as a whole. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the real gross domestic product (GDP) for Texas grew at an annual rate of 5.0%. Texas added 270,700 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024, the most in the nation. 

Also in Texas, House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) established the House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, a new committee chaired by State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R). At the April 29 hearing, several AI (Artificial Intelligence) experts presented an overview of what is and is not considered AI. Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding data privacy and the spread of disinformation. Testimony from law enforcement highlighted how AI was helping fight the proliferation of child pornography and human trafficking.  

Also in Texas, pharmacies and other stakeholders can request expedited formulary coverage, an expedited preferred drug list change or notify HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) about potential drug shortages impacting prescribing choice and pharmacy claim processing by using the Drug Shortage Notification and Expedited Formulary or Preferred Drug List Request (HHS Form 1315). 

Also in Texas, the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) posted the Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual to learn more information about the following topics: 

• 72-hour emergency overrides for prior authorization-required drugs 
• Medicaid managed care pharmacy claims billing information 
• Enrolling in the Medicaid Comprehensive Care Program 
• Enrolling as a durable medical equipment pharmacy provider 
• Eligibility verification tools 

Finally in Texas, the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) is offering free pharmacy continuing education courses available for credit: 

• The pharmacy continuing education course is accredited and includes requirements related to pharmacy enrollment, using the Preferred Drug List (PDL) and online formulary, obtaining prior authorization, and dispensing a 72-hour emergency supply of medication. 
• A five-minute Dispenser’s Guide to Texas Medicaid Outpatient Pharmacy Benefits quick course for pharmacy providers. 
• A five-minute Prescriber’s Guide to Texas Medicaid Outpatient Pharmacy Prior Authorization quick course for prescribing physicians. 
• A five-minute Texas Medicaid Mosquito Repellent Benefit quick course for pharmacy providers. 

Refer to the Outreach and Education Resources for links to downloadable materials.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) three-member Board held a hybrid meeting on April 9. Five of the largest state agencies on the Advisory Council (TIPAC) provided testimony, addressing issues such as prescription drug pricing, the potential for savings with a single PBM, specialty pharmacies drug pricing, the most expensive prescription drugs prescribed, drug shortages and rebates. HB 4990 passed during the 2023 Regular session requires TPI to present a plan for the legislature by October 1, 2024. The Board also has the authority to explore a distribution network and partnerships to launch a manufacturing facility for generic or biosimilar drugs. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recommended that the prescription drug importation program law aimed at providing lower cost prescriptions by importing them through Canada (HB 25-2023), also be addressed by TPI.  

Also in Texas, the Gainwell point-of-sale claims system, the VDP (Vendor Drug Program) Provider Portal and the VDP eCOI (Electronic Certification of Information) Portal are now active. 

• System status  
• Portal information  
• Call center information  

Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted proposed rules for prescription drug deliveries and non-sterile compounding in the March 22 Texas Register (see pages 1852-1863). Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Eamon D. Briggs, Deputy General Counsel, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 13.100, Austin, Texas 78701-1319, FAX (512) 305-8061. Comments must be received by 5:00 pm on April 30, 2024. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The next meeting of the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Board will be in Austin at 10:00 am on April 9. The meeting agenda includes instructions for webcasting. 

Also in Texas, Rep. Dr. Tom Oliverson (R) announced his candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House today for the 89th Session that convenes in January of 2025. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Prescription Monitoring Program’s (PMP) Advisory Committee is meeting remotely on March 28. The meeting materials and agenda will be posted, when available. 

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) provided an update to the Clinical Prior Authorization Assistance Chart, identifying which clinical prior authorization each MCO uses and whether the MCO uses all or some of the steps in the evaluation process. 

• Change in Preferred Drug List Status for “Immunosuppressives, Oral” Drug Class 
• VDP System Transition Information Available 
• Updated Payer Sheets Available 

Finally in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) selected Gainwell Technologies as the pharmacy benefit administrator for the Vendor Drug Program. Gainwell will continue to use the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) standard D.0 telecommunication standard format for pharmacy claim transactions beginning on March 30. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Texas was one of 15 states who held their primary election contest on Super Tuesday. The ballot included President, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House seats, Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals Justices, district attorney’s and sheriffs, all 150 Members of the Texas House of Representatives and 15 State Senate seats. The House races were dominated the headlines with border, school choice/vouchers, and the Articles of Impeachment that were brought by the Republican-controlled House against the sitting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Nine incumbents lost their seats, and nine incumbents are facing a primary runoff on May 28th.nIn fact, for the first time in more than 50 years, the Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan (R) has been forced into a runoff election. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) selected Gainwell Technologies as the pharmacy benefit administrator for the Texas Vendor Drug (VDP) Program. For pharmacies: 

• Pharmacy Payer Sheets Revised Feb. 26; For Use Beginning March 30 
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Transaction Standard 835 Companion Guide Now Available 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) adopted and proposed several new rules at the February quarterly meeting. 

Also in Texas, the TSBP publishes a monthly newsletter aimed at informing interested parties about law and rule changes and news relating to the practice of pharmacy in the state. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Committee Zoom meeting is scheduled for March 28. Additional information will be posted on the website as it becomes available. 

Also in Texas, the Health and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) provided information on two diabetes programs:  

• Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) is a program at The University of Texas in Houston that educates pregnant women and women with children about living a healthier lifestyle for them and their children. Moms participate in weekly cooking classes, exercise classes, support groups and a bag filled with fresh fruits and vegetables along with healthy recipes.  
• Texas Research-to-Policy Collaboration (TX RPC) project by the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living aims to improve the health of Texans by “using Texas research, data and resources to assist legislators in developing effective health policies”. TX RCP supports Texas legislators by providing state-level data and research on current health issues, and by establishing partnerships between researchers and state policymakers. 

 Finally in Texas, the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and administratively linked to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), will hold its next meeting on February 29 and posted its agenda.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a May 4 special election to serve the remainder of former Sen. John Whitmire’s (D) term.  

Also in Texas, the Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board held a meeting on February 9. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The quarterly public meeting of the Board of Pharmacy will be held on February 6, at the Barbara Jordan State Office Building, Room 2.013. The agenda and meeting materials are posted. Live live-stream information is available on the board’s website. Anyone wishing to address the Board regarding an agenda item during the public meeting must submit a Public Comment Request form by 5:00 pm on February 2. Oral comments will be limited to the agenda items.  

Also in Texas, Jill Dutton (R) won the January 30 special runoff election, by 107 votes out of more than 13,500 cast, to replace expelled Rep. Bryan Slaton (R) for House District 2. The victory is short-lived as she will face off against the same GOP candidate Brent Money in the March 5 Republican primary election.  

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) drafted a policy to apply a uniform 90-day supply of maintenance medications in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The HHSC received pushback from stakeholders expressing difficulty obtaining a 90-day supply of medication. You can submit comments by February 15 to the HHSC Vendor Drug Program (VDP) using the Draft Policy Comment Submission form. 

Also in Texas, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to notify the Board of a change of employment within ten days. This information can be found in Board rule §291.3 for pharmacists and Board rule §297.9 for pharmacy technicians.

Finally in Texas, HHSC’s VDP (Vendor Drug Program) posted a pharmacy education and opportunities page on its website so that pharmacies know what pharmacy items Medicaid pays for, which products require prior authorization and who to contact with questions about claim processing. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.