NACDS sponsored the Texas Federation of Drug Stores’ (TFDS) Legislative Champions reception and dinner in Austin last week, honoring State Sen. Pete Flores (R) and State Rep. Four Price (R), sponsors of the immunization bill that would have made PREP Act permanent, and State Rep Stephanie Klick (R), the House Public Health Committee Chair and sponsor of our Medicaid U&C (usual & customary) bill. 

Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy held a quarterly meeting on November 7. The new Executive Director/Secretary Danny Carroll Pharm.D., R.Ph., presided over his first Board meeting. 

Also, in Texas, before the third 30-day special session adjournment, the Legislature sent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) two pieces of legislation before adjourning the third Special Session on November 7. SB 4 by Sen. Pete Flores (R) addressed border security, and HB (House Bill) 7 by Rep. Jeff Leach (R) and Sen. Mayes Middleton (R) prohibits private employers from adopting policies that require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. The Governor is expected to sign both bills into law. 

Also in Texas, immediately after the end of the third special session. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a fourth special session on school choice and border security. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published an annual report on the Prescription Drug Rebate Program for health benefit programs administered by HHSC System: Texas Medicaid Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Kidney Health Care (KHC) Program, Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program and the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) Program. 

Also in Texas, Medicaid clarified the new policy implementing HB 916 passed earlier this year that amends Section 1369.102 of the Texas Insurance Code to require health benefit plans, including Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care, to follow certain quantity supply criteria for prescription contraceptive drugs. The Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care policy is effective January 1, 2024. 

Finally in Texas, the November 7 election results: 

• Texas voters approved 13 of the 14 constitutional amendments.
• State Sen. John Whitmire (D) and U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D) are headed to a December runoff in Houston’s mayoral race. 
• In Texas State House District 2, Jill Dutton (R) and Brent Money (R) advance to runoff for a House special election replacing expelled former state Rep. Bryan Slaton (R).  

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

The third special session ends November 7, so lawmakers only have a short window of time to move forward on the Governor’s priority legislation on school vouchers and funding, prohibiting private employer COVID mandates and border security. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has hinted at the possibility of a fourth special session if his school vouchers proposal does not pass.  

Also in Texas, HEB’s Austin Pharmacy and Wellness teams toured NACDS Texas lobbyists through two HEB facilities, educating our team on the operations and healthcare services provided to the local community. 

Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Raymond Charles Winter as Inspector General for Texas Health and Human Services, replacing Sylvia Hernandez Kauffman, who served for six years.  

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is hosting an Immunization Webinar on November 8. Topics include influenza programs, adult immunizations, current disease rates and strategies to improve immunization coverage. 

Finally in Texas, HHSC’s DSHS’ announced a $4 million dollar grant to help implement policies and programs to prevent the use of dangerous drugs like fentanyl. The agency will create new tools to analyze the causes and effects of drug poisoning and then use that information to develop science-based strategies to prevent drug use and poisonings. 

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

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called lawmakers back to Austin this week for a third 30-day special session to advance border security measures, address school choice/vouchers and education savings accounts and tackle private employer COVID vaccine mandates.  

Also in Texas, prior to the third special session, State Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar (R) announced a certification revenue estimate (CRE) for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 biennium projecting a Rainy-Day Fund balance of $23.77 billion. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid posted the September 2023 End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage Dashboard. 

Also in Texas, the next quarterly meeting of the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) is on November 7 in Austin. This will be the first meeting with the new Executive Director/Secretary Danny Carroll, PharmD. 

Also in Texas, NACDS submitted comments to the State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) on its strategic plan for fiscal years 2025-29, recommending statutory and regulatory changes to expand upon the temporary flexibilities under the federal PREP Act related to vaccinations and Test & Treat services. NACDS also urged TSBP to eliminate the ratio at a central fill Class A pharmacy and expand telepharmacy services beyond FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers). 

Finally in Texas, the Health, and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid announced several changes in Preferred Drug list status effective on October 16, 2023, needed because of the shortage of several preferred brand name medications. 

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

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a Proclamation convening a third special session on October 9 focused on public education funding, illegal immigration and private employer COVID vaccine mandates.

Also in Texas, the Health and Humans Services Commission’s (HHSC) September 2023 biannual specialty drug list is now available.

Also in Texas, the Legislature approved funding for the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) to offer statewide integration of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) in pharmacy management systems and NarxCare access at no cost to pharmacies beginning September 1, 2023.

Also in Texas, state Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is gearing up to participate in a town hall meeting on the enrollment process for the Medicaid Vendor Drug Program (VDP), including Medicaid managed care. All pharmacy providers must enroll or complete their revalidation enrollment with HHSC through the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). Register here.

Also in Texas, after two weeks of the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), on September 16, the Senate voted to acquit the Attorney General on all 16 impeachment articles. A total of 21 senators would have had to approve at least one article of impeachment for Attorney General Paxton to be convicted and removed from office.

Also in Texas, HEB pharmacist Doug Read, R.Ph., PharmD. was reappointed to serve a three- year term on the Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Committee, established under section 481.067 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

Also, the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) adopted several new rules at its August meeting.

Also in Texas, on September 22, the TSBP convened a special hybrid meeting to review and approve the search committee’s recommendations for a new Executive Director/Secretary, replacing Tim Tucker who was terminated by the Board last February. By unanimous vote, Board members offered the job to Daniel (Danny) Carroll, a Pharm.D. graduate from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy who is currently the Director of Pharmacy at Northwest Hills Surgical Hospital in Austin. Carroll accepted and will begin in mid-October.

Finally in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published a report on the End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage September 2023 Monthly Enrollment Report to CMS.

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

On September 1, 2023 more than 770 new laws passed by the legislature went into effect, including Senate Bill 29 that bans the state from enacting mask mandates, vaccine mandates or business and school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The law makes exceptions for certain entities, such as prisons, hospitals and assisted living centers or nursing homes.  

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where HEB pharmacist Jay Bueche was sworn in as president at the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Convention and Expo in Houston.  

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor drug program provided several updates of interest to pharmacies:  

• September 2023 draft specialty drug list is now available for public comment.  
• July 2023 Medicaid Preferred Drug List update which includes changes approved at the January and April 2023 Drug Utilization Review Board meetings.   
• Hepatitis C Treatment Resources Available for Medicaid Clients  
• Mosquito Repellent Pharmacy Benefits Available  
• Members Sought for the Drug Utilization Review Board (applications due September 15) 
• Pharmacy Education Information and Opportunities  
• Pharmacy Email Addresses Must Be Current in PEMS (Provider Enrollment and Management System)  

Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convened on September 5, and the trial is expected to last two-three weeks. In May, Paxton was impeached by the House of Representatives by a vote of 121-23 (61D & 60R) on 20 charges of misapplication of public resources, bribery, obstruction of justice, abuse of public trust and disregard or official duties. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) is presiding over the trial and the 31 State Senators are serving as the jurors. 

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

On September 1, 2023, more than 770 new laws passed by the legislature go into effect, including Senate Bill 29 that bans the state from enacting mask mandates, vaccine mandates or business and school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The law makes exceptions for certain entities, such as prisons, hospitals and assisted living centers or nursing homes. 

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where HEB pharmacist Jay Bueche was sworn in as president of at the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Convention and Expo in Houston. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor drug program provided several updates of interest to pharmacies: 

• September 2023 draft specialty drug list is now available for public comment. 
• July 2023 Medicaid Preferred Drug List update which includes changes approved at the January and April 2023 Drug Utilization Review Board meetings.  
• Hepatitis C Treatment Resources Available for Medicaid Clients 
• Mosquito Repellent Pharmacy Benefits Available 
• Members Sought for the Drug Utilization Review Board (applications due Sept. 15) 
• Pharmacy Education Information and Opportunities 
• Pharmacy Email Addresses Must Be Current in PEMS 

  Finally in Texas, the Senate impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) convenes on September 5th. 

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

The Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual (PPPM) was updated on August 1, 2023. The revised manual is a comprehensive resource for Medicaid pharmacy providers enrolled with the Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) on benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates. 

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Conference and Expo in Houston, where Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), the author of legislation would have made permanent in Texas law the expanded vaccination authority afforded to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the federal PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act, gave the keynote address. NACDS also sponsored the Passing of the Gavel ceremony where pharmacist Jay Bueche with HEB was sworn in as president of TPA. 

Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy’s monthly newsletter is available here. 

Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting was held on August 1. The next meeting is scheduled for November 7, election day. 

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

The 88th Regular Legislative Session adjourned sine die May 29. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) immediately called the first 30-day special session to address property tax cuts, which ended with no bills advancing to the Governor’s desk. The Governor called a second special session to address property tax cuts. Speaker Dade Phelan (R) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) finally reached an agreement on a property tax relief package, it passed and was signed by the Governor.  

Also in Texas, Gov. Abbott signed into law several bills of interest to pharmacies: 

• SB 2173 creates a voluntary prescription drug safe disposal pilot program to be developed by the Board of Pharmacy;  
• HB 1283, legislation that makes permanent the single statewide drug formulary and preferred drug list for Medicaid managed care organizations; and 
• HB 999, the copay accumulator bill requiring health plans and PBMs, not pharmacies, to apply any coupon or other reduction in out-of-pocket expenses made by or on behalf of an enrollee to the enrollee’s deductible copayment, cost sharing responsibility or out-of-pocket maximum applicable to prescription drug benefits. 

Also in Texas, with Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) still suspended from office as he awaits his September impeachment trial in the Senate, Gov. Abbott appointed Angela Colmenero as the new Interim Attorney General, replacing the short-term Interim Attorney General John Scott. 

Also in Texas, Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program provider manual is now on-line. TVFC IQIP providers are responsible for understanding program policies and requirements for 2022-2023 TVFC re-enrollment. The 2023-2024 Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC)/Adult Safety Net (ASN) Program re-enrollment will open in October 2023 and close November 2023. 

Finally in Texas, the agenda for the Drug Utilization Board July 21 meeting was posted.

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

The Senate impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is set to begin on September 5th. 

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