HB 519, legislation addressing the 340B drug discount program, passed the House and was introduced in the Senate.  This bill would prohibit a pharmaceutical manufacturer from restricting, prohibiting or otherwise interfering with a 340B entity’s ability to acquire a 340B drug or participate in the 340B drug discount program. 

Also in Utah, HB 257, legislation related to health insurance pharmacy benefits, passed the House and was introduced in the Senate.  This bill would require a health benefit plan to ensure pharmaceutical rebates are used for certain purposes to benefit enrollees and require a PBM offers certain options to self-funded health benefit plans that (1) comply with provisions of Subsections 31A-22-643(4) and (5), collectively and individually; and (2) do not include spread pricing. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy published its February 2025 newsletter, including a reminder of the importance of required self-audits during inspections by the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and an update on compounding operating standards

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy posted its May 2024 newsletter. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

On March 13, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed SB 207, legislation that prohibits the use of extrapolation in pharmacy audits among various other provisions to update the Pharmacy Practice Act. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Effective February 25, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services adopted a rule implementing immunization requirements of Title 53G, Chapter 9. Part 3 Immunization Requirements. It establishes minimum immunization requirements for attendance at a public, private, elementary, or secondary school through grade 12, nursery school or kindergarten, licensed day care center, childcare facility, family home care or Head Start program in this state. Of note, pharmacists are among the licensed health care providers who may verify the administration of vaccines on any immunization record. (Utah State Bulletin 2024-03-01, p.92)

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

HB 132 (3rd Substitute), permitting pharmacists or pharmacy interns to engage in therapeutic substitution pursuant to a request or consent by a patient, passed the Senate and is eligible to be sent to Gov. Spencer Cox (R).

Also in Utah, HB 425 (1st Substitute), legislation related to PBM and health insurance reforms, passed the House Business and Labor Committee. The bill includes provisions related to pharmacy network requirements for health benefit plans, modified requirements for pharmacy audits and pharmaceutical manufacturer rebates applied at the point of sale.  

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the February 2024 newsletter with the following items: 

• Required Electronic CS [Controlled Substances] Prescriptions 
• What You Need to Know About the Pharmacy Technician Trainee License 
• Reminder: Common Violations with Utah Pharmacy Inspections 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Department of Health & Human Services released the results of its recent survey of the average cost of dispensing a Medicaid prescription in the state. The mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid prescription volume, was $11.57 per prescription for all pharmacies including specialty pharmacies. For non-specialty pharmacies only, the mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid prescription volume, was $11.24 per prescription.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Department of Health & Human Services released the results of its recent survey of the average cost of dispensing a Medicaid prescription in the state. The mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid prescription volume, was $11.57 per prescription for all pharmacies including specialty pharmacies. For non-specialty pharmacies only, the mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid prescription volume, was $11.24 per prescription.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.