Six years of litigation challenging the state’s below cost dispensing fees resulted in a stunning settlement agreement with an unprecedented windfall for Washington State pharmacies. In exchange for dismissal of our state lawsuit challenging Washington State’s failure to adopt cost-based dispensing fees in April 2017 as required by federal law, the three pharmacy groups, NACDS, NCPA and the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) secured a commitment from Washington State to conduct its belated cost of dispensing study, the results of which are expected to update Washington State’s illegally inadequate dispensing fees ranging from $4.24-$5.25. Additionally, as a part of the settlement, the state will make over $60 million in retroactive payments to fee-for-service pharmacies that have been victim of Washington’s unlawfully low dispensing fees.

Also in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) created a new rule, implementing the optional unexpired prescription drug donation program law.

Finally in Washington, in an effort to improve patient outcomes and better contain healthcare costs, the state Health Care Authority (HCA) is embracing Value Based Care (VBC) quality performance measures within the Medicaid managed care contracts. HCA is working with Comagine Health to conduct annual reviews of the current performance measures and their results. Beginning in 2024, HCA will move toward outcomes-based measures, rather than continuing to use process of care measures.

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

The Department of Health Pharmacy Commission held a Board meeting on August 24 and 25. 

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

The Department of Health Pharmacy Commission held a Board meeting on August 24 and 25. 

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

The State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) renewed the Section 1115 Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) waiver for five years effective July 1, 2023. 

Also in Washington, the third quarter Preferred Drug List (PDL) has been posted.

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

The Department of Health (DoH) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) are hosting a webinar on July 18th for pharmacy staff to discuss barriers in prescribing and dispensing contraception. 

Also in Washington, starting on July 1st, the HCA will be publishing quarterly updates to the Apple Health billing guides and fee schedules. 

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

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) held a workshop on June 15 to review stakeholder comments on PQAC prepared draft rules on the accessible labeling issue.

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

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission’s (PQAC) accessible labeling rules workshop is scheduled for June 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. PDT. PQAC prepared draft rules for review and feedback prior to the meeting. Written comments should be submitted to PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov no later than close of business on June 12. Verbal comments will be accepted at the rules workshop.

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

The legislature adjourned on April 23 after failing to approve a controversial bill setting drug possession penalties. This week, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that he will be calling a special session on May 16 to pass legislation on drug possession and reform.

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

The legislature adjourned on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

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