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.

Broad reform legislation regulating PBMs, 2SSB 5213, that was supported by the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington State Pharmacy Association, and pharmacies, which would have prohibited requiring the use of mail-order pharmacies except for specialty drugs, reimbursing pharmacies below costs and excluding pharmacies from the network, died on the Senate floor on March 8.

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

NACDS sponsored the Washington State Pharmacy Association’s successful Pharmacy Days at the Capitol on January 25 and February 13. More than 120 students and pharmacists participated in 60 appointments with legislators advocating for PBM reform and, in general, for the profession of pharmacy, promoting convenient access to healthcare services. Pharmacist James Lin from Kroger-QFC met with Sen. Javier Valdez (D).

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