The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced an enrollment deadline of November 25 for Phase 1A Vaccinators. Those unable to complete the process by the deadline, but intending to vaccinate during Phase 1A, should email DHS by November 25.

Also in Wisconsin, DHS is holding weekly webinars for health care providers about the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Program. The webinars are Tuesdays, 9:00-9:30 am. Please email your questions ahead of time to dhscovidvaccinator@wi.gov.

Also in Wisconsin. The Pharmacy Examining Board reminds pharmacies that rules adopted on June 4, 2020, to amend Phar 7 become effective on January 1, 2021. Please see this adoption order.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program is now enrolling providers. By enrolling in the COVID-19 Vaccine program, vaccinators will be approved to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin once a safe and effective vaccine is made available. Enrollment is open to all providers that will vaccinate against COVID-19, including pharmacies. The Department of Health Services urges providers to register as soon as possible, especially if they plan to vaccinate priority populations such as health care workers, essential workers, or people 65+ years.  There is also a Frequently Asked Questions publication.

Also in Wisconsin. The Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program awarded a nearly $2 million grant to the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The ePDMP was developed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services and will be operated by the Controlled Substance Board. The funding will be used for infrastructure enhancements to increase security, user satisfaction, and adoption.

Also in Wisconsin. NACDS submitted comments in support of a proposed waiver that would include coverage of vaccinations in the SeniorCare program. Comments can be found here.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Governor’s Task Force on the Reducing Prescription Drug Prices, created per Gov. Tony Evers’ (D) Executive Order #39, issued its final report. Please recall NACDS submitted comments in August focusing on post-adjudication fees and drug importation. The primary recommendation from the Task Force is to advance 2019 AB 114/SB 100, PBM legislation introduced by the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin among whose provisions include prohibiting post-adjudication fees.

Also in Wisconsin. Forward Health issued a bulletin with reminders about how pharmacies should bill for providing vaccinations.

Also in Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services is proposing to add coverage of vaccinations to the SeniorCare program, which serves approximately 93,000 individuals monthly. Comments are being accepted through November 2, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

In response to the potential expiration of several pharmacy efficiency executive orders that are set to expire on October 29, 2020, NACDS submitted comments to the Pharmacy Examining Board (PEB) in advance of its October 22 meeting urging the PEB to make several business efficiency waivers permanent rather than letting them expire. NACDS’ letter to the PEB can be found here.

Also in Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services is proposing to amend its SeniorCare waiver to include coverage of certain vaccinations. NACDS will support the proposal and encourages member companies operating in Wisconsin to submit similar support by the DHS deadline of November 2, 2020.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

ForwardHealth issued an update that includes information about brand medically necessary drugs and brand before generic drugs effective October 1.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

It was recently announced that the regulatory changes made to the Pharmacy Practice Act (Phar 7) will be effective on January 1, 2021. The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) is offering its members Online CE opportunities about the implementation of these regulatory changes. Please contact PSW for more information.

Also in Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services announced a grant opportunity for community organizations to increase awareness about the flu and the importance of getting flu vaccines.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

A final rule of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Controlled Substances Board, amends the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) effective September 1. The rule requires drug dosage units and the partial fill indicator to be submitted to the program and clarifies that health care professionals may access PDMP reports for scientific research purposes if the patient is a direct patient and gave informed consent.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.