The Pharmacy Examining Board approved a request from the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin to allow pharmacists to practice in locations that are not licensed pharmacies.

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

The Department of Health Services has canceled its Opioid Forum scheduled for May 5-7, 2020.

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

Below is information taken from a recent Wisconsin ForwardHealth update in response to COVID-19:

• Effective March 20, 2020, Forward Health is allowing providers to override the overuse precaution (early refill or ER) prospective drug utilization review (DUR) alert for all drugs, except for controlled substances that are currently listed on the Drug Authorization and Policy Override Center Early Refill Drugs list.
• Providers are encouraged to dispense drugs in a three-month supply when possible, using the three-month supply drugs table.
• In emergency situations, pharmacy providers are able to dispense a 14-day emergency supply of a drug when a member receives a prescription for a covered drug with prior authorization restrictions. Drugs dispensed in emergency situations do not require prior authorization. Providers should review the Expedited Emergency Supply Request Drugs table for additional information.
• Providers and members are also encouraged to consider mail delivery services for prescription drugs. Wisconsin Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies are permitted to dispense and deliver prescription or over-the-counter medication to members via the mail when program requirements for coverage are met.

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

The ForwardHealth portal has been updated to include state and specialty pharmacy drug reimbursement rates effective March 1^st.

Also in Wisconsin… The Department of Health Services issued a report outlining geographic gaps in services to address the opioid epidemic, including areas not served by pharmacies providing naloxone under a standing order.

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

The Department of Health Services is seeking to expand coverage of opioid treatment services in underserved geographic areas of the state and for underserved populations. More information about the request for proposals can be found here.

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

The State Assembly passed AB 114 pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, key priority legislation for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin.

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

The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) is seeking technicians to serve as Board or Committee members for its new Technician Section Board.  As described by PSW, “The board and committee meet periodically to discuss technician advancement and provide a voice for the technician profession.”  Interested technicians can get involved here.

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

The Department of Health Services announced its third annual Opioid Forum will be held May 5-7, 2020, in the Wisconsin Dells.  For more information, including presentations from previous years, please visit the Opioid Forum web page.

Also in Wisconsin… The Department of Health Services will carve out coverage of most prescription outpatient drugs from the Family Care Partnership benefit effective January 1, 2020.  For more information, please see the ForwardHealth update.

Also in Wisconsin… Gov. Tony Everts (D) signed into law 2019 Wisconsin Act 24. The enacted legislation authorizes pharmacists to administer ACIP-recommended vaccines to individuals 6 years of age and older under their own independent authority and authorizes pharmacists to administer other vaccines pursuant to a prescription, vaccine protocol or standing order (including vaccines to children younger than 6 years of age pursuant to a prescription issued within 29 days of vaccine administration.)

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

Gov. Tony Everts (D) signed into law 2019 Wisconsin Act 24. The enacted legislation authorizes pharmacists to administer ACIP-recommended vaccines to individuals 6 years of age and older under their own independent authority and authorizes pharmacists to administer other vaccines pursuant to a prescription, vaccine protocol or standing order (including vaccines to children younger than 6 years of age pursuant to a prescription issued within 29 days of vaccine administration.)

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