The March ForwardHealth Update pertaining to COVID-19 has been updated and can be found here

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

The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) has appointed Sarah Sorum, PharmD, as its new Chief Executive Officer.  Dr. Sorum has been with PSW since 2007 in various roles, including as its PSW Senior Vice President of Professional and Educational Services, before being named Interim CEO.  NACDS congratulates Dr. Sorum on her appointment and wishes PSW the best in its next chapter.

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

The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin reported the Pharmacy Examining Board has issued a variance to temporarily relax counseling and delivery requirements for pharmacies.   

Also in Wisconsin... Governors from Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio have formed a pact for coordinating the reopening of the Midwest regional economy. 

Also in Wisconsin… Gov. Evers (D) signed into law AB 1038, addressing prescription extensions, drug limits, and coverage of vaccinations in the SeniorCare program.

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

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.