Texas

The Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) three-member Board held a hybrid meeting on April 9. Five of the largest state agencies on the Advisory Council (TIPAC) provided testimony, addressing issues such as prescription drug pricing, the potential for savings with a single PBM, specialty pharmacies drug pricing, the most expensive prescription drugs prescribed, drug shortages and rebates. HB 4990 passed during the 2023 Regular session requires TPI to present a plan for the legislature by October 1, 2024. The Board also has the authority to explore a distribution network and partnerships to launch a manufacturing facility for generic or biosimilar drugs. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recommended that the prescription drug importation program law aimed at providing lower cost prescriptions by importing them through Canada (HB 25-2023), also be addressed by TPI.  

Also in Texas, the Gainwell point-of-sale claims system, the VDP (Vendor Drug Program) Provider Portal and the VDP eCOI (Electronic Certification of Information) Portal are now active. 

• System status  
• Portal information  
• Call center information  

Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted proposed rules for prescription drug deliveries and non-sterile compounding in the March 22 Texas Register (see pages 1852-1863). Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Eamon D. Briggs, Deputy General Counsel, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 13.100, Austin, Texas 78701-1319, FAX (512) 305-8061. Comments must be received by 5:00 pm on April 30, 2024. 

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