AHA Survey on 340B Closes Dec. 16
What’s happening: The American Hospital Association (AHA) is asking 340B Drug Pricing Program members to complete a brief survey by Dec. 16 to help it understand how alternative 340B rebate models would impact 340B member hospitals.
What else to know: Completing this 10-question survey will help AHA understand the financial, operational, and patient impacts that a rebate model — such as the one Johnson & Johnson sought to implement this year — would have on your hospital or health system.
DEA, HHS Extend Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities
What’s happening: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended existing waiver flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine through Dec. 31, 2025.
What else to know: This is the third extension.
Johnson & Johnson Halts Proposed 340B Rebate Model
What’s happening: Johnson & Johnson will stop its plan that would have required hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program to purchase Stelara and Xarelto at full price and apply for a rebate instead of receiving full discounts upfront.
What else to know: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) notified J&J it would be kicked out of the 340B Drug Pricing Program if it did not halt implementation.
California Board of Pharmacy Licenses Will Only Be Processed Online, Effective Jan. 1
What’s happening: Starting Jan. 1, 2025, California State Board of Pharmacy licenses eligible for renewal will be processed solely online.
What else to know: The Board of Pharmacy will no longer mail a paper renewal application for the following licensees: pharmacist, advance practice pharmacist, pharmacy technician, and other designated representatives.
Ask Reps. to Sign Letter Opposing 340B Program Changes
What’s happening: A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives is leading a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra about efforts by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to undermine the 340B Drug Discount Program.
What else to know: Hospital leaders should call or email their U.S. representative and urge them to sign on to the letter by Sept. 27.
HQI Releases CHPSO Annual Report
What’s happening: The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) has released its CHPSO Annual Report, an overview of the most significant work done on behalf of hospitals in 2023.
What else to know: HQI is dedicated to improving the quality and safety of patient care in hospitals and health care systems and oversees the Collaborative Health Care Patient Safety Organization (CHPSO). The focus of CHPSO is on improving patient safety and quality of care by collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on adverse events and near misses in health care.