DHCS Delays Implementation of Medi-Cal Rx Until April 1
Given the ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has decided to delay the full implementation of Medi-Cal Rx until April 1, 2021.
DHCS Posts Medi-Cal Rx Prescriber and Pharmacy Training Registration
In advance of the transition of pharmacy services to Medi-Cal Rx starting on Jan. 1, 2021, the Department of Health Care Services recently launched a training registration application on the Medi-Cal Rx portal for Medi-Cal prescribers and pharmacies.
Urge Representatives to Sign ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter on 340B Drugs
Hospitals participating in the 340B program are being urged to ask their representatives to sign an important Dear Colleague letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in response to recent actions taken by several drug companies to limit the distribution of certain 340B drugs to hospitals and health systems.
DHCS Issues Self-Audit Demand of 340B Providers
Last month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) sent a letter to every 340B provider/covered entity (hospitals, clinics, and contracted pharmacies) demanding they conduct a self-audit of paid fee-for-service (FFS) claims data from Dec. 1, 2016, through Dec. 31, 2019. The stated purpose of the self-audit is to ensure the provider billed appropriately in the FFS delivery system at the actual acquisition cost and to disclose any overpayment.
Appeals Court Upholds Payment Cut for 340B Hospitals
On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned a 2018 district court decision that found the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) exceeded its statutory authority when it reduced 2018 and 2019 Medicare payment rates for many hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program by nearly 30%.
HRSA Updates Guidance on COVID-19-Related 340B Hospital Outpatient Sites
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has updated its COVID-19 FAQ for 340B hospitals registering outpatient sites. The guidance now allows 340B hospitals to register outpatient sites and facilities before they appear on the hospital’s most recently filed Medicare cost report.
CMS Launches 340B Survey
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is moving forward with its survey of hospitals that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program in order to collect actual acquisition costs for specified covered outpatient drugs (SCODs). All 340B hospitals must submit acquisition cost data during the survey response period that runs from April 24 to May 15.
USP Panel Remands Revised Compounding Standards for Further Review
Last week, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) appeals panel remanded the revised USP General Chapter standards 795 for nonsterile compounding and 797 for sterile compounding to an expert committee “for further engagement on the issues raised concerning the beyond-use date provisions.”
DHCS Seeking Federal Approval for No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccines for Medi-Cal Beneficiaries
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Board of Pharmacy Updates Guidance for Compounding Drug Preparations
The California Board of Pharmacy released an informational statement this week intended to give compounding pharmacies some direction in light of the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) revised and new chapters, which have been delayed.