OptumRx has recently announced that it is easing its prior authorization (PA) requirements on about 80 drugs for renewed prescriptions. The program is planned to start on May 1, 2025 and will include various drugs such as Aimovig, Kalydeco, and
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Upcoming presentation on the impact of the IRA on the pharmacies
I will be speaking at the upcoming American Health Law Association, Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues on the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on healthcare providers, specifically pharmacies. Overview of the presentation:
On August 16,
(Very) Short overview of the ASPL conference: Focus on Controlled Substances
Natalia Mazina, Emily Do, Eman Kirolos
This year’s American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL) conference was as always full of opportunities to connect with pharmacy leaders, superb lawyers, and government representatives. The lineup of presentations featured a range of topics
Governor Newsom denied a bill aimed at increasing transparency of the PBM market
Our April 29th post discussed the introduction of SB 966 that would have required PBMs doing business in California to be licensed and regulated. The Bill had passed all relevant committees and landed on the Governor’s desk in September of
A wave of extensive Medi-Cal audits overwhelms California pharmacies
On July 26, 2024, the California Department of Healthcare Services (“DHCS”) – which administers California’s Medicaid program – sent Notices of Medi-Cal Desk-Audit (“Audit”) to numerous California pharmacies. It appears that pharmacies that bill expensive specialty medications to Medi-Cal are
Next Webinar: Compliance with the Controlled Substances Act and Highlights from DEA audits of Hospital Pharmacies
I am very excited to announce that Mazina Law has partnered with The California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) to offer exclusive benefits for the members of the CSHP. I have previously heard a lot of praise to the CSHP’s
FDA postpones compliance with DSCSA for small dispensers. What does it mean for pharmacies?
Last week, many pharmacy and healthcare industry organizations sent announcements that FDA granted a two-year exemption to small dispenses for complying with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (“DSCSA”). However, many pharmacies still have questions whether the exemption applies to
The second-largest criminal fine – $1.53 billion – levied against a pharmaceutical company
If you are following opioid litigation across the nation, you probably wouldn’t be surprised by another billion dollar settlement. But this latest case against Endo Health Solutions Inc. (Endo) is different. It is a criminal fine (not a settlement) with
Updates on California’s proposed PBM bill
Earlier this year, California Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 966 that would require PBMs doing business in California to be licensed and regulated. The objective is to curb PBMs anticompetitive practices contributing to rising drug costs. The press
You are invited to DIR reform update
K&B Pharmacy group is hosting a DIR reform discussion featuring insightful speakers and guests. If your pharmacy is located in Northern California, we would love to see you and discuss the current state of pharmacy affaires. For more information please