CMS issued an important delay and change to much anticipated short-cycle dispensing rules today. Specifically CMS has delayed this part of health reform implementation until 2013 (a one-year delay) and also expanded the maximum increment for dispensing Medicare Part D covered solid oral brand drugs to beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) from 7 days to 14 days.
This is an important change and delay that industry advocates have requested given concerns about new costs related to dispensing. However at this time CMS has not opted conduct a pilot study to assess the impact and effectiveness of short-cycle dispensing. CMS did however go forward with eliminating the requirement for returning unused drugs back to the pharmacy for ultimate disposition. CMS cited conflicts with existing state and federal regulations for hazardous waste and controlled drug disposal.
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