NACDS praises enactment of PBM audit legislation in Vermont

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Legislation enacted in the state of Vermont, which establishes standards in the pharmacy audit process conducted by pharmacy benefit managers, has been applauded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

S. 200, signed into law by Vermont governor Peter Shumlin, establishes consistent standards for the auditing of pharmacy records and includes requiring two weeks written notice of an audit; requires auditing records be provided to the pharmacy; sets a 60-day deadline for the preliminary audit report following completion of an audit; and establishes a written appeals process. Similar legislation has been enacted in such states as Alabama and Minnesota.

"We thank Governor Shumlin for enacting this important pro-patient, pro-pharmacy legislation to curb practices used by some PBMs that jeopardize the role of community pharmacy in improving patient care and making healthcare delivery more efficient and cost-effective," NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said. "We thank the Vermont Association of Chain Drug Stores for their leadership in helping to ensure transparency in the PBM audit process."

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