TPA Attends Value-Based Payment and Quality Improvement Advisory Committee Meeting

On August 7, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Value-Based Payment and Quality Improvement Advisory Committee, which included pharmacists Ben McNabb, Pharm.D., owner of Love Oak Pharmacy/Love Oak, LLC, and Joseph Ramon III, R.Ph., CEO of Health Care Unlimited, Inc. held its third meeting of the year. Among the key agenda items, the committee voted to approve its 2018 legislative recommendations and report to the Texas Legislature in advance of the 2019 session.

The recommendations included asking the Legislature to direct the HHSC to develop a comprehensive initiative to access federal funds for the purpose of building capacity to integrate clinical and health-risk data through electronic health records systems with Medicaid claims, pharmacy and other administrative data sets; additionally, for HHSC to develop strategies to sustain strong behavioral health programs, through initiatives that include behavioral health/primary care, evidenced-based community care, and crisis alternatives.

McNabb highlighted that there is already ongoing work to integrate pharmacists into playing a greater role in addressing behavioral health issues. One area includes allowing pharmacists to administer long-acting injectables to patients receiving behavioral health-related medications to improve adherence and provide better outcomes and care.

Click here to view a copy of the agenda and to watch a recording of the meeting.