Drug Shortages

Pharmacy and prescribing providers, managed care organizations, drug manufacturers, and other stakeholders may request expedited formulary coverage, an expedited preferred drug list change, or notify HHSC about potential drug shortages impacting prescribing choice and pharmacy claim processing by using the Drug Shortage Notification and Expedited Formulary or Preferred Drug List Request (HHS Form 1315).

HHSC encourages reporting drug shortages impacting multiple pharmacies and distributors, which will continue to adversely affect individuals enrolled in Medicaid if they are not resolved promptly. HHSC will update the formulary and preferred drug list in response to validated drug shortages. The process ensures notification of alternative recommendations to short supply, the timeline of the shortage, and the availability of the drug for use.

Requestors should provide as much of the following information on the form:

• Reason for reporting the backorder, allocation, recall, discontinuation, or short supply  
• Extent of shortage, if known
• Estimated length of issue timeline
• Product NDC change
• Formulary status request 
• Alternatives
• Published notices or resources (such as FDA, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, etc.)

Alternative recommendations should consider all available options to prevent additional demands leading to further shortages.