California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
HB26-1336, legislation that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services for both Medicaid and commercial patients, passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and awaits a final vote by the Senate. The bill enables children 12 years of age and under to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. It also allows pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Also in Colorado, the Board of Pharmacy released Volume 18, Winter 2026 and Volume 19, Spring 2026 of its newsletter providing updates on regulatory developments and Board activities.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Connecticut
HB 5375 was passed by the Legislature this week and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont (D). The legislation, which has been an NACDS priority for the 2026 session, prohibits an insurance carrier from denying pharmacy reimbursement based solely on a provider’s license type for any “covered clinical service” that falls within a pharmacist’s scope and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement when performed by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Florida
The Department of Health announced a new licensure experience for health care practitioners on April 29.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas:
HB 2068, an omnibus bill incorporating key pharmacy-supported provisions from HB 2676, HB 2740, SB 322 and SB 431, passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly (D). The bill expands pharmacists’ prescribing authority under standard of care regulations and permits remote pharmacy services by pharmacy technicians.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Prescription Drug Advisory Board is soliciting comments on proposed revisions to COMAR 14.01.04 (cost study process). Written comments are due by 12:00 noon on May 8 to pdab.regs@maryland.gov. For more information, visit the Board’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
Last week, CMS approved the state’s application to direct a state-funded supplemental dispensing fee of $4.50 to pharmacies not owned by a PBM and located in HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) medically underserved areas. The $4.50 per prescription payments apply to Medicaid Managed Care prescriptions filled on or after July 1, 2025. The program is a result of a 2025 state budget provision NACDS helped develop as a safety net for pharmacies until cost-based reimbursement is implemented under the Single PBM model. NACDS will continue collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services while they develop the state’s application and disbursement procedures, with an eye on maximizing member participation. In addition, NACDS is supporting current legislation that would amend the law to continue the payments until the Single PBM delayed implementation date in 2028.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy’s next hybrid meeting is on June 3 and 4 in Las Vegas.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Carolina
Medicaid announced the NC Medicaid Pharmacy Benefits Administrator (PBA) system has successfully gone live. As you begin submitting POS claims, please note that the new PBA system strictly adheres to NCPDP requirements. Pharmacies are strongly encouraged to refer to the Payer Specification when submitting POS claims to ensure claims are billed correctly in alignment with NCPDP standards. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Prime Pharmacy Call Center at 844‑620‑6116.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The results of the primary election held May 5 are as follows:
- Republican Vivek Ramaswamy won the Gubernatorial by over 85% of the vote. He, along with his Lt. Gov running mate Rob McColley will face Democrat Amy Acton in the general election. Acton and her running mate, David Pepper, ran unopposed.
- Republican Keith Faber, current State Auditor and former President of the Ohio Senate, ran unopposed for Attorney General and will face Democratic nominee John Kulewicz in November.
- General Assembly incumbents all won their elections.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
NACDS posted an NACDS RxIMPACT action alert, urging Oklahomans to contact their State Representative and State Senator to override Gov. Kevin Stitt's (R) veto of critical PBM reform legislation, SB 2074, which sets a minimum reimbursement rate based on NADAC and requires a dispensing fee equal to or greater than the Medicaid fee-for-service rate.
Also in Oklahoma, NACDS sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a letter urging him to sign SB 401, a Food is Medicine bill that grants the Oklahoma Health Care Authority the authority to accept, receive and expend federal funds, grants, cooperative agreements or demonstration model funding awarded by CMS. This model will provide nutrition support services to eligible women who have a diet-related condition or a disease that may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy or birth complications. Nutrition services will include medically tailored home-delivered meals and may also include nutritional counseling, although recipients are not required to undergo counseling to receive the meals.
Also in Oklahoma, NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Stitt, urging him to sign three additional PBM reform bills: SB 1500, SB 1447 and SB 2007. Collectively, these measures aim to address persistent issues related to PBM marketplace manipulation and ensure Oklahomans continue to have reliable, convenient access to their trusted community pharmacies.
Finally in Oklahoma, NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Stitt, urging him to sign SB 1565, legislation that will strengthen maternal healthcare and nutrition services for Medicaid beneficiaries through participation in the federal Transforming Maternal Health Model.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the May 20 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The Department of Human Services (DHS)issued a bulletin regarding the implementation of the Qualitrac® provider portal for prior authorization and program exception submissions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) issued Medicaid Bulletin (MB #26-013), reminding all enrolled Medicaid providers of the importance of safeguarding provider identifiers, login credentials and all information associated with Medicaid enrollment. Unauthorized access to provider information can result in fraudulent billing, inappropriate account changes and potential program integrity concerns.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Please review TennCare’s recent updates to the Preferred Drug List (PDL), including changes to prior authorization (PA) criteria and quality limits that were effective May 1. These updates may affect medication coverage, utilization management and prescribing processes across several therapeutic areas for patients with TennCare coverage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Connecticut
HB 5044, a bill to delink pharmacist immunization administration authority and coverage from ACIP, was passed by the Legislature late last week and was signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont (D) on April 27. The legislation has been a priority for NACDS and the American Disease Prevention Coalition for the 2026 legislative session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy announced that the Uniform MPJE™ (UMPJE™) will be implemented June 1, 2026. This change affects the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination required for pharmacy licensure in Florida.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
Effective April 1, the Board of Pharmacy requires passage of the uniform version of the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® (MPJE®) as a condition for pharmacist licensure and will no longer offer or require the Iowa MPJE for all licensure applicants. For additional information regarding the new Uniform MPJE™ (UMPJE) application process, visit the Examination section of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website.
The Board of Pharmacy elected to be an "Early Adopter" of the UMPJE. Beginning April 1, students at Iowa Colleges of Pharmacy who are expected to graduate in 2026 may sit for the UMPJE. NABP began accepting applications for the UMPJE on March 13. Clear communication was sent to the schools and candidates about the application process for this cohort's early UMPJE administration.
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy published the public meeting notice for its May 5-6 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
The 2026 Short Legislative Session officially began on April 21. Lawmakers started introducing bills that comply with short-session rules, including measures with budget impacts, local legislation and proposals based on recommendations from interim study committees.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking public feedback on proposed Pharmacy Prescription Locker (PPL) rules.
Please review each proposed rule and provide feedback in the comment boxes below each rule. The Board suggests reviewing questions #1 through #9 first and then going back to question #1 to provide your feedback.
The survey is available online. Please complete and submit your survey response by May 15.
The Board anticipates reviewing the public feedback received as well as the proposed rules during the June 11-12 Board Meeting.
Please note that these proposed rules are not currently in rulemaking, the Board is seeking public feedback at this time. Comments are not confidential and are subject to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192).
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) published the "Oregon PDAB Quarterly" newsletter, Issue 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
The Medicaid Program is offering an optional webinar on May 14 from 12:00 noon–1:00 pm (ET) to provide Medicaid providers with a clear overview of federal Medicaid updates outlined in HR 1 and what those changes mean for the state. The session will outline key policy revisions, implementation timelines and operational planning to help providers stay aligned and communicate effectively with patients. This session is designed for all providers participating in Medicaid. Staying informed about these updates is essential for supporting the individuals and families in the program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy (FAIR Rx) Act SB 2040 / HB 1959 passed both chambers of the General Assembly, receiving approval in the Senate by a 24–9 vote and in the House by an 86–7 vote. During Senate floor consideration, lawmakers adopted an amendment delaying the bill's implementation date to July 1, 2028. As a reminder, once the legislation reaches the Governor's desk, he has 10 calendar days (excluding Sundays) to sign it into law, veto it or allow it to take effect without his signature. The exact timing for when that review period begins remains uncertain, as the final week of session typically involves a high volume of bills moving through the necessary procedural steps before being delivered to the Governor. The Governor is aware of the broad support behind this legislation, including strong backing from stakeholders and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association submitted a letter to the Governor, which was co-signed by 16 additional pharmacy organizations, including NACDS, urging him to sign SB 2040/HB 1959 into law.
Also in Tennessee, TennCare received legislative authorization to continue operating the Diaper Benefit Pilot through June 30, 2027, and intends to fully operate the program for the duration of available funding. Since launching in August 2024, participating pharmacies have helped serve more than 100,000 children dispensing nearly 22 million diapers. TennCare thanked pharmacy partners for their critical role and will provide future guidance as the program approaches its planned wind-down. If your pharmacy still wants to participate, visit here for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Vermont
The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) notified Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies that on April 29 Surescripts connectivity was re-established. DVHA indicated that providers who use electronic prescribing once again have access to Vermont Medicaid data to assist them in managing prescriptions for Medicaid members more efficiently.
Information that DVHA made available through prescribers' electronic health record software vendors includes:
- Member's outpatient pharmacy claims history
- Member's Medicaid eligibility/enrollment status
- The preferred status of prescribed drugs on the Medicaid Preferred Drug list
- Indication of a prior authorization requirement for a prescribed drug
Additional questions may be directed, via email, to VTOps@Optum.com
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon (R-WY) signed Executive Order 2026-02 regarding the federal summer nutritional program called SUN Bucks, announcing the state has been able to pull together the resources needed to ensure low income children will receive much needed meals throughout the summer months across the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.