Alaska
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For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agendas for the following committee meetings:
- Communications & Public Education Committee Meeting – June 10
- Enforcement & Compounding Committee Meeting – June 10
- Legislation & Regulation Committee – June 11
- Licensing Committee Meeting – June 11
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy published the May 2026 issue of "The Script".
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
On June 2, Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed HB 26-1336, legislation supported by NACDS, that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services. The bill enables children aged 12 years and older to receive test-and-treat services directly at pharmacies. Additionally, it permits pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a pharmacist, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Also in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) posted new information on the federal-level implementation of H.R. 1 because members and providers will be affected by these changes. HCPF updated the FAQs for stakeholders and for members, and created a work requirements screening tool. Also available are overview pages about H.R. 1 on both the Health First Colorado site and the HCPF site.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy scheduled a Board Meeting for June 11 at 8:30 am EDT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Board of Pharmacy posted information related to prescriptive authority for chiropractors holding a clinical nutrition certificate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a Provider Notice RE: Rybelsus Tablets to Ozempic Tablets. This change will apply to both the fee-for-service (FFS) program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) plans. There are no changes to Ozempic injections.
Novo Nordisk informed the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) that it will discontinue all strengths of Rybelsus tablets, requiring patients to be transitioned to Ozempic tablets. Beginning in May 2026, shipments of Rybelsus tablets to wholesalers will cease, with existing inventory expected to become limited starting in July 2026.
Please see notice for details. Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
The legislature adjourned sine die on June 1.
Also in Louisiana, the Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee updated the Preferred Drug List (PDL) that will take effect July 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services released Bulletin MMP 26-20 announcing that Medicaid and other public programs will reimburse pharmacists for immunizations, lab testing, antiviral treatments and counseling and prescribing of hormonal contraceptives, effective July 1, contingent upon CMS approval. It also outlines the provider enrollment process.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed the following member priority bills into law:
- SF 4612 – Sets pharmacy reimbursement for Medicaid managed care prescriptions at NADAC+ $11.55 beginning January 1, 2027, until implementation of the Single PBM model is complete
- HF 3825 – Permits pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense and administer drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder (See lines 89.29, 94.18 and 96.3)
Also in Minnesota, the Department of Human Services contracted with Prime Therapeutics to serve as the single pharmacy benefits manager (SPBM) to administer the Medicaid managed care outpatient pharmacy benefit. The SPBM model, a result of 2025 legislation that NACDS was instrumental in advancing, is scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2028.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) renewed the naloxone standing order with a June 2, 2027, expiration date.
Also in Missouri, effective June 1, MOHealthNet no longer offers manual overrides for pharmacy claims rejected due to missing or incorrectly formatted ICD-10 diagnosis codes under the Diagnosis Code Required Policy Edit, as found in the Pharmacy Clinical Edits and Preferred Drug Lists. Claims for agents included in the Diagnosis Code Required Policy Edit must include a valid, billable ICD-10 code to be processed successfully.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins signed the state’s waiver to ban soft drinks, junk food and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Copies of both the waiver request and governor’s letter are available to provide details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services issued Provider Bulletin 26-05 to clarify Medicaid coverage of prescribed "exempt" infant formula.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the draft minutes from the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board's May 12 meeting. The next meeting will be held on August 18.
Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the first issuance of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits. Summer EBT is available to families with eligible school-age children to help them buy groceries during the summer months. To align with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda or energy drinks, beginning this year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
NACDS, the Retail Association of Nevada and our chain members applauded Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) for directing the Board of Pharmacy to permanently withdraw the proposed staffing rules from the June 4 hearing agenda. The Governor made this decision after reviewing an independent analysis commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Applied Analytics, a well-respected Nevada-based consulting group and the Governor’s pollster. The analysis revealed that complying with the proposed rules would require hiring an unprecedented number of pharmacists statewide—far beyond the available labor supply. Furthermore, it conservatively estimated that compliance could cost retail pharmacies an additional $39.3 million in wages, threatening the sustainability of pharmacy services given Nevada providers’ already narrow operating margins.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Dakota
The 2026 North Dakota Immunization Conference will take place in Bismarck on June 23–24. This year’s conference features timely and impactful keynote presentations focused on strengthening immunization efforts and supporting healthcare professionals. The conference offers valuable education, practical strategies and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals from across the state. Attendees have the option to choose in person or online when registering. Early bird pricing ends on May 31.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the June 10-12 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the June 17 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.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth announced a leadership change at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Imelda Garcia, MPH, the current chief deputy commissioner at DSHS, will become the interim commissioner. Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, who has led DSHS since September 2022, was recruited by the Trump Administration to serve as the new Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy provided a summary of adopted and proposed rules from the May 5 board meeting.
Also in Texas, the House Public Health Committee convened a hearing on June 4 to address several interim charges. Topics included the implementation and rulemaking of legislation passed in 2025 related to rural health care (HB 18) and health and nutrition standards (HB 25). Members received updates on the progress of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The committee also heard testimony regarding telehealth, with a focus on evaluating virtual care models and their effects on access, cost, quality and patient outcomes. Finally, the committee was briefed on Texas's current and projected healthcare workforce shortages.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) add all recommended adult vaccines to the Medicaid formulary as a payable pharmacy benefit beginning June 1. While adult vaccines were previously only covered under the Medicaid medical benefit, this rollout allows Medicaid to reimburse pharmacies for both the vaccine ingredient and administration costs for adults ages 19 years and older. To administer vaccines through the pharmacy benefit, a pharmacy must have an executed a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed provider serving as a standing order. If there is no CPA, the pharmacy must obtain a patient-specific prescription from the treating clinician before administering the vaccine.
Also in Texas, the revised VDP Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual, including information about benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates, is now available.
Also in Texas, the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative released its revised business plan that was submitted to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on June 1.
Finally in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Jay Bueche to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Governing Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Board is tasked with developing a business plan to provide cost effective drugs and other medical supplies for the public employee sector.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
NACDS learned that the Department of Medicaid Services moved up the release of the RFP for the Single PBM program to fall 2026, signaling a strong commitment from the Spanberger Administration to bring financial relief to pharmacies.
Also in Virginia, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed HB 483 and SB 271, companion bills that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). In her veto statement, the Governor reasoned that similar entities in other states have not worked to lower the price of prescription drugs and that she proudly signed other bills to help reduce healthcare costs, including SB 669, which will hold PBMs accountable by requiring health insurance carriers to offer transparent plan options.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The State Health Care Authority hosted a webinar on June 4 to educate providers about the implications of H.R. 1 changes to Apple Health (Medicaid) eligibility for refugees, asylees and other non-citizen adults.
Also in Washington, effective April 1, all prescribing providers must be enrolled with ProviderOne as an Apple Health provider. This includes any pharmacists who administer vaccines or prescribe products within their scope of practice. While this requirement has been in effect for the fee-for-service program since 2014, starting in April this will also apply to managed care organizations (MCOs).
Also in Washington, the Department of Health (DOH) launched a new Vaccine Recommendations webpage, providing current state immunization recommendations and related guidance for health care providers and local health jurisdictions.
Also in Washington, following the completion of its accessible labeling rulemaking in January 2025, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission developed a signage template, per WAC 246-945-029, for dispensing practitioners and dispensing facilities to inform patients of the availability of interpretation and translation services. This template can be displayed to meet the signage requirement in WAC 246-945-029(3) or printed out and provided to the patient to meet the notification requirement in WAC 246-945-029(4). The template is now available through the commission's Policies, Procedures and Guidelines webpage.
Finally in Washington, the Department of Health's Community Health Worker Community of Practice (CHW COP) is hosting a webinar on June 23, focusing on partnering with pharmacies by highlighting the role of Community Health Workers in supporting access to medications, preventive services and coordinated care within the community.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
It is time to renew your professional license for the next biennial period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. A license will lapse after June 30, 2026, and it is illegal to work without a valid and active license. There is no grace period; lapsed licenses require reinstatement. Any incomplete renewal applications received will be granted a one-time extension to September 30, 2026, if received by June 30, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Georgia
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed HB 382. Effective July 1, the bill states that any pharmacy technician performing pharmacy technician functions from a remote location outside a pharmacy shall not be counted toward the pharmacist to pharmacy technician supervisory ratio. Also, the bill repeals requirements for certified technicians in the calculation of the ratio. A pharmacist may be assisted by and directly supervise pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs. However, the total number of such persons under the direct supervision of one pharmacist shall not exceed six persons, in any combination.
Also in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) also signed HB 1138. The bill, effective January 1, 2027, permits pharmacists in certain circumstances to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives or long-acting injectable hormonal contraceptives to patients 18 years and older. This measure requires insurers that cover prescription drugs on an outpatient basis to cover any prescribed drug or device that is FDA-approved for use as a contraceptive.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Minnesota
The Department of Health and Human Services published a bulletin outlining the requirements and procedures for eligible outpatient pharmacies to apply to receive a "directed payment" of $4.50 per managed care prescription filled. Pharmacies must complete the Directed Pharmacy Dispensing Payment Assurance Statement (DHS-8750) (PDF) and fax to 651-431-7462 by July 24, 2026, per Minnesota Statutes, 256B.69, subdivision 6i. MCOs will begin making payments to pharmacies as early as August 2026. The program, recently approved by CMS, is a result of legislation NACDS helped pass in 2025 to increase patient access to pharmacy services in rural and underserved areas.
Pharmacies must be enrolled with an MCO that contracts with the Department of Human Services. Refer to the MCO contacts for MHCP providers webpage for a list of MCOs.
Also in Minnesota, as the General Assembly wrapped up the 2026 Legislative Session last week, they sent the following NACDS priority bills to the Governor for enactment:
- SF 4612 Establishes a reimbursement floor of NADAC + $11.55, effective January 1, 2027, for all Medicaid managed care prescriptions. The rate is intended to serve as a safety net for pharmacies until the single PBM managed care pharmacy program is implemented in 2028. The payment is in addition to the CMS-approved pharmacy "directed payment program," which will also provide an additional $4.50 per managed care prescription payment to qualified pharmacies in medically underserved areas.
- HF 3825 Permits pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense and administer drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder. See lines 89.29, 94.18 and 96.3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
NACDS sent Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) a letter urging him to sign SB 878, landmark legislation expanding pharmacists' ability to serve patients. The bill modernizes pharmacy law and includes several important provisions that strengthen the profession and improve patient access to care, including:
- Expanding pharmacists' authority to provide patient care services under statewide protocols and collaborative practice arrangements.
- Updating vaccine authority to allow pharmacists to administer additional FDA-approved vaccines.
- Authorizing pharmacists to prescribe certain medical devices.
- Removing unnecessary barriers to medication therapeutic plan authority.
- Protecting 340B covered entities from discriminatory reimbursement practices.
- Modernizing pharmacy statutes to reflect current practice and healthcare delivery.
Also in Missouri, effective June 1, MO HealthNet (Medicaid) will no longer offer manual overrides for pharmacy claims rejected due to missing or incorrectly formatted ICD-10 diagnosis as found in the Pharmacy Clinical Edits and Preferred Drug Lists. This update means that claims for agents included in the Diagnosis Code Required Policy Edit must include a valid, billable ICD-10 code to be processed successfully.
Finally in Missouri, MO HealthNet is required to complete an annual review of all drug coverage criteria per 13 CSR 70-20.200 Drug Prior Authorization Process – Pharmacy Clinical Edits and Preferred Drug Lists.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
Several years ago, the Board of Pharmacy conducted the Nevada Pharmacist Workplace and Patient Safety Survey. As a result, a proposed rule dictating staffing will be debated and possibly adopted at the June 4 Board meeting. The purpose of the proposed regulation is to set minimum staffing standards in certain chain pharmacies so that patient care and safety are prioritized in the process of meeting pharmacy workloads. Members are encouraged to submit their comments to the Nevada Board of Pharmacy at teambc@pharmacy.nv.gov before the meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New Jersey
AB 1502, State Assembly lawmakers advanced the “Patient and Provider Protection Act,” comprehensive PBM reform legislation aimed at increasing transparency, addressing conflicts of interest, strengthening pharmacy access protections and reforming PBM compensation practices. Key provisions include fiduciary requirements for PBMs, restrictions on rebate-driven compensation models, enhanced transparency and audit requirements, “any willing pharmacy” protections, reimbursement standards tied to NADAC plus dispensing fees, and prohibitions on steering patients to affiliated pharmacies. Following Assembly passage, the legislation has now been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.