Arkansas
On September 22, the Arkansas Attorney General’s Senior Assistant Solicitor General Joseph Nelson presented Arkansas’s arguments before the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to protect Act 624, the state’s law addressing PBM ownership and vertical integration. The case, Express Scripts et al. v. Rodney Richmond et al., involves an appeal of the preliminary injunction issued by the district court in July 2025. NACDS will continue to follow this case and the potential impact of Act 624 on Arkansas pharmacies, pharmacists and patients.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
- September 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- September 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- August 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- August 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- July 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- July 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: New Federal Reimbursement Limitations on Gender Affirming Care for Youth, Effective October 13, 2026.
Also in California, Medi-Cal is offering a new course titled Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Live Webinar (IO105LW). The course will provide information to registered outpatient pharmacies about certain clinical services, such as reviews of a Medi-Cal member’s medications, member education (for example, about how to correctly use medication) and follow-ups with members to ensure treatment efficacy.
Webinars for the MTM training will be held on the following dates:
- October 7 at 10:00 am
- October 27 at 10:00 am
Providers must register for the webinar through the Medi-Cal Learning Portal (MLP) and select the session they plan to complete to ensure enrollment.
Note: To register for the course, providers must have internet access and a user profile in the MLP. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser for accessing the MLP. Detailed instructions about the registration process and accessing webinar classes are available on the Outreach & Education page of the Medi-Cal Providers website.
For additional assistance, contact the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555.
Finally in California, the NACDS/California Retailers Association and Medi-Cal Rx Standing Meeting will be held on October 12 at 1:00 pm Pacific. Please use the information below to join the call.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 245 923 124 206 12
Passcode: pr3q2Tj6
Dial in by phone
+1 612-772-9010,,548080788# United States, Minneapolis
(844) 730-9010,,548080788# United States (Toll-free)
Phone conference ID: 548 080 788#
As a reminder, please direct inquiries to the PBD inbox: Medi-Cal.PharmacyBenefits@dhcs.ca.gov. This inbox replaces the former DHCS RX Carve Out inbox.
Need more information or assistance?
- Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center (CSC), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 1-800-977-2273 for help with claim denials, prior authorization status, account password and unlock assistance, beneficiary support, and other inquiries about Medi-Cal Rx
- Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal
- Medi-Cal Rx List of Resources
- Medi-Cal Rx Subscription Service (MCRxSS) sign-up
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) invites stakeholders to register for a webinar on October 26, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, to learn about updates on federal changes to Medicaid coverage due to H.R. 1, also known as the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Georgia
Gov. Brian P. Kemp declared a state of emergency due to global market volatility and suspended the state’s motor fuel excise tax for a period of 30 days. The suspension will take effect at 12:01 am on September 29 and run through October 29. The governor’s executive order declaring state of emergency also suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Board of Pharmacy posted the minutes from its June 4 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
The Attorney General Kris Kobach (R) recently issued an opinion on the validity of certain prescriptions issued by mid-level prescribers, specifically physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (APRNs). The opinion concludes that the Kansas Pharmacy Act requires PAs and APRNs to hold a Kansas license from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts and the Kansas Board of Nursing, respectively, to prescribe medication in Kansas. This differs from the Board of Pharmacy’s previous understanding and enforcement. Without the appropriate Kansas licensure, mid-level practitioners are not authorized to prescribe medication in the state. Pharmacists should review the opinion, consult legal counsel, if necessary, and ensure dispensing practices under the Kansas Pharmacy Act align with these requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy has posted the agenda for the October 14 full board meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
NACDS participated in the Missouri PBM Reform Summit, which brought together pharmacy stakeholders to identify crucial provisions for PBM reform legislation in 2027. NACDS voiced support for a commercial rate floor and increased enforcement, as well as prohibiting clawbacks, retroactive fees and transaction fees.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Retail Association of Nevada (RAN) publicly endorsed Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) for Governor, over incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo (R).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Division of Financial Regulation announced the Prescription Drug Price Transparency (DPT) Program published PBM data results and analysis from its third year of collecting this data. This year, it received data for calendar year 2025. The payments PBMs received from manufacturers and reported to DPT for Oregon covered lives were more than $217 million. Most of these manufacturer payments – almost $210 million – were passed to insurers. The remainder of the payments were retained by the PBM or its affiliate ($6.4 million) or passed to enrollees ($875,000). Additionally, PBMs retained administrative fees of $25.8 million, four-fifths of the total ($20.1 million) from insurers and one-fifth ($5.7 million) from manufacturers. Refer to the published PBM data for additional details. For more information, contact the department at rx.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy adopted the following Temporary Rule and Vaccine Protocols during the September 18 special board meeting. While the Oregon Health Authority State of Oregon Statewide Standing Order is still valid, pharmacists should transition to using the Board’s Coronavirus 19 Protocol v. 09/2026 as their primary source of authority for prescribing/dispensing/administering COVID-19 vaccines.
September 22: Temporary Rule & Vaccine Protocols Noticed
- Div 115 – Services: Prescribing – Pursuant to Protocol *Effective 9/22/2026
- Standard Vaccination Protocol for Adults 18 Years of Age and Older & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway v. 09/2026
- Standard Vaccination Protocol for Person 7 through 17 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway v. 09/2026
- Standard Vaccination Protocol for Managing Adverse Reactions & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway v. 09/2026
- Coronavirus 19 v. 09/2026
- Influenza v. 09/2026
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus v. 09/2026
Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
NACDS and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) are launching a series of three Advocacy Training sessions in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin. These events are designed to empower Texas pharmacists, technicians and interns to become influential voices at the Capitol ahead of the pivotal 2027 legislative session. With both in-person and virtual participation options, attendees will gain insider knowledge and actionable strategies on the most pressing pharmacy issues—building critical advocacy skills and a powerful professional network.
Also in Texas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Health, Rep. Gary Van Deaver (R), who wasn’t seeking a 7th term, suddenly resigned from the Texas House of Representatives this week to take a position as the new Executive Director of the Texas Association of School Boards.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Pharmacy (hereafter Board) has proposed modifications made to proposed regulation 16 CCR section 1707.4 related to Central Fill Pharmacies. These regulations were originally noticed on October 17, 2025, and again February 23, 2026, and approved as modified by the Board at its September 17 Board meeting.
Materials regarding this proposal can be found online or by requesting them from the Contact Person identified below.
Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments between September 18 and October 2 to the
following:
Contact Name: Debbie Damoth
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834
Fax number: 916-574-8618
Email Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Please note, comments should be restricted to the most recent modifications made to the proposed regulations. Added text is indicated with a bold double underline. Deleted text is indicated by bold double strikeout. The Board is not required to respond to comments on other aspects of the proposed regulations received in response to this notice.
Any comments previously submitted remain in the rulemaking file and will be responded to by the Board's staff as part of the Final Statement of Reasons. All written comments received by October 2 that pertain to these modifications will be reviewed and responded to by the Board's staff as part of the compilation of the rulemaking file.
Notice is hereby given that the following document is being added to the rulemaking record for proposed regulation 16 CCR section 1707.4 related to Central Fill Pharmacies:
- Assembly Bill No. 1503 (Berman, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025)
The above document is now available for public inspection during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Board's office located at 2720
Gateway Oaks Dr., Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833.
Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments by October 2 to the following:
Contact Name: Debbie Damoth
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Fax number: 916-574-8618
Email Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Also in California, Notice is hereby given that the Board of Pharmacy (hereafter Board) has proposed modifications made to proposed regulation 16 CCR section 1749, related to Fee Schedule. These regulations were originally noticed on July 31 and approved as modified by the Board at its September 17 meeting.
Materials regarding this proposal can be found at online or by requesting them from the Contact Person identified below.
Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments between September 17 and October 2 to the following:
Contact Name: Brianna Fujimoto
Address: Board of Pharmacy
2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste. 100
Sacramento, CA 95833
Fax number: 916-574-8618
Email Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Please note, comments should be restricted to the most recent modifications made to the proposed regulations. Added text is indicated with a double underline. Deleted text is indicated by double strikethrough. The Board is not required to respond to comments on other aspects of the proposed regulations received in response to this notice.
Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) Proclaimed a State of Emergency statewide due to the developing 2026-2027 El Nino event.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Mass Adjustment for Vaccines Reimbursement for Members 19 Years of Age and Older for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service October 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against the three manufacturers that supply more than 90 percent of the world’s insulin, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, the three pharmacy benefit managers that process roughly 80 percent of U.S. prescriptions, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx, and rebate aggregators Zinc, Ascent and Emisar.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its September 24 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services posted the draft agenda for the Medicaid Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board's October 27 meeting.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services recently revised the fee schedule for Durable Medical Equipment, Medical Supplies, Orthotics and Prosthetics, that was effective September 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
The next Board of Pharmacy election will begin on November 1 and will be for two positions: the northern district position, presently held by Keith Vance, and the western district position, presently held by Chris Sain. Dr. Vance is currently serving his second consecutive five-year term and is thus term limited. Dr. Sain is currently serving his first term and is eligible to run in this upcoming election.
The northern district comprises Alamance, Caswell, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin Counties.
The western district comprises Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.
October 1 is the deadline for a candidate to submit their notice of intent to run and a supporting petition signed by at least ten (10) pharmacists who reside in that district. Contact Kristin Moore for petition logistics or, to learn more about serving on the Board of Pharmacy, contact Executive Director, Jay Campbell.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking stakeholder comments on a new rule governing shared services, remote pharmacy functions and automated distributions systems. NACDS is working with members on the issue and intends to submit comments by the September 30 deadline.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the October 7-9 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. Note the discussion of vaccine protocols on October 8 under agenda item “2. Rules Policy Discussion Items”. The Public may attend the board meeting in person or virtually during Open Session. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. Also, additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The PACE program issued a bulletin to remind pharmacies about its procedure for submitting valid claim data to determine other coverage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Department of Health (TDH) is monitoring a small, localized outbreak of measles in East Tennessee. At this time, the transmission has been limited and associated with known epidemiologic links; there is no evidence of widespread transmission. Clinicians should: (1) rapidly identify suspected measles infections, (2) isolate patients quickly and (3) immediately inform public health by reporting suspected measles cases to the Department of Health at 615-741-7247.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the following items: 1.) On January 1, 2027, the DHCS will transition approximately 2 million Medi-Cal members with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) from the Medi-Cal managed care delivery system to Medi-Cal fee-for-service (FFS). Pharmacy providers and prescribers can also review the Policy Guide for Transition of the Unsatisfactory Immigration Status Population from Managed Care to Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service to understand the upcoming changes and prepare for the transition. See "Fee-for-Service Transition Town Hall" for details. 2.) Please review in its entirety the "Update: Include ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes on Pharmacy Claims".
- Fee-for-Service Transition Town Hall – September 30 at 10:00 am PT
- Ordering, Referring, and Prescribing Enrollment Requirements Town Hall – September 24 at 10:30 am PT
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the Licensing Committee meeting being held on September 23. Of interest, the board will discuss changes in pharmacy law included in AB 1503 (Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025), including updates on implementation activities.
Finally in California, Medi-Cal is offering a new course titled Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Live Webinar (IO105LW). The course will provide information to registered outpatient pharmacies about certain clinical services, such as reviews of a Medi-Cal member's medications, member education (for example, about how to correctly use medication) and follow-ups with members to ensure treatment efficacy.
Webinars for the MTM training will be held on the following dates:
- October 7 at 10:00 am
- October 27 at 10:00 am
Providers must register for the webinar through the Medi-Cal Learning Portal (MLP) and select the session they plan to complete to ensure enrollment.
Note: To register for the course, providers must have internet access and a user profile in the MLP. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser for accessing the MLP. Detailed instructions about the registration process and accessing webinar classes are available on the Outreach & Education page of the Medi-Cal Providers website.
For additional assistance, contact the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) re-issued the state's COVID-19 vaccine standing order, allowing healthcare providers, including pharmacists, to administer updated COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions.
Also in Colorado, the Board of Pharmacy will hold a permanent rulemaking webinar hearing on October 1 to decide on proposed revisions to multiple rules as follows:
- Rule 2.00.00. The purpose is to align the controlled substance transfer rule with new federal DEA requirements and clarifications.
- Rules 3. The purpose is to implement Colorado House Bill 26-1336.
- Rules 10.00.00 and 14.00.00. The proposed revisions implement Colorado House Bill 26-1220.
- Rule 11.00.00. The purpose is to align system automation and the transfer of controlled substance prescriptions with new DEA requirements and practice standards.
- Rules 3, 15 and 21. These amendments refine compounding rules to better align with recent FDA guidance and implement Colorado House Bill 26-1198.
- Repeal of Rule 28.00.00. The purpose of the repeal is to implement Colorado House Bill 26-1182.
- Rule 19.00.00 – The purpose is to implement Colorado Senate Bill 26-032.
- Rule 23. The purpose is to refine and define how long PDMP data is retained and/or archived to better align with other states and reduce risk where necessary.
- Correction to Appendix G. The purpose is to change the word provider to patient, as it was originally intended and adopted by the Board.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Agency previously announced effective October 1, the operation of the Children's Medical Services (CMS) Plan will move from Sunshine State Health Plan, Inc. (Sunshine) to Molina Healthcare of Florida, Inc. (Molina).
To ensure no disruption in current services and to support continuity of care, Molina will allow enrollees to continue receiving their Medicaid-covered authorized prescriptions through their current provider until the prescriptions expire or can be transferred to a provider in the plan's network.
Pharmacies should follow the process outlined below to receive reimbursement for services provided to a CMS Plan enrollee.
Effective October 1, pharmacies should bill Molina's Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) for CMS Plan enrollees. If a pharmacy inadvertently bills Sunshine and receives a denial, the pharmacy should immediately bill Molina's PBM using the information below to process the claim(s). The pharmacy may ask the enrollee to provide their new membership card to obtain the health plan billing information.
Molina: CVS Caremark
- PBM Services Pharmacy Help Desk: 1-855-276-6580
- Group Number: RX51EN, RX51EP
- BIN Number: 004336
- PCN Number: MCAIDADV
For member questions regarding this transition, contact Molina Member Services at 1-800-262-0750. For provider questions regarding this transition, contact Molina Provider Services at 1-855-322-4076.
If enrollees encounter any issues, please refer them to the Medicaid Help Line at 1-877-254-1055 (TDD 1-866-467-4970).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
All pharmacy technician registrations expiring on October 31, must complete 20 hours of ACPE/Board-approved continuing education before renewal. Pharmacy Technicians can renew online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
On September 14, the Department of Insurance filed an emergency regulation in accordance with SB 188 of 2024, a comprehensive commercial market PBM reform law that included a rate floor of NADAC + a professional dispensing fee as determined by a Department of Insurance cost of dispensing study. The Department’s study determined the cost of dispensing to be $16.31. The rule, effective upon filing, will require commercial insurers and the State Employee Health Plan to pay a professional dispensing fee of $16.31 per claim to all ambulatory pharmacies beginning January 1, 2027. The regulation will remain in effect until a subsequent ordinary regulation is finalized.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.