Arizona
The Department of Health Services issued a “Standing Order for Administering 2026-2027 COVID–19 Vaccine”. This standing order was issued by Dr. Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, at the Department of Health Services and will expire on September 3, 2027.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
As part of the West Coast Health Alliance, the Department of Public Health released vaccine recommendations for the 2026–27 respiratory virus season.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the full Board Meeting on September 17. Please note item III. Discussion and Possible Action Related to Proposed Amendment of California Codes of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1707.4 Related to Central Fill Pharmacies, Including Discussion of Requirement for a Central Fill Pharmacy to be Located in California.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Hawaii
As part of the West Coast Health Alliance, the Department of Health released vaccine recommendations for the 2026–27 respiratory virus season.
Also in Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green (D) issued the Seventh Proclamation Relating to Pharmacist-Provided Vaccination Services allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a standing order that lets vaccine providers across the state begin giving updated COVID-19 vaccines. The statewide order signed last week by Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, matches similar steps taken in the other three West Coast Health Alliance (WHCA) states—Washington, California and Hawaii.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Dakota
The Board of Pharmacy published the 2026 Book of Pharmacy Laws & Rules, providing a consolidated reference of current statutes and administrative rules governing pharmacy practice in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Utah
The Department of Professional Licensing working with the Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance clarifying the use of the 2026-2027 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Pharmacy has proposed amendments to Title 16 CCR § 1749, related to Fee Schedules. Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed text may do so by submitting written comments beginning July 31 and ending on September 14 to the following:
Contact Person: Brianna Fujimoto
Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95833
Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 574-8618
Below are related links:
- Proposed Text (PDF)
Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed addition of the text of the regulation will be considered and responded to in the Final Statement of Reasons.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
This notice provides updated information for providers regarding COVID At-Home Rapid Antigen Test Kits billed through Medicaid-participating pharmacies. This update applies to both the Fee-for-Service (FFS) program and Managed Care Organization (MCO) plans.
Effective September 1, 2026, COVID At-Home Rapid Test Kits will be limited to a quantity of eight (8) per Medicaid customer per rolling calendar year (a 365-day period measured from the date the first test kit is dispensed).
A list of covered COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen Test Kits can be found in the Medicaid Preferred Drug List | HFS.
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
In compliance with Revised Statute (R.S.) 37:1218.2, which authorizes pharmacists to provide services related to the initiation and dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, the Department of Health (LDH) issued Informational Bulletin 26-11 for Pharmacist Billing for HIV PEP/PrEP Services.
Also in Louisiana, LDH announced that Healthy Blue (HBL) will end its participation as a Louisiana Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) at the conclusion of its Medicaid managed care contract, effective December 31, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Tennessee
TennCare is committed to ensuring that covered medications meet established standards for safety, efficacy, and regulatory approval. As part of this commitment, TennCare will reject claims for NDCs deemed non-FDA-approved. Effective September 1, 2026, pharmacy claims submitted for these products will be rejected at the point of sale with the following messaging: “Non-FDA-approved drug; Please try an alternative NDC.” Please visit the OptumRx-TennCare website regularly to stay up to date on changes to the pharmacy program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The House Select Committee on Health Care Affordability held a hearing this week with invited testimony only on ways to lower health care costs while maintaining access and quality. Discussions covered innovative delivery and financing models, flexible and affordable health plan design, and policies to help small and mid-sized employers offer more coverage. Lawmakers also explored ways to improve cost and quality transparency to help consumers make informed choices. The interim hearings guide future legislative recommendations to improve affordability, access, and sustainability in Texas healthcare.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
A new state law improves healthcare access by letting qualified pharmacists offer more services within their expertise. AKPhA Executive Director Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD, told “Alaska Independent News” this law could transform care statewide. It allows pharmacists to treat common conditions and expands collaborative practice, making it easier for patients to get care from accessible healthcare professionals in their communities.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Department of Health is proposing to remove four vaccines, hepatitis B, varicella, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate from immunization requirements for students attending public and private PreK-12 schools. The proposed rule, backed by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, is subject to a 21-day public comment period that began August 24. The proposal would also broaden religious vaccine exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs and allow parents and college students to opt out of having immunization records included in the state vaccine database. The four vaccines targeted by the rule are required under agency rules rather than state law, allowing the department to repeal the requirements without legislative action. Existing state law would continue to require vaccinations against diseases including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, rubeola and tetanus.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Maryland
The Department of Health is seeking feedback as it explores adding food and nutrition services to Medicaid through In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority beginning in 2028, including services such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions. The RFI is for planning only and will not result in contracts or grants. More information is available online. The effort builds on Maryland's Food is Medicine investments, including the Medically Tailored Meals initiative, Produce Prescription program, and Population Health Improvement Fund. Feedback is due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, using the RFI form. Questions may be sent to mdh.ilosrfi@maryland.gov.
Also in Maryland, Delegate Bonnie Cullison (D) was appointed as the new chair of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, effective August 7.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
Medicaid released the agenda which includes log on information for the Pharmacy Liaison Meeting scheduled for September 3 from 2:30 pm-4:30pm.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Mississippi
The Division of Medicaid (DOM) is conducting off-cycle provider revalidations in accordance with guidance from CMS. Providers who have not completed revalidation since April 22, 2025, will be required to complete an off-cycle revalidation to maintain compliance with federal enrollment requirements. To support efficient processing, revalidation notices will be issued in phases over the coming months. For an overview of the revalidation process, please review the Medicaid Provider Revalidation Roadmap. You can also find more information online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Missouri
Effective August 31, the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) Pharmacy Administration Helpdesk will update its hours of operation to Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Providers may email MHD.PharmacyAdmin@dss.mo.gov or call (573) 751-6963 for assistance with questions about the MO HealthNet Pharmacy Program, including claims adjudication, MORx inquiries, TPL coordination and pharmacy claims pricing issues.
Also in Missouri, MO HealthNet (Medicaid) completed the required 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
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the September 2 and 3 meeting in Reno.
Also in Nevada, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking public comments on a proposed rule establishing a $100 fee for both registration and biennial renewal for practitioners and others who dispense controlled substances. This fee is intended to support the integration of Nevada's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) into pharmacy dispensing systems and electronic health records if current grant funding becomes unavailable. (Amendment to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 639.) Public comments may be submitted in advance to the Board at teambc@pharmacy.nv.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oklahoma
Republicans returned to the polls on Tuesday for a runoff election between Attorney General Gentner Drummond, pharmacy’s champion on PBM reforms, and former State Sen. Mike Mazzei, to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt (R). Mazzei defeated Drummond in a close race, winning by about 2000 votes, with a margin of 0.6%.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority released a statement that the West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules.
Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority's Immunization Policy Advisory Team will meet on September 3. The Oregon Immunization Program works to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable disease in Oregon. Staff members identify and promote evidence-informed public health best practices to both the public and health care professionals throughout the state.
What: Meeting of Oregon's Immunization Policy Advisory Team (IPAT)
When: Thursday, Sept. 3, noon-2 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom – register HERE (required). Registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional information that they will need to join the meeting.
Draft agenda items include:
- Public comment
- Respiratory season update
- RSV season patterns
- Standing Order update
- ALERT IIS Replacement Project update
- Future meeting settings
- Roundtable discussion
Final agenda will be available at the meeting or via email request three days before the meeting date by contacting imm.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
During the August 13 TennCare Pharmacy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting, TennCare announced a transition from OptumRx to Prime Therapeutics as the pharmacy benefits administrator of the program. The transition will begin in October 2026 with an anticipated go-live date of October 1, 2027.
Also in Tennessee, congratulations to Walgreens pharmacist Katie Cox, PharmD (Knoxville, TN) on her appointment to the Board of Pharmacy for a seven-year term through July 2033. Dr. Cox replaces Dr. Shanea McKinney, whose term ended at the end of July.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
Effective August 24, the Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) transitioned the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Portal, along with several online portal applications, to the TMHP IAMOnline platform as the new entry point for accessing applications on the TMHP webpage. The training materials are now available on the TMHP Learning Management System (LMS).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy posted guidance regarding pharmacy immunization authority for the 2026-2027 vaccine season, clarifying that a protocol is not needed for flu and COVID vaccines.
Also in Virginia, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a Statewide Protocols Work Group Meeting scheduled for August 28 at 1:0 pm. The meeting is a result of the Board's recommendation that the protocols be reviewed annually and updated, if needed. Any recommended updates will require approval by the full Board at their next meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) filed a CR-101 Rulemaking Inquiry package under WSR 26-18-021 to consider amending WAC 246-945-203 through 246-945-220. It also proposed adopting new sections in chapter 246-945 WAC to potentially expand pathways to pharmacy technician certification, clarify the technician-in-training endorsement on pharmacy assistant registrations and resolve inconsistencies in pharmacy technician-training program requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
The Board of Pharmacy updated immunization guidance for pharmacies for the 2026–2027 vaccine season, clarifying that a protocol is not needed for childhood flu vaccines since the CDC schedule does not identify flu vaccines by year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.