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.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted its August 2026 newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
The Board of Pharmacy voted to suspend enforcement of Act 630 of 2025, a first-in-the-nation law intended to prevent pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting specialty drugs to limited distribution networks and to expand access for Arkansas pharmacies. The Board’s action follows a federal court ruling by U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky, who found that the law likely violates the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause by discriminating in favor of in-state commerce. Chain, independent and oncology pharmacies in Arkansas that are not part of manufacturer-approved networks will remain unable to dispense certain specialty medications.
Also in Arkansas, the Legislative Council recently approved a proposed rule package updating Board of Pharmacy regulations implementing Acts 637, 938 and 961 of 2025. These changes are primarily technical in nature and align Board rules with legislation enacted during the 2025 legislative session.
- Establish standards for emergency medication kits in licensed alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs.
- Update compounding regulations to allow dispensing of medications from FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facilities.
- Revise Board member qualifications to reflect changes in state law.
- Modernize pharmacy regulations by updating off-site order entry requirements and removing outdated provisions.
Finally in Arkansas, Immunize AR will host its 10th Annual Immunization Summit on August 21 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. This year’s theme, “The Power of Prevention: Advancing Immunizations in a Changing Landscape,” highlights the importance of staying ahead in the evolving field of immunization. The conference includes 5.75 hours of continuing education for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as well as breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy released its August 2026 News Roundup, the latest in its series of monthly updates covering regulatory and board developments.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board 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
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.
All documents related to this regulatory action are available on the Board’s website.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Now Active: Prior Authorization Policy Updates, Effective August 3, 2026
- Update: Basaglar® (Insulin Glargine) Removal from the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drugs List Postponed Until November 1, 2026
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for August
- 30-Day Countdown: Prior Authorization Policy Updates, Effective September 1, 2026
- Important: Provider Enrollment Requirement Not Yet Active
- 30-Day Countdown: Updates to the Early Refill Policy
- Mass Adjustment for Vaccines Reimbursement for Members 19 Years of Age and Older for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024
Finally in California, as a follow-up to the July 30 Town Hall on provider enrollment, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invites you to participate in a focused discussion on DHCS’ data-informed effort to ensure that providers who order, refer or prescribe are properly enrolled in Medi-Cal.
Details:
- Date: August 26, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Link here.
Participants will:
- Receive an overview of provider enrollment requirements.
- Learn about mitigation efforts designed to reduce impacts on members, practitioners and billing providers.
- Hear the proposed approach and timeline for enforcement.
Stakeholder feedback gathered during this discussion will be used to finalize the enforcement timeline and strategic plan, which will be shared at the second Town Hall meeting in late September.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) enacted Medicaid reimbursement reductions in 2026, affecting pharmacies through a combination of pharmacy-specific payment changes and broader provider funding cuts. Effective April 1, 2026, Colorado Medicaid implemented a State Plan Amendment that incorporated Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) pricing into its drug reimbursement methodology and reduced professional dispensing fees for the highest-volume pharmacies, lowering reimbursement for many prescriptions. Effective July 1, 2026, Colorado enacted an additional 2% across-the-board Medicaid provider rate reduction as part of budget-balancing measures, but pharmacies were exempt from this July cut under HCPF guidance.
Also in Colorado, the Commission on Medicaid wants to hear from people who use, provide, pay for or work in the Medicaid program. The Commission will deliver recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor in December, and this survey is one of the main ways to provide public input.
- Full survey — most questions are optional, and responses are anonymous.
- Brief form
Also in Colorado, the Board of Pharmacy posted the Summer 2026 newsletter.
Finally in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) FY 2026-2027 Performance Plan outlines the agency’s strategic goals and performance measures while highlighting recent progress in reducing certain Medicaid costs, simplifying member renewals and increasing timely prenatal care. HCPF is streamlining its priorities to improve access to care, enhance health care quality, advance programming and operational innovation, modernize eligibility systems, strengthen program integrity and improve partnerships with stakeholders.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy has two upcoming meetings in August 2026. A Probable Cause Panel is scheduled for August 6 at 9:00 am EDT, followed by a full Board Meeting on August 20 at 8:30 am EDT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
The Board of Pharmacy is holding a special meeting on August 10. The agenda will be posted online when it is available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to meet on August 11 and 12.
Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy published Bulletin No. 26-01, which summarizes select laws enacted this year that affect pharmacy practice and Board operations, including adding substances to controlled drugs, granting immunity for opioid antagonist use, permitting peptide compounding and dispensing, defining long-term care pharmacies, expanding expedited partner therapy, requiring verbal disclosure for recordings and updating insurance and PBM regulations. Most laws took effect on August 1.
Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy adopted a rule amending Chapter 11, Subchapter D, §1139, the definition of “Remote Processing Services,” to add final product verification to the list of included activities and to clarify the definition by adding the phrase “using technology.” The anticipated effective date is October
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
NACDS continues to advocate for PBM reform through its role as the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores (MACDS) representative on the Maryland PBM Workgroup. The workgroup is reviewing specialty pharmacy, anti-steering and pharmacy reimbursement issues. NACDS helped develop comments and state-specific evidence submitted jointly by community pharmacy members urging the Maryland Insurance Administration and Medicaid to narrow Maryland’s specialty drug definition, remove arbitrary cost thresholds and prevent PBMs from using broad specialty classifications to steer patients away from community pharmacies. Past meeting recordings, slide presentations, and written comments are available on the Maryland PBM workgroup page, as well as public links to attend future meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for August 25 and will focus on pharmacy reimbursement, with 3 Axis Advisors expected to present.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
NACDS reminds members that the Medicaid Actual Acquisition Cost (MNAAC) surveys are due back by August 12. If your pharmacy received a survey, you are statutorily mandated to respond. The survey will help determine ingredient cost under the new Single PBM program. The statute sets the overall reimbursement rate under the Single PBM at AAC + $11.55. Information is available on the Pharmacy Actual Acquisition Program page; download “MNAAC Survey Stakeholder Presentation_June 2026.pptx”. If you have questions or need assistance with the survey, you can contact the Myers and Stauffer Minnesota Help Desk.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Board of Pharmacy opened registration for the August 27th Noon-1 PM “Lunch with the Inspector” CE webinar. Topics will include statute revisions from the 2026 legislative session and a presentation on the Missouri Pharmacy Well-Being Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy’s next meeting is in Reno on September 3 and 4.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.