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
The House Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing this week on SB 26-032, legislation that passed the Senate earlier this month. The bill strengthens access to pharmacy vaccine services and codifies Board of Pharmacy rules regarding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines. NACDS submitted a statement supporting the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Illinois
Effective December 31, 2025, generic Novolog (insulin aspart) and generic Tresiba (insulin degludec) vials and pens were discontinued by the manufacturer. In response, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has moved the brand name Humalog (insulin lispro) products to preferred status and will continue to maintain the generic insulin lispro and brand name Lantus (insulin glargine) products as preferred on the Preferred Drug List (PDL).
To ensure that interruption in treatment is avoided, pharmacies are encouraged to contact the patient's doctor to request a change to a preferred rapid acting insulin agent. Pharmacies may continue to dispense generic insulin until stock is exhausted.
Also in Illinois, effective April 15, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will once again designate Contour Plus Blue blood glucose meters and test strips as preferred agents on the Preferred Drug List (PDL). In the Provider Notice issued 10/24/2025, prior authorization was temporarily removed for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek and FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips due to shortages of Contour Plus Blue products. Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has been in communication with Ascensia Diabetes Care, the manufacturer of Contour Plus Blue products, which has confirmed that the out-of-stock issues experienced last year have been rectified.
If Illinois Medicaid customers received OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose strips since October 24, 2025, a new prescription is required to change over to the Contour Plus Blue products. Prior authorization is necessary for OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle products.
This change will apply to Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced the availability of an online application for the Pharmacy Assistance Program. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IRMA will provide direct payments to qualifying pharmacies in the state to increase the availability of pharmacy services in the state's underserved communities. Details about the application and qualifications can be found by clicking the button below. Pharmacies are encouraged to apply soon as the application period closes at midnight on March 31. For questions regarding the program or the application, please email info@irma.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
The Senate approved, by a vote of 32-8, legislation that NACDS supports that would regulate PBMs. SB 360, the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, defines auditing procedures, outlines reporting requirements and enhances enforcement authority by allowing for compliance and financial examinations. The bill was sent to the House for further consideration.
Also in Kansas, the House of Representatives approved by a vote of 95-27, HB 2676, legislation expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. The bill allows for the initiation of therapy, including medication and durable medical equipment, under certain circumstances and requires pharmacists who independently initiate therapy to maintain professional liability insurance. The bill has been referred to the Senate for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a two-day meeting in Las Vegas on March 4 and 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The State Department of Health’s NYRx Education & Outreach (E&O) team held a webinar on February 25 focusing on different areas of the Medicaid Pharmacy Program. The customized webinar was directed toward pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy staff who care for the state’s Medicaid members and covered several topics, including pharmacy enrollment, coordination of benefits and billing guidance. The session was held as part of a series, which will extend through March, occurring Wednesdays, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET. Registration is required to join. To register, select a date and click the link to register.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
Gainwell Technologies, the Medicaid Single PBM (SPBM), announced effective April 1 brand Suboxone will transition to non-preferred status and will require Prior Authorization (PA). Generic buprenorphine/naloxone will remain Preferred (No PA Required). The announcement further encouraged pharmacies to ensure they have advance supplies of the preferred product to manage this utilization shift without patient interruption.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following Temporary Rule and Protocols:
February 25, 2026, Temporary Rule Noticed
- Div 115 – Services: Prescribing – Pursuant to Protocol *Effective 2/25/2026
Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The primary election is on March 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
HB 830, legislation requiring commercial PBMs to utilize pass through pricing models and offer at least one plan that restricts PBM revenue to a set fee, was amended and passed the House unanimously. The bill also limits PBMs' ability to charge fees and retroactively reduce pharmacy reimbursement. It is now in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and we expect that it will eventually reach Gov. Abigail Spanberger's (D) desk.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
SSB 5934, the standard of care bill, would expand pharmacists’ practice authority by allowing them to independently prescribe and diagnose within their scope of practice, based on education and experience. The bill passed the Senate earlier this month and is awaiting a hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
HB 5430, legislation that would enact further PBM reforms in the commercial market, Medicaid and under the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA), has passed the House unanimously and is currently in the Senate for further consideration. HB 5430 requires an annual pharmacy dispensing fee study, limits the amounts charged by PBMs and prohibits affiliate pharmacies from contracting with Medicaid and the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA). It also requires the implementation of a pharmacy cost comparison tool on prescriber platforms. We expect the bill to be amended in the Senate before it heads to the floor for a vote.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alaska
On February 16, the House Labor and Commerce Committee held a hearing on HB 195, a bill carried over from last year that would allow pharmacists to provide patient care services within the scope of their education, training and experience. The bill was amended and reported favorably to the House Finance Committee for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
Gov. Sarah Huckaby Sanders (R) reappointed Brian Jolly to the Board of Pharmacy. His term expires June 30, 2031.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
This week, NACDS closely monitored the House Ways and Means Committee’s actions regarding HB 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
Two major bills that could change the practice of pharmacy were voted on this week:
The Senate voted on SB 360, a PBM reform bill that would bring transparency to PBMs, including:
- Ending spread pricing: PBMs would no longer be allowed to charge insurers or employers more than they pay pharmacies for the same prescription.
- Fair reimbursement: Pharmacies would be paid NADAC + $10.50 (or the state Medicaid rate, whichever is higher).
- Lower costs for patients and employers: Savings would go back to health plans, employers and patients instead of being kept by PBMs.
- State oversight: PBMs would be regulated by the Kansas Department of Insurance.
The House voted on HB 2676, allowing for emergency refills for non-controlled medications, and adding pharmacist prescribing in the four categories below:
- Conditions not requiring a new diagnosis, such as preventive care and chronic disease management
- Conditions that are minor and self-limiting such as hair loss, acne, head lice
- Conditions that have a CLIA-waived test to guide next steps, such as respiratory viruses
- Patient emergencies, such as epinephrine, beta agonists, glucagon
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy posted agendas for the March 2 full Board and Disciplinary Subcommittee meetings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New Jersey
Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) issued a news release announcing that she signed Executive Order No. 13, temporarily extending the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) COVID-era Executive Order No. 103 for an additional 45 days. This will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants more time to enter into delegation agreements with physicians so they can continue to prescribe medications. The State of Emergency, previously set to expire at 5:00 pm on February 16, will now expire at 5:00 pm on April 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
North Carolina
Jay Ludlam is leaving his role as Deputy Secretary of Medicaid to move into a new role as Plan President with Molina Healthcare. Melanie Bush will serve as Interim Deputy Secretary, providing continuity and experienced leadership during the transition. Bush currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of Medicaid.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
North Dakota
Medicaid contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey. The survey results will be used to evaluate the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement methodology. To help prepare pharmacy owners and managers to participate in the survey, Myers and Stauffer, will be conducting informational meetings via telephonic/internet-based webinars. At these meetings, Myers and Stauffer will present more details about the survey process, discuss what information is being requested, and answer questions regarding completing the survey form. Pharmacies are invited to attend one of the informational meetings.
Attendance at one of the webinar sessions requires a reservation.
- Please call or email Myers and Stauffer for a reservation and further meeting details:
- Phone: 1-800-591-1183 or
- Email: disp_survey@mslc.com
Webinar Times
- February 26 at 8:00 am CT
- March 3 at 4:00 pm CT
The survey was mailed to pharmacies on February 17 and must be returned no later than March 31.
Please find the electronic version of the survey, instructional letter and other important documents at North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Provider Portal | Myers & Stauffer
It is very important that all pharmacies cooperate fully by filing an accurate cost survey. Pharmacies are encouraged to return the required information as soon as possible.
Please contact the Myers and Stauffer help desk by email disp_survey@mslc.com or phone 1-800-591-1183.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio
The Senate Health Committee met on February 18 and heard proponent testimony on SB 230, legislation that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients with common illnesses. NACDS attended the hearing, submitted written testimony and helped coordinate testimony with members and in-state partners. The bill is necessary for the state to move forward with the pharmacy initiatives in its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plan. We expect the bill to advance this spring. Senate Health Committee Chair Steve Huffman (R) recently authored a Columbus Dispatch column highlighting the importance of passing legislation related to the RHTP.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and instructions for participating in its February 24 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Department of Commerce and Insurance’s new audit of CVS Caremark details extensive violations of the state’s PBM laws, which spans discriminatory reimbursement, banned spread pricing and appeals noncompliance. CVS Caremark has 30 days to comply with the findings, after which the matter will be referred to legal services. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association issued this statement of the findings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Washington
The state’s standard of care legislation, SSB 5924, expands pharmacists’ practice authority by allowing independent prescribing and diagnosis within their scope of practice, based on education and experience. The bill was approved by the full Senate on February 17 and now advances to the House for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.