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.
New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed two NACDS priority bills designed to protect vaccine access by reducing the state’s reliance on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The legislation – A.10711/S.9598 & A.10710/S.9599 – ensures pharmacies can continue to administer vaccines recommended by the New York State Commissioner of Health, using generally accepted medical standards and guidance from nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations. The legislation also removes ACIP references from several areas of state law governing insurance coverage, school immunization requirements and Medicaid, reinforcing the state’s authority to follow science-based recommendations even if federal guidance changes. In addition, the new law expands access to vaccines by authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages two to 18 years, which had previously been limited to adults under state law. State leaders emphasized that the legislation is intended to safeguard evidence-based public health policy, counter misinformation and maintain broad, affordable access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers of all ages.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy commenced administrative rulemaking in three subject areas – Transfer of Prescriptions, Alternate Delivery Sites and Standardized Orders in Health Care Facilities. The Board will hold a public hearing on May 19 at 9:00 am at the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Public comments are due on June 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that he is implementing several new fraud prevention initiatives to strengthen and build-upon long-standing efforts to fight fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system.
Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The legislature adjourned sine die on May 14, two weeks ahead of the statutory May 29 deadline after reaching an early budget agreement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Texas
On May 20, the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board convened to review and approve staff recommendations for the upcoming TPI Business Plan, due June 1. The Board also heard updates from the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Advisory Council (TPIAC) and representatives from covered agencies regarding activities related to pharmaceutical procurement and management. Finally, they discussed feedback collected by TPI staff from external stakeholders about the TPI Business Plan's implementation.
Also in Texas, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet on May 27 to hear invited testimony on several interim charges related to rising healthcare insurance costs. The Committee will examine provider models for health care services, including, but not limited to, PBMs and health care facility fees, to determine whether these business practices are contributing to increased health care costs and insurance premiums. The Committee aims to identify strategies to lower health care costs and increase market flexibility, considering additional offerings such as Health Savings Accounts and new flexible plans.
Also in Texas, the House Select Committee conducted two days of hearings, featuring invited testimony, to evaluate the key drivers of health care costs. These included statutory, regulatory and administrative burdens, as well as the effects of fraud, waste and abuse. The Committee also examined how insurance design, cost sharing, market structure and payment policies affect consumers and employers, with particular attention to how consolidation influences patient choice, market competition and the pricing and value of health care services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
The Legislature passed H.588 on May 19 to expand pharmacist test and treat authority across three conditions – Flu, Strep and COVID. Gov. Phil Scott (R) is expected to sign the bill into law as early as next week. The legislation received significant support from NACDS and its membership operating in Vermont and was widely endorsed by numerous in-state health groups and the Vermont Department of Health Access (DVHA). DVHA has made recent references to the value of pharmacist test and treat services in its rollout of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed HB 483 and SB 271, companion bills that sought to establish a prescription drug affordability board. The Governor’s veto statement is included in her news release.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
California
The Board of Pharmacy released its May 2026 News Roundup, providing updates on recent regulatory developments and Board activities.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Reminder: Include ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes on Pharmacy Claims
- Mass Adjustment for Member Eligibility Data That Impacted Claim Funding for Claims Submitted March 10, 2022, through October 5, 2025 – Second Group
- Mass Adjustment for Incremental Fills for DEA Schedule II Drugs for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service from January 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024
- Mass Adjustment for Member Eligibility Data that Impacted Claim Funding for Claims Submitted March 10, 2022, through October 5, 2025
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
HB 26-1336, legislation NACDS supported that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services, was sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law. The bill enables children 12 years of age and under to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. It also allows pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Finally in Colorado, the General Assembly will adjourn sine die on May 13
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Geogia
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed SB 195. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention without a prescription, subject to conditions and training requirements.
Also in Georgia, State Rep. Jon Burns (R), Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced study committee assignments, including appointments to the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications. The committee includes several members with significant healthcare and pharmacy policy experience, including pharmacist Rep. Ron Stephens (R), who will serve as chair, along with pharmacist Rep. Butch Parrish (R), Rep. Matt Hatchett (R), Rep. Lee Hawkins (R) and Rep. Debbie Buckner (D). NACDS will continue to monitor the study committee schedule and keep members informed of developments and committee activity.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
On May 8, the Board of Pharmacy posted a notice of an upcoming Board member vacancy for one pharmacist member. Board members are appointed by the Governor for a five-year term and meet each quarter in-person at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses’ headquarters to conduct Board business.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
HB 2068, an omnibus bill incorporating key pharmacy-supported provisions from HB 2676, HB 2740, SB 322 and SB 431, passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The bill expands pharmacists’ prescribing authority under standard of care regulations and permits remote pharmacy services by pharmacy technicians.
Also in Kansas, SB 20 known as the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, was signed by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The PBM reform bill gives the Insurance Commissioner increased enforcement authority to regulate PBMs, establishes a rate floor of NADAC plus the Medicaid professional dispensing fee rate of at least $10.50 for all pharmacies, mandates that drug rebates pass through to health plans and bans spread pricing.
Finally in Kansas, the Department of Health and Environment (Medicaid) issued a provider bulletin 26030 announcing the adult immunizations reimbursement rate increased on 14 vaccinations, effective April 1, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
SB 401, legislation that creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) within the Department of Insurance to improve transparency and control drug prices, passed the Senate and was referred to the House for further action. The bill requires an annual report on drug pricing trends and highlights drugs with high prices relative to other states, countries and their own production and research costs, thereby increasing accountability and guiding state healthcare policy.
Also in Louisiana, HB 1236, legislation that passed the House, requires PBMs to reimburse independent pharmacies using the NADAC and a professional dispensing fee, at least equal to the state’s Medicaid dispensing fee. The bill was amended on the Senate floor last week. NACDS is working on an amendment so that the rate floor reimbursement includes our members.
Finally in Louisiana, another PBM reform bill, HB 938, passed the House and was referred to the Senate Insurance Committee. The bill requires PBMs to reimburse local pharmacies at least their drug acquisition cost plus a Medicaid-level dispensing fee, bans below-cost payments and prohibits increasing patient copays after claims are processed. The law also requires PBMs to share claim data with regulators and is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed SB 773/HB 1135, companion bills authorizing pharmacists to order vaccinations for individuals 3 years of age or older without needing to administer the vaccine themselves. This change supports the dispensing of self-administered or caregiver-administered vaccines, such as the nasal spray flu vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is soliciting comments from the public on the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary, which applies to managed care organization (MCO) claims. The public may submit comments by June 12 on the drugs included or not included on the Common Formulary, new drug products, prior authorization criteria, step therapy criteria and other topics related to drug coverage under the Common Formulary.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
SB 878, legislation expanding pharmacists’ scope authority for CLIA-waived tests, ordering and administering vaccines and allowing for prescribing certain types of medical equipment, passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe (R).
Finally in Missouri, the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy’s next hybrid meeting is on June 3 and 4 in Las Vegas.
Also in Nevada, the Board of Pharmacy will hold a Public Hearing on June 4 to discuss the Proposed Rule regulating workforce, establishing certain requirements governing the staffing of certain pharmacies, including revising the number of pharmaceutical technicians or pharmaceutical technicians in training that a pharmacist is authorized to supervise, depending on the type of pharmacy in which the pharmacist is working.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oklahoma
NACDS sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a letter urging him to sign SB 1565, a bill aimed at expanding maternal health and nutrition services for SoonerCare Medicaid beneficiaries through better access to “Food is Medicine” interventions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.