Alaska
The House Finance Committee held a hearing on April 7 regarding HB 195, legislation that would grant pharmacists broader authority to prescribe and administer medications and medical devices. Although the committee restricted public input to invited testimony, members of the pharmacy community proactively reached out to legislators in advance, urging support for this bill. By expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice within a clear, patient-centered standard of care, HB 195 aims to improve access to essential health services throughout the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agendas and meeting materials for the following committee meetings:
- Licensing Committee Meeting – April 15
- Enforcement Committee Meeting – April 16
Also in California, on April 16, the Department of Public Health will host a webinar about the vital role community health workers (CHW) play in chronic disease management. Although their titles and duties vary across organizations, CHWs help bridge the gap between community members and health care systems, along with connecting individuals to community-based organizations that address non-medical needs. Speakers from the Department of Health Care Services, the Department of Health Care Access and Information and El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center will discuss their work with CHWs. Agenda topics include CHWs in managed care plans, Medi-Cal billing, CHW workforce development and best practices for implementing CHW programs.
Also in California, Medi-Cal Rx is requesting stakeholder feedback regarding the services provided by the Resolution Team (also known as the Clinical Liaison Team). Your participation in the Stakeholder Survey for the Resolution Team will help its efforts for continuous process and quality improvement. Kindly submit your responses no later than April 19.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy has a new training course available on PharmEd. The course is called "Assembly Bill 1503: Removing Barriers and Improving Patient Safety". This training provides an overview of the statutory changes enacted by the Board's sunset measure, Assembly Bill 1503 (Berman, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025), and describes the Board's implementation efforts. You can find the link to the course on the Board's Continuing Education (CE) Information webpage under the "Elective Board-provided CE Training" heading.
Finally in 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
HB26-1336, a bill designed to expand access to pharmacy healthcare services for both Medicaid and commercial patients, passed the House Health and Human Services Committee on March 31, and referred to the House floor.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy scheduled several meetings in April 2026. The Compounding Committee will meet on April 15 at 9:00 am EDT and the Rules Committee at 1:00 pm EDT the same day. The full Board Meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 8:30 am EDT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kentucky
HB 3 passed both Chambers and is awaiting Gov. Andy Beshear’s (D) signature. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Amy Neighbors (R), requires Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists at the non-physician rate for providing healthcare services within their scope of practice.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maine
LD 2071, a bill that would delink pharmacist immunization authority and coverage from ACIP, was engrossed this week via favorable votes in both the House and the Senate and will now be sent to Gov. Janet Mills (D) for enactment. The legislation has been a priority for NACDS and the American Disease Prevention Coalition (ADPC) for the 2026 legislative session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Minnesota
The Board of Pharmacy’s April newsletter is now available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the cancellation of a public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to Title 471, Chapter 7 of the Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) – Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Medical Supplies (DMEPOS).
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the May 12 Meeting Agenda for Medicaid Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
All Medicaid providers are invited to participate in the 2026 Annual NCTracks Survey. This survey focuses on the aspects of NCTracks that involve direct customer interaction, such as the call center, provider relations, training and communications, as well as functional areas such as claims, prior approval and provider enrollment. Please note that this survey is regarding NC Medicaid Direct via NCTracks only (not related to Managed Care/health plans); please only answer questions in relation to NCTracks. Unless otherwise noted, the time period for which this survey applies is from July 1, 2025, to the present. The survey is anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy published New OARRS Rules that will be effective on July 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
NACDS collaborated with the Oklahoma Pharmacy Association to advance four critical PBM reform bills. SB 2074, which establishes a pharmacy reimbursement rate floor—setting NADAC plus a dispensing fee that cannot fall below the Medicaid fee-for-service rate for both commercial and state plans—was heard by the House Public Health Committee on April 8. The committee also considered two additional PBM reform bills, including SB 1500 and SB 2007. On April 7, the House Insurance Committee heard SB 1447. NACDS submitted letters voicing strong support for all four bills, which would implement essential PBM reforms.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the April 15 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
See the April 2026 provider update, which includes Medicaid’s new policy which reinforces its role as payer of last resort by denying pharmacy claims when a primary insurer rejects a claim due to lack of prior authorization (PA). Pharmacies must now resolve PA requirements with the primary payer before billing Medicaid and include valid NCPDP reject codes to demonstrate coordination of benefits. Additional provider updates can also be found on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The Board of Pharmacy met last week and held a rulemaking hearing on the Compounding and Ambulatory Surgery Treatment Center (ASTC) Pharmacy rules, as well as standard Board business.
- The Board approved its first petition to remove consent orders related to substance use from public view on a pharmacist's profile on the Licensure Verification tool. This is in accordance with Public Chapter 100. A rulemaking hearing is occurring later this month related to this process.
- The Board approved the proposed rules for Compounding and ASTC Pharmacy with amendments. The Board voted to approve a 12-month educational period following final approval of the rules by the Secretary of State where compounding pharmacies may work towards compliance. If you have questions about which specific amendments were made, please contact olivia@tnpharm.org.
- The Board's Rulemaking Committee reported at their recent meeting that it plans to have a draft of updated rules by December 2026. At the next Rulemaking Committee meeting on April 30, the committee will focus on at least license reinstatement and pharmacy technicians, while the May 21 meeting will focus on workplace conditions.
Fees for certain licensure categories will be changing. The Board is still working to finalize these new fees.
Also in Tennessee, the Department of Health Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program (VPDIP) invites you to the 4th Annual Immunization Provider Expo, taking place virtually on April 14. The Expo will run from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon CST. This year's theme, "Restoring Trust in Vaccines", highlights how emotional storytelling, community engagement and data-driven insights can help rebuild public confidence in immunizations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) issued a paper on Federal 340B Reform: Why Accountability Matters for Texas Employers and Patients.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
Effective April 1, all prescribing providers must be enrolled with ProviderOne as an Apple Health provider. This includes any pharmacists who administer vaccines or prescribe products within their scope of practice. While this requirement has been in effect for the fee-for-service program since 2014, starting in April this applies to managed care organizations (MCOs).
Also in Washington, Apple Health (Medicaid), administered by the Health Care Authority will implement changes to the State Maximum Allowable Costs (SMAC) list for the fee-for-service (FFS) Prescription Drug Program. View MAC memo for rate changes effective June 1.
Finally in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that Trinity Wilson was appointed Medicaid Director, overseeing Apple Health (Medicaid) and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Wilson brings more than 12 years of experience in Apple Health, with a background spanning eligibility policy and operations, customer and provider services and enterprise systems. She has served as Interim Medicaid Director since November 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Department of Insurance (DOI) updated its PBM compliance website.
Updates include:
- Updated fax number (Please note the PBM Compliance Department has an updated fax number: 334-241-4110; the old fax number should no longer be operational.)
- Updated pharmacy complaint form (to remove patient PHI information)
- Reimbursement complaint spreadsheet template
- Best practices document
- Updated PBM actions page
- Links to PBM related laws and regulations
- Consumer complaint form and
- List of additional resources, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the Board of Pharmacy, stakeholder websites and Medicaid Average Acquisition Cost (AAC) reimbursement.
DOI will still accept the old complaint forms but would prefer pharmacies to move over to the new template in the upcoming weeks.
Also in Alabama, the Board of Pharmacy met last week and heard comments on its proposed rule for a Civil Penalty Schedule. This includes proposed fine ranges for violations by all license and permit holders. They voted to have an amended version published by next week and restart the public comment period. Be on the lookout for more information once the revised version is available. You can listen to the entire Board of Pharmacy meeting online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note reminders and urgent messages below.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
NACDS testified in support of HB26-1336, a bill designed to expand access to pharmacy healthcare services for both Medicaid and commercial patients, at a House Health and Human Services Committee hearing on March 31. The bill was amended to allow children 5 years of age and older to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. Additionally, it permits pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Also in Colorado, SB26-032, a bill designed to expand access to pharmacy vaccine services by increasing pharmacists' authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and by providing liability protections for pharmacists, was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis (D) on March 27.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed HB 697, which will take effect July 1. The legislation includes provisions related to the Ryan White Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), providing bridge funding to maintain the program without changes through June 30. The law also prohibits PBMs from restricting a pharmacy or pharmacist from declining to dispense a drug when the reimbursement rate is below the actual acquisition cost. Additionally, it bars PBMs from reimbursing a pharmacy or pharmacist at a lower rate than they reimburse an affiliated pharmacy or pharmacist. Finally, the law states that the administrative appeal procedure must allow a pharmacy or pharmacist the option to submit a consolidated administrative appeal representing multiple adjudicated claims that share the same drug and day supply and have a date of service occurring within the same calendar month.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Board of Pharmacy posted minutes from its March 19 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services (BPAS) occasionally receives requests from clinicians in the provider community for individual drug reviews. To ensure requests for reviews are fair, balanced and relevant to the Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL), the BPAS has established procedures for handling these requests. After the BPAS receives the request for a drug review, the BPAS pharmacy staff establish the appropriateness of the request. The review takes place over a three-month period, beginning from the date the drug review is requested. Reviews are evaluated both clinically and financially. A recommendation may be presented to the Drugs & Therapeutics (D&T) Advisory Board at the earliest opportunity.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
NACDS sent Gov. Laura Kelly (D) a letter urging her to sign the Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act. SB 20, formerly SB 360, is a comprehensive PBM reform bill that clarifies auditing procedures, specifies reporting requirements and strengthens enforcement authority by enabling both compliance and financial examinations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Missouri
SB 878, was amended and passed the Senate on March 23. The bill expands pharmacists’ scope authority for CLIA-waived tests and allows prescribing certain types of medical equipment. It also enhances the Board of Pharmacy’s authority to allow pharmacies to dispense medications during a declared emergency. In addition, it would allow the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with a warning label, once the FDA authorizes them for over-the-counter dispensing. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for further action.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services announced a public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to Title 471, Chapter 7 of the Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) – Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Medical Supplies (DMEPOS).
Authority for these regulations is found in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-3117(7) and § 68-908.
Interested persons may attend the hearing and provide verbal or written comments, or mail, fax or email written comments, no later than the day of the hearing to: DHHS Legal Services, PO Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026, (402) 742-2382 (fax) or dhhs.regulations@nebraska.gov, respectively.
A copy of the proposed changes is available online at http://www.sos.ne.gov, or by contacting DHHS at the mailing address or email above, or by phone at (402) 471-8417. The fiscal impact statement for these proposed changes may be obtained at the office of the Secretary of State, Regulations Division, 1201 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508, or by calling (402) 471-2385.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.