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- Modernize pharmacy regulations by updating off-site order entry requirements and removing outdated provisions.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.
North Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy has issued the following information on pharmacist administered vaccines. Pharmacist authority to administer influenza vaccine is not tied to ACIP recommendations. Pharmacist authority to administer COVID vaccine is, but the October 2025 ACIP-issued and CDC-adopted recommendations concerning COVID-19 vaccinations have not been rescinded or modified. Accordingly, the Board’s statement issued in October concerning the Pharmacy Practice Act’s terms remains current. A more comprehensive detailing of pharmacists’ overall vaccination authority is available online. Pharmacists with questions about payment for these vaccinations through Medicaid or other state-payor programs should contact the Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy’s July 2026 newsletter includes articles on the importance of pharmacists counseling patients with open-ended questions and mandates updates for address or employment changes. It also lists the approved CareerTech schools, CE requirements and restrictions on CPR training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the August 19 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over concerns that the organization may be promoting and recommending childhood vaccines for financial gain.
Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Health Professions Resource Center (HPRC) recently updated the Supply Table and Factsheets dashboards to include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy’s July 2026 newsletter includes articles on shipping prescription drugs to a patient out of state and new CE tracking requirements.
Also in Texas, the next Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Committee is meeting August 28 on Zoom.
Finally, in Texas, the DSHS Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission was updated,
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
On August 1, Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) declared a State of Emergency due to wildfires, imposing a burn ban through September 30 and authorizing additional emergency resources. The declaration covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Also in Washington, pharmacies must follow Washington’s emergency continuity-of-care rules, which allow pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day emergency supply of noncontrolled medications, a 7-day emergency supply of Schedule III-V controlled substances and select one-time emergency refills when prescribers are unavailable. Apple Health (Medicaid) directs pharmacies to use existing emergency refill and medication replacement policies to ensure patients can access medications during wildfire disruptions and evacuations.
Finally in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) issued a reminder stating that “When the governor issues an emergency proclamation for an event which prevents continuity of health care for persons and animals because their prescribed medications are no longer available to them due to the emergency event, pharmacists and pharmacies may provide emergency prescription supplies for medications during the period of the proclaimed emergency” as provided in WAC 246-945-332.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
On July 22, Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers for allegedly illegally restricting patient access to the 340B discount drug program. The lawsuit is based on a law passed in 2021 by the General Assembly (Act 1103) aimed at protecting Arkansas covered entities’ access to 340B discounted drugs. It was the first state law in the country to make it unlawful for drug manufacturers to prohibit covered entities from using contract pharmacies or to deny 340B drug pricing to contract pharmacies used by covered entities. Drug manufacturers challenged Act 1103 as unconstitutional and lost at both the federal district and appellate levels.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
A California federal court dismissed PCMA’s challenge to California’s law SB 41 imposing fiduciary duties on PBMs. PCMA sued California Attorney General Rob Bonta in the US District Court for the Central District of California in January, arguing that this law interferes with self-funded health plans that are federally regulated under ERISA. Bonta argued that PCMA had not demonstrated specifics on how the law would negatively impact their daily business practices and that “other than regulating prohibited transactions, ERISA has nothing to say about plan-service provider relationships.” Judge Otis D. Wright, II, agreed, saying PCMA’s arguments only amounted to an “abstract theory” of injury by failing to identify specific contract provisions or operational changes PBMs would have to undergo. “Without such allegations, the Court is left to guess what conduct the statute requires and what burdens it imposes,” he wrote in his opinion dated July 24. The judge allowed PCMA to file an amended complaint, which the group said in a statement it plans to do. PCMA Counsel Michael Kimberly noted that Wright “recognized that compliance costs and changes to business operations are concrete injuries.” If Judge Wright finds that PCMA’s amended complaint properly states a concrete injury, the case will move forward.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Board of Pharmacy is holding a pharmacy stakeholder meeting on August 4 at 3:00 pm Mountain time. The purpose of this Stakeholder Meeting is for the Board to receive feedback on proposed revisions on these proposed rules:
- Revisions to Rule 2.00.00. The purpose is to align the controlled substance transfer rule with new federal DEA requirements and clarifications.
- Revisions to Rules 3. The purpose is to implement HB 26-1336.
- Revisions to Rules 10.00.00 and 14.00.00. The purpose of the proposed revisions is to implement HB 26-1220.
- Revisions to Rule 11.00.00. The purpose is to align system automation and transfer of controlled substance prescriptions that align with new DEA requirements and practice standards.
- Revisions to Rules 3, 15 and 21. The purpose of these amendments is to refine compounding rules to better align with recent guidance from the FDA and to implement HB 26-1198.
- Repeal of Rule 28.00.00. The purpose of the repeal is to implement HB 26-1182.
- Revisions to Rule 19.00.00 – The purpose is to implement SB 26-032.
- Revisions to Rule 23. The purpose is to refine and define the length of time Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data is to be retained and/or archived to align better with other states and reduce risk where necessary.
- Correction to Appendix G. The purpose is to change the word provider to patient as it was originally intended and adopted by the Board.
Notice and Draft Rules
Ways to Participate
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Agency for Health Care Administration's final Medicaid rule (59G-4.251 / Notice: 31058156) regarding Prescribed Drugs Reimbursement Methodology went into effect on July 15.
Also in Florida, the Board of Pharmacy's final rule (64B16-27.700 / Notice: 31119848) regarding compounding goes into effect on August 3.
Finally, the Board of Pharmacy's final rule (64B16-26.351 / Notice: 31148657) regarding Standards for Approval of Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Programs goes into effect on August 6.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kentucky
Beginning January 1, 2027, all Kentucky insurance carriers will be required to reimburse all outpatient pharmacy claims at NADAC + $16.31, following the Insurance Commission’s announcement of the results of their recent cost of dispensing study. The study was required by the comprehensive commercial market PBM reform law NACDS worked with members and the Kentucky Retail Federation to pass in 2024.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
The House advanced key PBM provisions this week as part of a comprehensive health care reform package to address the cost and accessibility of primary care services in the Commonwealth. The legislation, HR 5618, includes two main PBM provisions targeting PBM rebate contracting practices and as well as PBM common ownership. The bill mandates that insurers and PBMs must pass along at least 80 percent of estimated drug rebates to consumers at the pharmacy point of sale. Additionally, it tightens regulatory oversight of vertically integrated PBM “affiliated entities” within the Division of Insurance, reinforcing NACDS-supported regulations that were adopted earlier this year. Moving forward, the House bill will go to conference negotiations where there will be an opportunity to add additional PBM reform measures to the final package.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Missouri
Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) signed two bills that include a provision to raise the 12-month purchase limit for ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine from 43.2 grams to 61.2 grams, while keeping existing daily and monthly limits. The bill also requires manufacturers to fund a real-time tracking system for the sale of the products beginning on October 1. For more information, see HB 2372 & SB 878.
Also in Missouri, on August 1, pharmacists can begin renewing their license. To renew, pharmacists must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) prior to renewing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The August 12-13 Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda and meeting materials are now available. Please note the Board will discuss Divs 006/007/110/145 – Mobile Pharmacy (2026 HB 4131) (OAR 855- 006-0005, OAR 855-007-0030, OAR 855-007-0080, OAR 855-007- 0100, OAR 855-007-0110, OAR 855-110-0007, OAR 855-145-0001, OAR 855-145-0005, OAR 855-145-0010, OAR 855-145-0015, OAR 855- 145-0020, OAR 855-145-0025, OAR 855-145-0030; see attachment #B1. Please be advised that additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) published the "Oregon PDAB Quarterly" newsletter, Issue 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
On July 22, Nurse Practitioners (TNP) filed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate Texas' physician delegation of collaborative practice requirements for nurse practitioners. The plaintiffs are asking a Texas court to declare the current framework unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution's Due Course of Law Clause and private nondelegation doctrine. The lawsuit argues that Texas improperly requires licensed nurse practitioners to obtain permission from private physicians before exercising authorities already granted by the state. While pharmacists are regulated differently than nurse practitioners, a broad judicial ruling limiting the state's ability to condition practice authority on physician approval could influence future pharmacy policy debates on expanding patient access through pharmacist-provided clinical services. NACDS is monitoring the lawsuit.
Also in Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) announced a third round of interim charges for the Senate to address before the 2027 Legislative session. Pharmacy issues are in the January and March reports.
- Interim charges – July 27, 2026
- Interim charges – March 27, 2026
- Interim charges – January 30, 2026
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid provided information on dispensing emergency prescriptions for the July flooding disaster declaration.
Also in Texas, due to a potential supply gap, Sandoz is currently allocating brand-name Ritalin LA products, resulting in a product backorder. In response, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) temporarily removed the non-preferred status from certain generic Ritalin LA products on the preferred drug list (PDL).
Also in Texas, the Texas Pharmacy Congress will meet on the campus of the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy on August 6-7.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the August 4 meeting in Austin.
Also in Texas, effective July 1, HHSC requires a prescription for dispensing at-home COVID-19 test kits through the outpatient drug benefit for people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. The change is due to the end of federal regulations requiring coverage of at-home COVID-19 test kits and applies to fee-for-service and managed care. There are no changes to the maximum limit of four test kits per month.
Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Section is hosting a back-to-school webinar for the Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) Program Providers on August 7 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
Finally in Texas, Stephanie Stephens will assume the role of Chief Medicaid and CHIP Officer, also known as Medicaid Director, on August 15. Stephens will lead Medicaid and CHIP Services through the Sunset review and the legislative session while HHSC identifies a successor. She will succeed Emily Zalkovsky.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.