The Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

• October 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
• October 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) informed NACDS they will not move forward with its plan this fall to implement California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Section 51502 that requires all billing forms, including both medical and pharmacy claim forms, include, among other key required prescription requirements, “[a] coded description of each diagnosis, in a form prescribed by the Director.” Currently, DHCS is working with its vendor, Prime Therapeutics, for systems coding that may take as long as the next four quarters. Because this is such a large initiative, DHCS is working with Prime Therapeutics and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. DHCS will publish Medi-Cal Rx Alerts with much socialization and notification starting no less than 90 days prior to future implementation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 1587 (Chapter 69), legislation allowing a pharmacist to provide a 30-day supply of a dangerous drug or device without prescriber authorization if the prescriber is unavailable and the pharmacist determines that failure to refill would disrupt care and harm the patient. The pharmacist is also required to notify the patient and, if a prescriber is identified, inform the prescriber within a reasonable period of time of any refill issued under this provision.  

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed AB 2575, legislation aimed to protect direct patient care workers who choose to override or decline clinical AI recommendations. It would have prohibited employers from penalizing or retaliating against healthcare workers for overriding unsafe AI tools or following employer-approved technology in good faith. Gov. Newsom stated in his veto message that the anti-retaliation provisions did not protect workers as intended. He noted that the bill would improperly place the Labor Commissioner in the position of adjudicating complex clinical standards of care requiring medical expertise.  

Also in California, the State Assembly passed HR 110, a resolution calling upon the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to direct Medicaid managed care plans to prioritize coverage for medically supportive food and nutrition interventions until these services can become fully covered, permanent Medi-Cal benefits. DHCS will also regularly update the implementation guidance, undertaking ongoing data collection and publishing evaluation reports, and actively soliciting stakeholder feedback to inform these updates. Also, the State Senate passed SR 123, a related resolution recognizing the benefits of medically supportive food and nutrition services in improving health outcomes, reducing chronic disease, advancing health equity and lowering healthcare costs.  

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy is requesting your assistance in completing an important Job Analysis Survey regarding the duties and responsibilities you perform as a pharmacist practicing in California. The Board's examination committee will develop examination items based on the information collected from the survey responses. Such surveys enable examination items to reflect current technologies, methods and practices. All information obtained will remain confidential. You are eligible to receive two hours of continuing education credit for completing the survey.  

You may access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CABOPJA26. 

Your input is needed by October 18. 

If you have questions, send an email to CABOP_JASurvey@psionline.com. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.