Erica Joyner, Author at In The States

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So far Erica Joyner has created 542 blog entries.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed into law SB 3, legislation passed during the October special session that allows for consideration of guidance from the state’s Department of Health (NMDOH) or the American Academy of Pediatrics, instead of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), in drafting regulations. The new law also requires NMDOH to publish rules providing immunization recommendations for adults wishing to be vaccinated, using the guidance from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians or the Department of Health.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:06:01-04:00October 23, 2025|New Mexico|

New York

The NYRx Education & Outreach team at Prime Therapeutics announced the NYRx Education & Outreach Notification Service (NYRxEONS). This is a new and free service that keeps stakeholders informed and updated on news regarding NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program. To sign up, click here.

Also in New York, on October 22, the State Education Department (NYSED) published in the New York State Register an Emergency Rule Making to change regulations to require pharmacists and pharmacies to transfer a patient’s entire prescription, including all authorized refills, upon request. While published on October 22, the change was effective October 7, 2025, when approved by the State Board of Regents. There is now a 60-day public comment period before a Notice of Adoption is issued by NYSED.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:05:32-04:00October 23, 2025|New York|

Nevada

For the past several years, the Board of Pharmacy has been debating adopting rules to establish standards for licensees relating to staffing, supervision, duties of a pharmacy, duties of a pharmacist and requirements related to the timing of dispensing prescription drugs and devices in local retail pharmacies only. At the October Board workshop meeting, the Board decided to move forward to vote on workforce staffing regulations at the meeting on December 3-4 in Las Vegas.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:04:53-04:00October 23, 2025|Nevada|

North Carolina

The Cost of Dispensing Survey has been completed, and the current Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) of $10.24 will remain unchanged. While the survey included a review of uncollected copayments, over 85% of participating pharmacy providers did not submit data in response to the copayment-related questions. As a result, this factor did not influence the final determination of the PDF.

Also in North Carolina, the Department of Medicaid recently received questions regarding Medicaid beneficiaries who cannot pay pharmacy copays for medication. A provider cannot refuse to provide services if a beneficiary cannot pay a copay at the time of service. The issue is addressed in Pharmacy Policy 9 under section 5.5 Copayments. An eligible Medicaid beneficiary, who receives prescribed drugs, is required to make a copayment of $4.00 for each prescription received unless they are exempt for one of the reasons listed in Subsection 5.5.2. A provider may not deny services to any Medicaid beneficiary because of the individual’s inability to pay a deductible, coinsurance or copayment amount. A provider may not willfully discount copays for a Medicaid beneficiary, and an individual’s inability to pay does not eliminate his or her liability for the cost sharing charge. The provider shall open an account for the beneficiary, collect the amount owed later and document all attempts to collect the copay.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:04:21-04:00October 23, 2025|North Carolina|

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its November 5 Strategic Planning Meeting agenda. The Board will meet virtually, and the meeting begins at 9:00 am.

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt the following rules:

The filing notices and proposed rule text are available on the Board’s website.

The November 25 Rulemaking Hearing will be held virtually via Teams and begins at 9:30 am.

If you wish to provide virtual oral testimony during the hearing, please complete and submit the Rulemaking Hearing Testimony Sign Up Form on the Board’s website. You may also sign up by submitting your first and last name, email address and which rule(s) you would like to comment on to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov no later than 9:00 on November 25. You will receive a confirmation email and a calendar invitation to join the virtual hearing.

Written comments must be received by 4:30 pm on November 25. Submit written comments to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.

If you would like to listen to the rulemaking hearing, join the virtual Teams meeting or call:

(503) 446-4951 Phone Conference ID: 739 529 152#

Please email all rulemaking inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the October 2025 board meeting: Div 110 – Licensee & Registrant Fee Increase.

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

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:03:43-04:00October 23, 2025|Oregon|

Tennessee

Pharmacy rules related to certified pharmacy technician administered immunizations and point-of-care tests are now effective. Please see rule 1140-02-.02.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-10-23T13:02:32-04:00October 23, 2025|Tennessee|

Alabama

A new episode has dropped on “Off Script”, The Alabama Pharmacy Podcast, with some CE available. All episodes and links to CE (in show notes) or wherever you like to listen. Watch Episode 44 – Board of Pharmacy Meeting Update: September 2025. Join Garrett Aikens and Allyson Gilliam as they recap the Board of Pharmacy meeting that took place on September 17.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-10-02T14:33:03-04:00October 2, 2025|Alabama|

Arizona

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) appointed Virginia “Ginny” Rountree as the new director of the state’s Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the Medicaid agency, effective October 6. A health and human services expert based in Tucson, Ginny brings more than a decade of experience in public roles at AHCCCS and the Department of Economic Security (DES), as well as leadership positions in the private sector.

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

Erica Joyner2025-10-02T14:32:58-04:00October 2, 2025|Arizona|

California

Pursuant to the enacted 2025-26 State Budget, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will be implementing Medi-Cal Rx policy updates, effective January 1, 2026. These changes are intended to reduce pharmacy spending, improve program integrity, and ensure continued, equitable access to quality pharmacy benefits and services. Also, effective November 1, 2025, the coordination of benefits (COB) claims submission process will be updated for Medicare. See Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx for background information.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review the “90-day Countdown: Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx” alert. Note changes are effective January 1, 2026. Please see the alert for details.

Also in California, the Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) launched a new webinar series focused on recent federal policy changes in health and human services and how California is responding to ensure continued access to care. The first webinar in the series addressed vaccine access and guidance, a timely topic as the state enters respiratory virus season. A full recording of the webinar and presentation slides are available for those who were unable to attend. The webinar featured insights from CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson, Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan and Department of Managed Health Care Director Mary Watanabe. Topics covered included public health updates, health plan coverage requirements and Medi-Cal vaccine coverage.

Under updated California law, health plans and insurance companies regulated by the state, including Medi-Cal, are required to continue covering routine immunizations recommended by the CDPH. This includes vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Californians are encouraged to review CDPH’s vaccine recommendations and check with their health plan or insurer if they have questions about coverage. To schedule a vaccine appointment, individuals can contact their health care provider, visit a local pharmacy, or go to MyTurn.ca.gov.

Finally in California, on September 26, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 260 (Chapter 136, Statutes of 2025), legislation related to sexual and reproductive health care. NACDS is sharing this as information for members as there are provisions in the newly enacted law related to “pharmacists”.

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

Erica Joyner2025-10-02T14:32:51-04:00October 2, 2025|California|