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.
Connecticut
HB 5044, a bill to delink pharmacist immunization administration authority and coverage from ACIP, was passed by the Legislature late last week and was signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont (D) on April 27. The legislation has been a priority for NACDS and the American Disease Prevention Coalition for the 2026 legislative session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy announced that the Uniform MPJE™ (UMPJE™) will be implemented June 1, 2026. This change affects the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination required for pharmacy licensure in Florida.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
Effective April 1, the Board of Pharmacy requires passage of the uniform version of the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® (MPJE®) as a condition for pharmacist licensure and will no longer offer or require the Iowa MPJE for all licensure applicants. For additional information regarding the new Uniform MPJE™ (UMPJE) application process, visit the Examination section of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website.
The Board of Pharmacy elected to be an "Early Adopter" of the UMPJE. Beginning April 1, students at Iowa Colleges of Pharmacy who are expected to graduate in 2026 may sit for the UMPJE. NABP began accepting applications for the UMPJE on March 13. Clear communication was sent to the schools and candidates about the application process for this cohort's early UMPJE administration.
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy published the public meeting notice for its May 5-6 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
North Carolina
The 2026 Short Legislative Session officially began on April 21. Lawmakers started introducing bills that comply with short-session rules, including measures with budget impacts, local legislation and proposals based on recommendations from interim study committees.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking public feedback on proposed Pharmacy Prescription Locker (PPL) rules.
Please review each proposed rule and provide feedback in the comment boxes below each rule. The Board suggests reviewing questions #1 through #9 first and then going back to question #1 to provide your feedback.
The survey is available online. Please complete and submit your survey response by May 15.
The Board anticipates reviewing the public feedback received as well as the proposed rules during the June 11-12 Board Meeting.
Please note that these proposed rules are not currently in rulemaking, the Board is seeking public feedback at this time. Comments are not confidential and are subject to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192).
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) published the "Oregon PDAB Quarterly" newsletter, Issue 14.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
The Medicaid Program is offering an optional webinar on May 14 from 12:00 noon–1:00 pm (ET) to provide Medicaid providers with a clear overview of federal Medicaid updates outlined in HR 1 and what those changes mean for the state. The session will outline key policy revisions, implementation timelines and operational planning to help providers stay aligned and communicate effectively with patients. This session is designed for all providers participating in Medicaid. Staying informed about these updates is essential for supporting the individuals and families in the program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy (FAIR Rx) Act SB 2040 / HB 1959 passed both chambers of the General Assembly, receiving approval in the Senate by a 24–9 vote and in the House by an 86–7 vote. During Senate floor consideration, lawmakers adopted an amendment delaying the bill's implementation date to July 1, 2028. As a reminder, once the legislation reaches the Governor's desk, he has 10 calendar days (excluding Sundays) to sign it into law, veto it or allow it to take effect without his signature. The exact timing for when that review period begins remains uncertain, as the final week of session typically involves a high volume of bills moving through the necessary procedural steps before being delivered to the Governor. The Governor is aware of the broad support behind this legislation, including strong backing from stakeholders and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association submitted a letter to the Governor, which was co-signed by 16 additional pharmacy organizations, including NACDS, urging him to sign SB 2040/HB 1959 into law.
Also in Tennessee, TennCare received legislative authorization to continue operating the Diaper Benefit Pilot through June 30, 2027, and intends to fully operate the program for the duration of available funding. Since launching in August 2024, participating pharmacies have helped serve more than 100,000 children dispensing nearly 22 million diapers. TennCare thanked pharmacy partners for their critical role and will provide future guidance as the program approaches its planned wind-down. If your pharmacy still wants to participate, visit here for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Vermont
The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) notified Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies that on April 29 Surescripts connectivity was re-established. DVHA indicated that providers who use electronic prescribing once again have access to Vermont Medicaid data to assist them in managing prescriptions for Medicaid members more efficiently.
Information that DVHA made available through prescribers' electronic health record software vendors includes:
- Member's outpatient pharmacy claims history
- Member's Medicaid eligibility/enrollment status
- The preferred status of prescribed drugs on the Medicaid Preferred Drug list
- Indication of a prior authorization requirement for a prescribed drug
Additional questions may be directed, via email, to VTOps@Optum.com
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.