Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2507 blog entries.

New York

On October 7, the State Board of Regents voted to amend paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of section 63.6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. This amendment, adopted as an emergency rule and effective immediately, requires pharmacists transferring prescriptions to transfer the entire prescription, including all remaining refills, to the new pharmacy chosen by the patient. As an emergency adoption, the amended regulation is now in effect. A Notice of Emergency Adoption and Proposed Rulemaking will be published in the State Register on October 22 for a 60-day public comment period as required under the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA). It is anticipated that the regulation will be presented to the Board of Regents for permanent adoption at its February 2026 meeting. Once adopted, the regulation would become permanently effective on February 25, 2026.

The state has also provided the following:

An advisory notice highlighting key elements of the amendment: https://www.op.nysed.gov/advisory-notice-pharmacists-transferring-prescriptions

Updated FAQs on prescription transfers, developed with input from the Board's committee https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pharmacist/frequently-asked-questions/prescription-refills and https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pharmacist/frequently-asked-questions/transfer-of-prescriptions

Also in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) extended the declaration of a disaster in the state of New York due to federal actions related to vaccine access by issuing Executive Order 52. 1 to continue access to COVID-19 vaccine through November 2.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:30:47-04:00October 10, 2025|New York|

North Carolina

Dr. Larry Greenblatt, North Carolina Health Director, will rescind the statewide standing order effective October 13. Beginning on that date, pharmacies and pharmacists must revert to the protocols previously used to administer COVID-19 vaccines in the state. Please refer to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy's guidance regarding CDC/ACIP recommendations and state law governing pharmacy-based COVID-19 vaccine administration.

Also in North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) remain committed to transparency, collaboration and fiscal responsibility in administration of the state's Medicaid program. Fee schedules impacted by rate reductions were released October 1, but are subject to change if additional appropriations are made available.

NC Medicaid provider reimbursement rate reductions are being implemented by the Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to maintain the NC Medicaid program within the current funding allocated to the Medicaid program by the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA).

For more information, please see:

Medicaid Provider Bulletin article NC Medicaid Rate Reductions – Effective October 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025, Rate Reduction Questions and Answers

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

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:30:02-04:00October 10, 2025|North Carolina|

Ohio

The House Insurance Committee held a proponent hearing on HB 192 as amended. You can watch the hearing here. NACDS’ submitted written testimony in support of the bill.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:29:21-04:00October 10, 2025|Ohio|

Oregon

The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently hired Sarah Young as the executive director of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program.

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board published its October 2025 quarterly newsletter.

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the October 15 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted The Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC) October 22 meeting agenda. Please note that the Committee will meet in Executive Session after approving the agenda and anticipates resuming Open Session between 9:45 am-10:00 am. Please see the agenda for additional information including the link to join the virtual Teams meeting. For more information, contact pharmacy.formulary@bop.oregon.gov.

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

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:28:53-04:00October 10, 2025|Oregon|

Texas

In response to the Board of Pharmacy’s (TSBP) request for input on the strategic plan, NACDS made several recommendations to pursue policy changes that will benefit public health.

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

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:28:21-04:00October 10, 2025|Texas|

Utah

The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) issued guidance clarifying the use of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine following the recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

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

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:27:46-04:00October 10, 2025|Utah|

Virginia

The Board of Pharmacy amended the vaccine statewide protocol for adults. Pharmacists, or a pharmacy technician or pharmacy intern under the supervision of the pharmacist, may now administer the COVID-19 vaccine to persons 18 years of age or older in accordance with the directions for use in adults of a manufacturer’s product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or the Immunization Schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). Visit the protocols page for more information.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:27:20-04:00October 10, 2025|Virginia|

Wyoming

Gov. Mark Gordon (R) along with Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson continue to seek citizen input regarding the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program through an online survey. The survey runs October 8 through October 15. Results will inform the state’s application and determine which directions the State should pursue in transforming rural health.

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

Michael Silber2025-10-10T10:26:49-04:00October 10, 2025|Wyoming|

Alaska

The Department of Health ignored comments from NACDS and others submitted last March on adopted regulations lowering Medicaid payment rates for pharmacy dispensing fees based on the 2020 Myers and Stauffer cost of dispensing report. 

Also in Alaska, NACDS completed the state survey on the Rural Health Transformation Program funds.

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

Michael Silber2025-09-26T10:53:19-04:00September 26, 2025|Alaska|