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Oregon

The West Coast Health Alliance, comprised of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, jointly announced Consensus 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The recommendations state that immunization is safe and effective, and it offers the best protection available against respiratory viruses. The recommendations also endorse broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who chooses protection.  

Also in Oregon, at the Board of Pharmacy Special Meeting on September 17, the board adopted the following Temporary Rules and Vaccination Protocols:   

September 17 Temporary Rule Noticed  

  • REPEALED – Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 3 through 6 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  
  • REPEALED – Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 6 Months through 2 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.  

Also in Oregon, the Division of Financial Regulation issued Bulletin No. DFR 2025-6 regarding coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination. This bulletin clarifies the division's expectations around the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination by health benefit plans in the state in accordance with Bulletin No. DFR 2021-1. For more information, please visit the FAQs about COVID-19 vaccine insurance coverage requirements related to the West Coast Health Alliance.  

 

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for the October 8-10 meeting. Please note on October 8 the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm and on October 9 the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm. The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on October 10 and will break for lunch between 12:00 noon-1:00 pm. 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.  

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

2025-09-26T10:41:03-04:00September 26, 2025|Oregon|

South Carolina

The Board of Medical Examiners has approved revisions to the SC Protocol for Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists effective September 17. These changes follow recommendations from the Joint Pharmacist Administered Vaccines Committee on September 15.  

Key Update:  

Pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and eligible pharmacy technicians are now authorized to administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines without a licensed practitioner's order, provided administration follows recommendations from one of the following:  

  • ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices)  
  • AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)  
  • AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) or  
  • ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)  

Important Reminders:  

  • Age restrictions still apply. As outlined in Appendix J, pharmacists may only administer FDA-approved or EUA COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 16 years of age and older, in accordance with guidelines from the groups above.  
  • All pharmacies must have a printed copy of the most current protocol in the area where vaccines are administered.  

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

2025-09-26T10:40:07-04:00September 26, 2025|South Carolina|

Tennessee

Certification of low-volume status must be submitted to each PBM you work with by December 1 annually to ensure you receive the low-volume dispensing fee. The Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) rules 0780-01-95-.01(1) outlines requirements for submitting such certifications, including submitting proof of the pharmacy’s actual prescription volume from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. 

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

2025-09-26T10:39:17-04:00September 26, 2025|Tennessee|

Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law HB 25, legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without requiring a prescription order from a licensed healthcare practitioner effective December 4.  

The second 30-day special legislative session ended early on September 4.  

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) sent CMS a state plan amendment regarding substitutions when there are drug shortages. Considering CMS is encouraging states to do this, Texas is expecting quick approval.  

Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the September 25 Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Committee meeting.  

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) is currently accepting stakeholder comments on requiring a prescription for the COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit. Currently, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available without a prescription. The policy change includes requiring a prescription for test kits filled and dispensed for members in Medicaid and CHIP. HHSC does not propose changing the quantity limit of a maximum of four test kits per month.  

Also in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information Statement, outlining the benefits, risks, development process, long-term studies, legal protections and adverse event reporting related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacies are required to provide patients with this document and obtain written informed consent from the patient as a result of HB 4535, which took effect on September 1.  

Finally in Texas, NACDS submitted the state survey on the Rural Health Transformation Program funds. 

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

2025-09-26T10:38:46-04:00September 26, 2025|Texas|

Vermont

The Board of Pharmacy met in a special meeting on September 17 to approve a revision of the State Pharmacist Prescribing Protocol for COVID 19 and Influenza Vaccines Ages 5 and Up. 

  • The Purpose of updating this protocol is to remove requirements that COVID vaccines are only administered based on ACIP recommendation. Essentially removing the tie to ACIP.  
  • Technicians will still be able to administer vaccines 

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

2025-09-26T10:38:05-04:00September 26, 2025|Vermont|

Washington

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order authorizing health care providers to administer the most updated versions of the COMIRNATY, MNEXSPIKE, SPIKEVAX and NUVAXOVID COVID-19 vaccines to all persons aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals. 

Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority is continuing to solicit Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) input through September 26 at 5:00 pm Pacific time. Written comments are limited to 10 pages or less. Slides or other formats are welcome. Specifically, they want to meet the needs of Washington's rural communities:  

  • Projects with an implementation plan that are ready to launch soon  
  • Input about community needs and regional trends  
  • Recommendations for leveraging RHTP funds  
  • Initiatives to transform rural health care delivery  
  • Opportunities to support workforce, infrastructure and technology  

Finally in Washington, Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) joined the Oregon, Hawaii and California governors known as the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations to include the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, influenza and RSV.  

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

2025-09-26T10:37:26-04:00September 26, 2025|Washington|

Wyoming

The Department of Health is conducting a series of public meetings to gather input on rural healthcare challenges, strengths and opportunities.  Please note, later this fall, the Department of Health will release a statewide survey to collect additional input and help refine Wyoming's priorities for the application.  These engagement opportunities will be posted to the Department of Health site for this project. 

Also in Wyoming, the Department of Health announced, effective September 2, Jesse Springer has been appointed the state's Interim State Medicaid Agent and Senior Administrator for the Division of Health Care Financing. This division oversees Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  

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

2025-09-26T10:36:55-04:00September 26, 2025|Wyoming|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following:   

  • August 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin   
  • August 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin  

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

2025-09-11T15:01:31-04:00September 11, 2025|California|
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