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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted the following on its website this week. Pursuant to Executive Order 2025-12, the Notice of Emergency Rulemaking for Section R4-23-411 is effective as of September 22. Please visit the “COVID-19 Vaccine Updates” to review the Executive Order, Notice of Emergency Rulemaking and approval, and the COVID-19 vaccine standing order and protocol as well as Department of Health Services COVID-19 Resources.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
On September 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) along with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D), Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations through the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). These recommendations include the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines.
Also on September 17, Gov. Newsom signed AB 144, authorizing the state to base future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations rather than the CDC's increasingly politicized Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced California Issues Respiratory Virus Immunization Guidance. This guidance includes the CDPH Immunization Recommendations, Coverage and Availability and Changes to State Law. For more information on immunization requirements and resources, visit CDPH's Public Health for All webpage; bookmark this webpage to stay informed on vaccines, screenings and preventive care updates.
Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a letter to DHCS Stakeholders RE: Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines.
Also in California, on September 17, the article titled "Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines per Assembly Bill 144 Requirements" was posted to the Medi-Cal News area on the Medi-Cal Provider website.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is releasing information to ensure licensees remain apprised of recent developments undertaken to uphold scientific integrity in public health.
- On September 3, 2025, Governor Newsom announced that California, along with Oregon and Washington, launched a new West Coast Health Alliance to provide evidence-based unified recommendations for residents regarding who should receive immunizations. Hawaii also joined the alliance. The California Department of Public Health announced official immunization recommendations in accordance with this Alliance.
- Recent enactment of Assembly Bill (AB) 144 (Budget Act of 2025) provides authority for pharmacists to independently initiate and administer an immunization that, on January 1, 2025, had in effect an ACIP recommendation and that are recommended by the California Department Public Health. AB 144 also contains provisions related to Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines and immunizations. Learn more about Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines here.
The Board also reminds pharmacists that Business and Professions Code section 4052(a)(11) currently provides a pharmacist with the authority to administer immunizations pursuant to a protocol with a prescriber.
The Board will continue to release information as it becomes available, including any further changes to pharmacist authority related to vaccine administration. Thank you for your commitment to California patients.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
- September 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- September 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.