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Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state submitted its application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The proposal, titled Healthy Hometowns, is aimed at building a high-quality, sustainable system of care that improves the health, well-being and quality of life in rural communities across the state. Healthy Hometowns is Iowa's strategic response—developed in collaboration with rural hospitals, health systems, and community partners—to address these challenges through a hub and spoke model of care. More information about Iowa's Rural Health Transformation proposal, including its application, is available online.  

Also in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) launched a new funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis. This funding comes from HF 1038 passed earlier this year, which directs 75% of Iowa's opioid settlement money toward efforts to reduce opioid misuse and its impacts.  

The Iowa HHS will allocate this funding through a competitive application process. There will be two rounds of funding: one starting now and another in the spring. Each project can receive up to $1 million, with $7 million available in each round. 

Projects must focus on one or more of the following goals:  

  • Identifying and addressing needs in communities affected by opioids. 
  • Using proven or community-based methods to support people impacted by opioid use. 
  • Working with local service providers to improve recovery outcomes. 
  • Promoting the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and distributing overdose reversal drugs (OORM). 
  • Respecting the privacy and dignity of people receiving services. 
  • Using data to show results and improve services. 

For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.iowagrants.gov/viewStorefrontOpportunity.do?OIDString=1758745329639%7COpportunity 

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

2026-03-10T14:55:41-04:00November 7, 2025|Iowa, RH|

Maine

The Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting on November 7. The agenda includes second notice of rulemaking on prescribing, dispensing and administering HIV medicine.

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

2025-11-07T13:48:42-05:00November 7, 2025|Maine|

Massachusetts

The Board of Registration in Pharmacy held its regular meeting on November 6. The agenda included the following: 

  • New pharmacy labeling requirement (Shield Law 2.0) 
  • Pharmacy Advisory Committee meeting summary 
  • Recommendation for automated non-sterile compounding devices 

MassHealth provided notice via All Provider Bulletin 412 to all providers using 340B drugs that it will stop paying for the high-cost drugs listed in this most recent bulletin, in addition to those outlined in All Provider Bulletin 390 and All Provider Bulletin 400. This follows M.G.L. c. 118E, § 13L, 130 CMR 405.000: Community Health Centers, 130 CMR 406.000: Pharmacy Services and 130 CMR 410.000: Outpatient Hospital Services.  

MassHealth will implement these changes no sooner than May 4, 2026, through a follow-up All Provider Bulletin. MassHealth is inviting comments about these changes no later than December 3. See All Provider Bulletin 412 for details. 

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

2025-11-07T13:47:43-05:00November 7, 2025|Massachusetts|

Nebraska

The Board of Pharmacy posted an agenda for its November 17 meeting. 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, has launched the Prevention & Care Provider Survey to find out more about care of certain infectious diseases in the state. 

This anonymous online survey asks about your experiences and perspectives related to prevention, testing and diagnosis, patient care and services in Nebraska, with some questions asking about HIV in particular. Your input is critical for informing policies on HIV prevention and care across the state. 

To access the survey, please visit: https://go.unl.edu/hiv-providersurvey or scan the QR code with a mobile device. 

The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All responses go directly to researchers at the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. DHHS will receive only a summary of aggregated results, no individual responses or identifying information will be collected or shared. 

The survey will remain open until December 5. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Quinn Lewandowski of the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center at qlewandowski2@nebraska.edu or 402-472-9459.  

 

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the draft minutes from the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board's October 28 meeting. The next meeting will be held on January 13, 2026. 

 

Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services added the Buprenorphine: Practical Clinical Guidance for Prescribers​ under DUR Resources.  

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

2025-11-07T13:47:08-05:00November 7, 2025|Nebraska|

New York

The NYRx Education & Outreach team shared the following update. 

Effective November 6, 2025, Rybelsus 3mg will be subject to the following clinical criteria:   

  • Prescriptions will be limited to a duration of 30 days, with no refills.  
  • Use for glycemic control will not be covered. System updates will be made to ensure alignment of coverage and criteria. Any claims that do not meet the criteria may be impacted and rejected at the pharmacy. 

Any claims that do not meet criteria may be impacted and reject at the pharmacy. 

The NYRx Education & Outreach Call Center is available by phone at 1-833-967-7310 or by email at NYRxEO@primetherapeutics.com from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. 

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

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

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

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

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

2025-11-07T13:46:04-05:00November 7, 2025|New York|

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that he is nominating Scott R. Partika to be the director of the Department of Medicaid, following the announcement that Director Maureen Cocoran is retiring. Partika's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. 

Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy has posted the following: 

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

2025-11-07T13:45:24-05:00November 7, 2025|Ohio|

Oregon

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the November 19 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.  

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority issued a notice of proposed rulemaking amending prior authorization criteria and preferred drug list to implement recommendations from the Drug Utilization Review / Pharmacy & Therapeutics action. A hearing is scheduled to be held on November 17 from 11:00 am – 11:45 am. See notice for details. 

Finally in Oregon, the Office of Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) Public Health Division are seeking applicants for one position (member at large) on the state Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB). Please refer to the announcement for more information. 

OHA invites applicants from a wide range of backgrounds including pharmacists with experience in prevention, patient care or a public health issue. This term for this position is scheduled to begin January 1, 2026. 

Learn about the application process here. 

To apply, complete the electronic application process by November 30. 

These recruitments will remain open until filled. 

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

2025-11-07T13:44:54-05:00November 7, 2025|Oregon|

Wyoming

The state announced the submission of its application to CMS for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. The application outlines the state's plan to use the funding to address the biggest health challenges identified by rural Wyoming communities through 11 local town hall meetings and prioritized through an online survey with over 1,300 responses.  

Also in Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) recently issued Executive Order (2025-07) directing the Department of Family Services (DFS) to begin the process of submitting a waiver request to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of certain foods that offer little or no nutritional value, such as sugary beverages and candy. 

Finally in Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) recently declared a Public Welfare Emergency and issued an Executive Order (2025-08) authorizing up to $10 million in state emergency funds to ensure Wyoming families continue to have access to food if federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars run out due to the federal government shutdown.  

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

2026-03-10T15:13:48-04:00November 7, 2025|RH, Wyoming|
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