The Board of Pharmacy’s next quarterly meeting will be held virtually only on August 21. The Zoom log-in information, tentative agenda and public meeting packet are available on the board’s webpage. The public will need to register in advance using the link provided on the agenda. If you plan to testify on a subject, you must select “yes” in the questions when registering.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following alert on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Now Active: Changes to Remittance Advice.
Also in California, continuing collaborative efforts, the Board of Pharmacy and the Veterinary Medical Board are working to schedule a forum for stakeholder engagement to discuss crosscutting issues. To ensure interested stakeholders are kept apprised of these efforts, the Board is establishing an interested parties list. Please email rxwebmaster@dca.ca.gov to be added to the email distribution list specific to this forum.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
House Speaker Danny Perez (R) has invited lawmakers to join a committee to examine potential mid-decade redistricting. Perez said the House lacks the time and resources to hold a special session but wants the committee to convene in October during the scheduled interim committee meeting period.
Also in Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) has issued an emergency rule prohibiting 7-OH, a concentrated byproduct of kratom. Physicians caution that the substance is as addictive as opioids. Joining Uthmeier for the announcement, FDA Commissioner Mark Makary warned that kratom could signal the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic.
Finally, the Department of Revenue has released Tax Information Publication (TIP), titled "Sales Tax on Commercial Rentals Repealed Effective October 1, 2025." Effective October 1, the state sales tax imposed on rent or license fees for the use of real property (commercial rentals) under section 212.031, Florida Statutes (F.S.), is repealed. This means no state sales tax or discretionary sales surtax applies to rent or license fees for rental or occupancy periods beginning on or after October 1, 2025. Examples of commercial rentals subject to the repeal include rentals of commercial office or retail space, warehouses and self-storage units. This publication provides important guidance regarding the upcoming repeal of sales tax on commercial rentals. We encourage you to review the TIP for details on how this change may affect your business or operations.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) posted several important provider bulletins of interest to pharmacies:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Cabinet for Heath and Family Services released an extremely positive, in-depth report on parity in pharmacy payment for services. The report is a result of SJR 46, legislation adopted in 2025 that NACDS supported. The report found that paying pharmacies for clinical services would have minimal costs and positively impact access to care. As a result, NACDS intends to work with in-state partners to pass legislation mandating Medicaid payment for services in 2026.
Also in Kentucky, MedImpact issued an updated list of covered influenza vaccines, effective August 16. As a reminder, MedImpact does not require pharmacies to enroll in the Vaccines for Children program to be eligible for reimbursement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health (LDH) published several bulletins of interest for pharmacies:
Also in Louisiana, LDH shared the slide deck from the July Medicaid PBM transition virtual meeting.
Also in Louisiana, in 2024, Act 711 of 2024 (R.S. 37:1218.2) became law, enabling pharmacists to independently dispense and/or administer HIV PrEP and PEP medications and order/interpret related rapid or laboratory testing. LDH posted the information about the statewide protocol, standing order, guidelines and training resources.
Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy posted the August 20 meeting agenda.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee is seeking a pharmacist to join the committee beginning in May 2026. The committee meets twice a year (May and November), and members receive a $600 annual stipend. If you are interested in serving, you must apply online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
On August 13, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for September 4.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
On August 7, the Board of Pharmacy shared the following updates:
Contains new terms found in the newly promulgated 247 CMR 9.00 and terms that have been moved from 247 CMR 15.00.
Controlled Substance Prescriptions
Updates guidance for pharmacies to consider when evaluating the legitimacy of controlled substance prescriptions.
Failed HEPA Filters in ISO-Classified Environments
Updates guidance for compounding during remediation of failed HEPA filters, including updated BUD assignments.
Updates guidance for compounding during excursions of temperature, humidity, and differential pressures, including updated BUD assignments.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
