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Iowa

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Western Iowa and has notified the public of potential exposure locations. The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of eight confirmed measles cases in 2025. For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Thursdays, with current case counts and public health guidance. 

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

2025-07-25T11:14:24-04:00July 25, 2025|Iowa|

Kentucky

MedImpact distributed an updated statewide naloxone protocol. Please note that the protocol requires pharmacies to notify the Department for Public Health when initiating participation under the statewide protocol by emailing or faxing (502-564-9377) the signed protocol within seven days of dispensing naloxone. 

Also in Kentucky, MedImpact issued a bulletin detailing NADAC pricing and the process for reversing and refilling claims when drug prices increase. 

Also in Kentucky, the Department of Insurance (DOI) issued Bulletin 2025-03 to provide details regarding its enforcement of SB 188 of 2024, the comprehensive PBM commercial market reform law. As a reminder, the rate floor for chain pharmacies will not be effective until the DOI cost of dispensing study is completed. 

Finally in Kentucky, MedImpact issued a third reminder to pharmacies regarding recent changes to its covered diabetic supplies list. 

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

2025-07-25T11:13:50-04:00July 25, 2025|Kentucky|

Louisiana

Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed several bills into law that impact pharmacies, including: 

HB 15/Act 121, effective August 1, updates the state's controlled substance schedules to align with recent federal scheduling actions taken since the last legislative session. Three substances were added to Schedule I, including two opiates and one stimulant. 

HB 210 /Act 159, effective August 1, establishes provisions for the retention, archiving and destruction of certain information within the state's Prescription Monitoring Program. 

SB 19 /Act 464, effective June 20, 2025, authorizes pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to individuals aged 18 years and older under a standing order issued by a Department of Health (LDH) healthcare professional with prescriptive authority. LDH must first adopt rules outlining the procedures for dispensing ivermectin. 

SB 154 /Act 41, effective August 1, defines "Kratom" and classifies 7- hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances in the state. The Act also adds Mitragyna speciosa to the state's list of prohibited plants. 

HB 690 /Act 396, effective June 20, 2025, directs the State Surgeon General to develop rules for the administration of medical activities under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or all members of the healthcare community in the state. These rules will not override federal regulations but will provide state specific guidance to promote uniformity and safety in administration. 

HB 264 /Act 474, effective June 20, 2025, introduces several key reforms regulating PBMs in the state. 

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

2025-07-25T11:13:05-04:00July 25, 2025|Louisiana|

Maryland

The Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services (OPS) issued an advisory this week reminding Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies about the regulatory requirements for returning an unclaimed prescription to stock. According to COMAR 10.09.03.03 (M), pharmacies are required to reverse invoice charges for any prescription not picked up by the participant or their designee within 14 days of dispensing the opioid antagonist. The 14-day period begins at the date of service (dispensing). The advisory cautioned that they are actively monitoring claim reversals and that signs of non-compliance may trigger audits and further review.

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

2025-07-25T11:11:06-04:00July 25, 2025|Maryland|

Oregon

The August 6-8 Board of Pharmacy meeting agenda and meeting materials are available. Please note on August 6, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm. Also note on August 7, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm.  

Finally, the board anticipates meeting in Open Session on August 8 and will break for lunch between 12 noon to 1:00 pm. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. 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.

2025-07-25T11:10:39-04:00July 25, 2025|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

The Board of Pharmacy has posted the application for pharmacists seeking temporary provisional licenses. The process was required by Act 34 of 2025, the recently enacted bill intended to provide relief to pharmacies experiencing increased workloads due to pharmacy closures.

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

2025-07-25T11:10:00-04:00July 25, 2025|Pennsylvania|

Texas

The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Hill Country.  

Also in Texas, the Drug Utilization Review Board posted the agenda for the July 25 meeting.  

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid issued guidance for pharmacy claims for a 90-day supply of prescription drugs for children in the Fee-For-Service program impacted by the Hill Country flooding. 

Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) 2025 Conference and Expo in Austin. The three-day event featured lots of CE sessions, including an update from the Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacist Danny Carroll. There was also a recap of the successful 89th legislative session and a Passing of the Gavel ceremony, during which pharmacist Jason Davis from HEB was sworn in as the president of TPA.  

Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) convened a 30-day special session on July 21. The Governor's proclamation identified 18 issues lawmakers will debate including increased funding for statewide emergency communication warning systems, regulation of hemp-derived products, tightening laws against medication abortion and congressional redistricting aimed at adding five more GOP seats. House Democrats are coming under increased pressure from national leaders in their party to prevent Republican leadership from redrawing congressional districts. Special sessions last 30 calendar days, but there is no limit on how many the governor can call. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R) announced that the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) for fiscal years 2026–27 remains unchanged, with $3.1 billion available for general-purpose spending through August 31, 2027. 

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) 2025 Conference and Expo in Austin, where pharmacists, students, and technicians joined with their pharmacy peers. The three-day event featured lots of CE sessions, including the opening general session featuring a look at the new era at TPA under the leadership of CEO RoxAnn Dominguez, and an update from the Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacist Danny Carroll. There was also a recap of the successful 89th legislative session and a Passing of the Gavel ceremony, during which pharmacist Jason Davis from HEB was sworn in as the president of TPA. 

Finally in Texas, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R) announced that the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) for fiscal years 2026–27 remains unchanged, with $3.1 billion available for general-purpose spending through Aug. 31, 2027. 

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

2025-07-25T11:09:34-04:00July 25, 2025|Texas|

Washington

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission collaborated with the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington State Board of Nursing, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Board of Naturopathy to create brief tip sheets for the ongoing Rite Aid closures. Download the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Clinicians and the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Patients. 

Also in Washington, the Department of Health Office of the Assistant Secretary announced policy, procedures and guidelines exercising enforcement discretion to permit pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to practice in the state without an active Washington state credential or certification under chapters 18.130, 18.64, or 18.64A RCW only for the purpose of assisting with prescription transfers due to the closures of Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacies in Washington.  

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

2025-07-25T11:09:06-04:00July 25, 2025|Washington|
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