Gainwell Technologies, the Single PBM for Medicaid, announced that effective April 1, per Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5160-1-01, products will only be covered if they are determined to be medically necessary. Concurrent pharmacy claims for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1s) and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DPP-4s) will deny at point-of-sale. Affected members and prescribers have been notified of the change.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy posted the April 8-10, 2026 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. On page 4 of the agenda, please note the Rulemaking Policy Discussion Items scheduled on April 9. 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.
SB 1186 and HB 2270, companion bills that would reform the Medicaid Managed Care pharmacy benefit under a Single PBM model, have been introduced by Senators Lisa Boscola (D) and Judy Ward (R) and Representatives Rob Matzie (D) and Katie Klunk (R), respectively. NACDS assisted in drafting the bills and is working jointly with the PA Pharmacy Coalition to advance them.
Also in Pennsylvania, the pharmacy technician registration deadline is approaching. To continue practicing, all pharmacy technicians must complete their registrations with Board of Pharmacy through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) by June 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is reminding providers about the April 1 effective date for the change to the agency’s 340B drug program billing polices previously announced in bulletin MB #26-004. As a reminder, this change applies to providers who purchase physician-administered drugs through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s 340B drug pricing program. This policy change only applies to services rendered on or after April 1 to Healthy Connections Medicaid members in an outpatient setting who are enrolled in the Medicaid fee-for-service program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed SB 14, legislation adding a new section to the pharmacy practice act permitting a licensed pharmacy to utilize a remote drop site to deliver prescription drugs to patients under specified conditions. There are additional provisions in the bill related to the pharmacist-in-charge and pharmacy licensure.
Also in South Dakota, Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed HB 1044, legislation appropriating funds to implement the Rural Health Transformation Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee Pharmacy Association's advocacy team has developed a comprehensive, user-friendly set of responses addressing the most common misinformation surrounding SB 2040 (Harshbarger) and HB 1959 (Scarbrough). This resource is intended to equip members with clear, accurate messaging to confidently respond to misleading claims, particularly those circulating on social media about the bills' intent and impact. Members are encouraged to use these prepared responses when engaging in online discussions or conversations where misinformation appears, helping ensure consistent, fact-based communication.
Also, Tennessee patients and pharmacists who have received unwanted texts, calls or app restrictions related to lobbying efforts can report these concerns to the Tennessee Attorney General. Using pharmacy communication channels for political advocacy may violate consumer protection laws and health privacy laws, and filing a complaint helps ensure these practices can be investigated and addressed. To submit a report, use the official Attorney General complaint form.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Texas Pharmaceutical Initiatives (TPI) Board met on March 18 to review the Interagency Cooperation Contracts with the Texas A&M University System College of Pharmacy. TPI staff provided updates on the revised business plan due on June 1. The Board was also briefed on the input received by TPI staff from external stakeholders, including NACDS, regarding the implementation of the TPI Business Plan.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed HB 356, legislation imposing restrictions and prohibitions on manufacturers related to 340B covered entities and contract pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Phil Scott (R) signed H.545 on March 24, effectively delinking vaccine administration authority and coverage of vaccines from ACIP. The new law requires plans to cover vaccines that are recommended by the Commissioner of Health, who shall consider vaccine recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), ACIP and other organizations the Commissioner may deem necessary. During the bill singing, Governor Scott stated, “We’ve seen the value in using science and data when making decisions about the health of Vermonters. H.545 establishes a process that allows us to continue this practice, by enabling the Vermont Department of Health to make vaccine and immunization recommendations based on available science and data. Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect ourselves and others, and this bill helps make sure vaccines remain accessible and affordable in Vermont.”
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
