The Pharmacy Access for Contraceptives for Hoosiers (PATCH), a grant program for pharmacies who have or are planning to implement contraceptive prescribing services, expired on July 30.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking a pharmacist to volunteer to serve on the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Committee to review the current statewide protocols for testing and initiation of therapy for influenza, acute group A strep and acute uncomplicated UTI in women. Interested parties must submit a resume and letter of interest to pharmacy@ks.gov by September 2.
Also in Kansas, the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita, the Kansas Hospital Association and DCCCA, are conducting a study designed to improve access to substance use disorder (SUD) care aimed at identifying the barriers to treating individuals with SUDs.
Finally, the Board of Pharmacy adopted several new rules at the July 11 meeting, which will go into effect in August 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy adopted new requirements for the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC), that were effective on June 20. The amended rule reduces the minimum experience requirement for a pharmacist to qualify as a PIC from two years to one year of active pharmacy practice, and it expands the responsibility for the supervision, management and regulatory compliance of the entire prescription department to include both the PIC and the owner of the pharmacy permit.
Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy published the July 2025 newsletter.
Finally, the Board of Pharmacy released the July 2025 Advisory Council update on the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Medicaid is seeking new applicants to serve on its newly reimagined Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). Specifically, they are encouraging individuals who have experience with Medicaid as an advocate, community leader or direct service provider to apply.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on August 8. Visit the Online Application to learn more and apply. Questions can be directed to MDHHS-MAC@michigan.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy reminded pharmacy technicians that effective August 4 pharmacy technician applications must be submitted via the MOPRO online licensing portal and that paper applications will no longer be available. MOPRO is the new licensure system for the Division of Professional Registration.
Also in Missouri, registration is open for the August 19 virtual Noon "Lunch with the Chief Inspector" update on pharmacy technicians.
Also in Missouri, the Health Department (MHD) launched a self-service feature on the Pharmacy and Medical Pre-Certification Helpdesk Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for prior authorization (PA) requests for drugs. This enhancement allows pharmacies and providers to check the status of faxed drug PA requests instantly. To use this feature, providers will need their National Provider Identifier (NPI), the participant's MO HealthNet ID (DCN) and the date the request was faxed.
Finally in Missouri, the 2025 Pharmacy Practice Guide was recently updated.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
As a reminder, LB 118 (Statute 38-2866.01), increasing the pharmacist-to-pharmacy technician ratio to permit a pharmacist to supervise any combination of pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns up to four people, is effective September 3. Also recall, for any pharmacist supervising four pharmacy technicians or pharmacist interns, at least one person must be a certified pharmacy technician.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the first round of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits, issued on April 23, 2025, will be expiring on August 23, 2025. Summer EBT funds can be used to purchase nutritious foods at grocery stores, online food retailers, and farmer's markets that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT.
Finally in Nebraska, the Board of Pharmacy published its draft minutes from the July 14 meeting. The next Board of Pharmacy meeting is scheduled for September 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The PEBA, the state agency responsible for the administration and management of the state’s retirement systems and employee insurance programs for the state’s public workforce, awarded the contract for pharmacy benefits management services to CVS Caremark. Beginning January 1, 2026, CVS Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the PBM for the State Health Plan. The initial contract term is two years with three one-year renewal options, for a maximum contract term of five years.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Effective August 1, TennCare will no longer enforce the five prescription limit per month on prescription drugs and refills for adult TennCare enrollees; however, the two brand prescription limit per month will remain in effect. Members may exceed the two brand monthly prescription limit by utilizing the products on the Auto-Exempt and Attestation List. As a reminder, the limit starts over at the first of each month. No changes will be made to the CoverRx and CoverKids programs. TennCare Pharmacy Updates are available online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Also in Texas, the 30-day special legislative session entered its second week. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) and Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) announced the formation of House and Senate Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. These committees are holding hearings on improving flood warning systems, enhancing flood emergency communications, providing relief funding for the Hill Country Floods and preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. Additionally, Patrick and Burrows appointed 21 members to the newly established House and Senate Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting.
Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) reminded licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that they are required to complete an approved Human Trafficking Prevention course each renewal period. Please see the full list of newly approved courses on the Texas Health and Human Services webpage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
