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.
The legislature adjourned on March 13. Unfortunately, our priority bill, SSB 5924, legislation that would have removed administrative barriers to pharmacist-provided care by allowing independent prescribing and diagnosis within a pharmacist's scope of practice, did not advance. It was based on the Department of Health Sunrise Review recommendations.
Also in Washington, effective April 1, the Health Care Authority (HCA) is publishing quarterly updates to many of the Apple Health Billing Guides.
Also in Washington, effective April 1, all pharmacy providers who prescribe must be enrolled with ProviderOne as Apple Health providers. This requirement applies to pharmacists who administer vaccines or prescribe products within their scope of practice. While this has been required for the Medicaid fee-for-service program since 2014, it will now also apply to Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs).
Also in Washington, the Department of Health Pharmacy Commission review of pharmacies submitting data to the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Clearinghouse revealed that about 25% are not reporting the date a prescription is sold (dispensed). Pharmacies dispensing controlled substances must report three specific and distinct dates to the PMP: (1) Date of dispensing (sold date); (2) Prescription issue date (written date); and (3) Prescription number and fill date (fill date). Pharmacies may need to contact their software vendors to ensure their systems' date fields are updated to enable accurate reporting to the PMP.
Finally, in Washington, the state Health Care Authority's (HCA) Health Care Cost Transparency Board's next meeting is on March 25.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The General Assembly's 2026 legislative session has adjourned. Two bills of particular interest to pharmacy have completed the legislative process:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Board of Pharmacy has scheduled several meetings for 2026, including April 16 (hybrid format), June 18 (virtual), August 20 (virtual), October 15 (hybrid) and December 17 (virtual at both 9:00 am and 11:00 am).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.
This week, HB 2444, test and treat legislation, passed out of the House of Representatives, passing 33–22, with 4 not voting and 1 vacant seat. This bill would permit pharmacists, pursuant to a statewide written protocol, to independently order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests and initiate treatment to individuals 12 years of age or the age authorized by the treatment, whichever is older, including influenza, group A streptococcus pharyngitis, COVID, or a condition related to an emerging or existing public health threat. PEP and PrEP remained in the bill, with certain additional requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin 2-2026 – Pharmacy Network Adequacy Reporting. Direct your questions to aid.pbmlicensing@arkansas.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review numerous timely, important alerts listed below.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda for the March 18 full board meeting. Please note discussion and possible action related to remote processing of prescriptions, including review of comments received during the 45-day comment period.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy published its News Roundup-March 2026 that includes the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
