A confirmed measles case in Sheridan County has been reported to the Department of Health and Human Services. The patient is an appropriately vaccinated child with no out-of-state travel history. This is the first confirmed case reported this year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Legislature adjourned its biennial session on June 2.
Also in Nevada, the legislature sent Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) SB 389, a bill that requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to select and contract with a state PBM to manage Medicaid pharmacy and establish methodologies for the payment of and rates of reimbursement for prescription drugs. The bill also requires DHHS to approve PBM contracts.
Also in Nevada, SB 316, the PBM reform bill amended several times that would have ended below-cost reimbursements for non-ERISA plans, prevented steering patients to affiliated pharmacies and enhanced enforcement authority for the Insurance Commissioner, died on the Senate floor due to a Senator filibustering on an unrelated bill, just minutes before the biennial session adjourned sine die at midnight on June 2.
Finally in Nevada, NACDS signed a coalition letter urging Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) to veto AB 259, legislation that would establish maximum fair pricing thresholds. The Governor vetoed a similar bill in 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On May 28, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular scheduled meeting. The agenda included regular business and a discussion of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Report of the Task Force to Review Institutional Pharmacy and Compounding Rules. The next meeting will be held on June 25.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
NYRx, the State Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, announced effective June 12, the following changes were made to the Dispense Brand Name Drug When Less Expensive Than the Generic Program:
In conformance with State Education Law, a pharmacist shall dispense a less expensive, therapeutically equivalent drug containing the same active ingredients, dosage form and strength as the drug prescribed/ordered. This includes substituting the brand name drug when NYRx has determined it to be the less expensive alternative for the patient. Brand name drugs included in this program:
The NYRx Education & Outreach Call Center is available by phone at 1-833-967-7310 or by email at NYRxEO@primetherapeutics.com from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The NYRx Education & Outreach team hosts virtual office hours every week for stakeholders to ask questions related to NYRx and care coordination. Visit the NYRx Education & Outreach website for more information.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
This week, the Senate released an amended version of the state budget bill, HB 96, which did not retain the House's provision requiring a pharmacy commercial rate floor. Both the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) actively opposed the amendment. NACDS continues to collaborate with partners and members to promote commercial PBM reform, with a focus on restoring the pharmacy rate floor during the conference committee process.
Also in Ohio, NACDS also submitted written testimony to the House General Government Operations Committee urging its support for HB 229, requiring PBM licensure and reporting. The bill had its second hearing this week.
Finally in Ohio, Medicaid released an updated preferred diabetic supply list, effective June 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) appointed, and the Legislature confirmed Walmart pharmacist Shannon Griggs to serve a five-year term on the Board of Pharmacy, beginning July 1 and expiring June 30, 2030. Griggs is replacing Mark St. Cyr.
Also in Oklahoma, SB 789, a PBM reform bill banning effective rate contracts, providing network transparency and reimbursement appeal protections, was enacted without Gov. Kevin Stitt's (R) signature.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Board of Pharmacy June 11-13, 2025 Board Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available. On June 11, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm. On June 12, the board will meet in Executive Session after roll call and anticipates resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm. The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on June 13, and it will break for lunch between 12:00 noon-1:00 pm. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted its draft agenda for the June 18 meeting. Register here in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Aging’s PACE pharmacy program released a bulletin updating its non-participating manufacturer list and another related to 340B billing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Legislature adjourned its biennial session on June 2.
Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law SB 1236, by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R) and Rep. Cody Harris (R), PBM reform legislation that provides fair and transparent contract protections for pharmacies, requires that a group number identifying the plan be on the enrollee's identification card, enhances audit protections and ensures compliance with existing laws. It will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Also in Texas, despite our efforts to successfully negotiate a compromise bill with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the Texas Pediatric Society and overcome the toxic anti-vaxxer environment and the Lt. Governor's prohibition on referring House bills that had more Democrat votes than Republicans, it was the strong opposition by grocers and the food industry opposing SB 25, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst's priority bill that killed HB 3540, legislation that would have allowed pharmacists to order and administer immunizations, and technicians to vaccinate.
Also in Texas, HB 3441, legislation amending current law relating to the liability of vaccine manufacturers that advertise a harmful vaccine, was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott (R).
Finally in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has until June 2 to sign or veto any bills sent to him. If he does not sign or veto a bill within this period, it will automatically become law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
