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So far Michael Silber has created 2568 blog entries.

Colorado

SB032 is legislation supported by NACDS and our in-state pharmacy partners that strengthens access to pharmacy vaccine services and codifies Board of Pharmacy rules regarding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines. The bill is currently pending in the House Chamber on Second Reading. It also provides liability protections for pharmacists and authorizes the Department of Public Health and Environment to consider vaccines adopted by the Board of Health through rulemaking, as well as recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other similar entities.

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

2026-03-13T11:12:50-04:00March 13, 2026|Colorado|

Illinois

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has opened the online application for the its Pharmacy Assistance Program, which is supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program will provide direct financial assistance to qualifying pharmacies to help expand and sustain pharmacy services in communities across the state that need them most. 

This initiative is designed to support pharmacies serving underserved and vulnerable areas, helping ensure that patients across the state continue to have access to essential medications and pharmacist-provided care. 

Pharmacies interested in participating are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit an application through the IRMA website. 

Applications must be submitted no later than midnight on March 31, 2026. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2026-03-13T11:12:04-04:00March 13, 2026|Illinois|

Kansas

HB 2676, a bill expanding pharmacists' scope of practice that passed the House of Representatives last month, was heard by the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee this week. The legislation permits pharmacists to initiate therapy—including medications and durable medical equipment—under specific circumstances. It also requires pharmacists who independently initiate therapy to maintain professional liability insurance. 

Also in Kansas, SB 360, known as the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act and supported by NACDS and our in-state partners, was heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee this week. Last month, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 32-8. The legislation clarifies auditing procedures, specifies reporting requirements and enhances enforcement authority by enabling both compliance and financial examinations. 

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

2026-03-13T11:11:18-04:00March 13, 2026|Kansas|

Louisiana

The Legislature convened its regular session on March 9. 

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) provided Informational Bulletin 26-3 regarding the UnitedHealthcare's participation in the Medicaid program that will end on March 31. 

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

2026-03-13T11:10:47-04:00March 13, 2026|Louisiana|

Michigan

The Final Rule for expanded pharmacists' immunization, testing and contraceptive prescribing authority has been approved and will become final when approved by the Secretary of State. In response, Medicaid published Provider Letter L 26-09 on February 12, 2026, that includes: 

  • Notice of Intent to Submit a State Plan Amendment and Alternative Benefit Plan State Plan Amendment to Clarify Pharmacist Services Authorization 
  • Policy promulgation to clarify pharmacist enrollment and coverage of expanded scope of practices services coverage.  

For more detail, including a PowerPoint presentation, visit the Pharmacy Liaison Committee page.

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

2026-03-13T11:08:56-04:00March 13, 2026|Michigan|

North Carolina

The Board of Pharmacy has published proposed administrative rules (Page 1351) in the North Carolina Register concerning Test and Treat of Influenza. A public hearing will be held on March 17 at 9:00 am at the Board of Pharmacy, 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.  

Any person may object to the proposed rule changes by attending the public hearing on March 17 and/or by submitting a written objection by May 1 to Jay Campbell, Executive Director, North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, fax (919) 246-1056 or e-mail ncboprulemaking@ncbop.org.  

For reference, here is information concerning the agreed upon protocols (found here) and (here), that the Board of Pharmacy and Medical Board have agreed upon and which was used to implement Test and Treat of Influenza under a statewide standing order issued by the State Health Director on September 30, 2025. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2026-03-13T11:08:11-04:00March 13, 2026|North Carolina|

Ohio

HB 229, legislation sponsored by Rep. Kellie Deeter (R), establishing PBM licensure and regulation, passed the Senate last week and is now back in the House for concurrence with Senate amendments. Meanwhile, HB 192, Rep. Tim Barhorst's (R) bill that mandates a cost-based pharmacy reimbursement floor, among other reforms, was heard in the House Insurance Committee on March 11. 

Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy posted March 2026 Rules and Resolutions that includes a resolution delaying enforcement of USP 797 and 795 to February 28, 2027. 

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

2026-03-13T11:07:39-04:00March 13, 2026|Ohio|

Texas

NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) and the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) met with Stephanie Muth, Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and her leadership team. Muth previously served as Medicaid Director during her more than 15-year tenure at HHSC, as well as holding roles as deputy executive commissioner and chief of staff before departing the agency in 2020. Bringing all Texas pharmacy groups together for this meeting was important to demonstrate unity on key priorities: no below-cost reimbursement; PBM reforms to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse; and the recognition of pharmacies as healthcare providers for Rural Health Transformation projects. 

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commissions (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) revised Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual that includes information about Medicaid benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates was released. 

Also in Texas, HHSC announced that in accordance with the requirements of HB229, ImmTrac2 forms have been updated. 

Also in Texas, HHSC has transitioned to a new web-based software application, State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS), to collect information from providers for Medicaid and non-Medicaid cost reports, Supplemental and Directed Payment Program (DPP) enrollments and legislatively directed reports. 

Finally in Texas, HHSC's Executive Council will meet on March 19 at 10:00 am. Members of the public are welcome to view the meeting by webcast and click on the Winters Live tab or you may attend in-person at the John H. Winters Building, Public Hearing Room 125, First Floor, 701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas 78751. Information to watch the meeting virtually or to attend the meeting in-person is also located on the agenda.  

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

2026-03-13T11:06:27-04:00March 13, 2026|Texas|
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