SB 154, legislation prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from interfering in contracts between 340B entities and pharmacies, passed the Senate and passed the House Health and Human Services Committee with 8-5 vote.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) recently posted a consent order with Express Scripts citing multiple violations of PBM laws and rules in the state, including improper payments regarding 277 claims, which adversely affected 40 pharmacies in the state. Express Scripts must pay a civil penalty of $250,000.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) briefed health partners on the measles outbreak throughout Texas. DSHS is posting updates on Tuesdays and Fridays when there are new cases to report.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued an updated Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual.
Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Heisha Freeman as a public member to the Board of Pharmacy, replacing Garrett Marquis who resigned. Freeman's term will expire on August 31, 2029.
Finally in Texas, March 14 marks the 60th day of the 89th Regular Legislature Session, and the deadline for House and Senate members to file a bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
HB 519, legislation addressing the 340B drug discount program, passed the House and was introduced in the Senate. This bill would prohibit a pharmaceutical manufacturer from restricting, prohibiting or otherwise interfering with a 340B entity's ability to acquire a 340B drug or participate in the 340B drug discount program.
Also in Utah, HB 257, legislation related to health insurance pharmacy benefits, passed the House and was introduced in the Senate. This bill would require a health benefit plan to ensure pharmaceutical rebates are used for certain purposes to benefit enrollees and require a PBM offers certain options to self-funded health benefit plans that (1) comply with provisions of Subsections 31A-22-643(4) and (5), collectively and individually; and (2) do not include spread pricing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
After an intense advocacy effort compressed into a 60-day legislative session, pharmacy scored a major victory in Richmond this session with the passage of SB 875 and HB 2610, companion Medicaid Managed Care PBM reform bills. The bills overwhelmingly passed the General Assembly in a bipartisan vote. The bills would require the Medicaid managed care plans to contract with a single PBM under terms set by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). The contract would require:
NACDS issued an NACDS RxIMPACT action alert and urges members with operations in the Commonwealth to contact Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to express how critical these bills are to patient access and pharmacy viability. Should he sign the bill, Virginia would join Ohio and Kentucky as the third state to reform PBM practices in Medicaid Managed Care under a single PBM.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
HB 1520 and SB 5513, identical pharmacists’ scope expansion of practice bills, failed to get scheduled for a public hearing this session. To advance the independent authority legislation next session, pharmacies need to engage in the Sunrise Review process and submit support letters by April 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On February 28, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed SF 119, legislation to streamline and simplify professional and occupational licensure requirements for miliary service members or miliary spouses.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
HB 1150 prohibits out-of-state PBMs from having in-state pharmacies, passed the Committee on Commerce and Insurance and is pending further action by the House.
Also in Arkansas SB 58, Act 52, is a new law approved on February 13, 2025, removes the prohibition for a nonprofit tax-exempt, or government-funded hospitals, to hold a licensed pharmacy permit.
Finally in Arkansas, HB 1442, is a patient freedom to choose their pharmacy and prevent anti-competitive practices bill was scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on February 20.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
NACDS submitted a letter of support to the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee for SB 1214, legislation expanding public access to pharmacy test and treat services. Additionally, NACDS, along with the American Pharmacists Association, Walgreens, and Walmart, submitted a letter of support to the Arizona Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee for Arizona SB 1214, legislation that would permit pharmacists to provide test and treat services for common illnesses, such as flu, strep throat, and other respiratory conditions. The bill passed out of the committee with a 5-2-0-0 vote.
Also in Arizona, NACDS submitted a letter of support to the House Health & Human Services Committee for HB 2208, legislation establishing a cost-based reimbursement rate floor that will provide pharmacies and pharmacists with long-overdue reimbursement predictability related to crucial healthcare services provided in local communities across the state. The bill passed out of the committee with a 9-0-2-0-0 vote.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
