Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2722 blog entries.

New York

On July 16, the State Department of Health hosted its monthly pharmacy community meeting for NYRx, the state Medicaid pharmacy benefit program. NYRx also offers a monthly newsletter that contains helpful updates and links. The call focused on two topics. First, an update on diabetic testing supplies – advising pharmacies to become familiar with the preferred supply list. Second, a reminder to update the ETIN (Electronic Transmitter Identification Number), if needed, and how to do so.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:43-04:00July 18, 2025|New York|

North Carolina

Due to issues at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the state legislature passed SB 391, extending the expiration of drivers’ licenses by two years. These expired licenses remain valid for driving, but other uses, like alcohol, tobacco and certain pharmacy sales, are affected. The Board of Pharmacy allows pharmacies to accept expired licenses for dispensing controlled substances. However, pseudoephedrine sales are more complicated, as license scans feed into a national database. NACDS’ in-state partner, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA), is working with legislators to clarify rules for businesses over the next two years.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:38-04:00July 18, 2025|North Carolina|

Ohio

The Board of Pharmacy posted the following rules. NACDS does not intend to comment on these. Members can find more information on submitting comments in the links.

CSI – BIA – Responsible Person Requirements (Comments Due 8.11.2025).pdf – requires minimum work hours for the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC)

For Stakeholder Comment – Manner of Issuance (Comments Due 8.1.2025).pdf – requires a child's weight on certain pediatric prescriptions

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:33-04:00July 18, 2025|Ohio|

Pennsylvania

Members can now bring out-of-state pharmacists into their Pennsylvania stores to help with the high demand for new prescriptions due to pharmacy closures. On July 7, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed Act No. 34 of 2025 , which allows the Board of Pharmacy to issue a temporary provisional endorsement license to pharmacists licensed and in good standing in another state. An applicant seeking licensure under the act will not be required to demonstrate substantial equivalency or work experience. The act will expire 180 days from July 7. Further details and the provisional license application have been posted on the board’s website.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:28-04:00July 18, 2025|Pennsylvania|

Tennessee

Last week, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that Ralph Alvarado has stepped down as state’s Commissioner of Health (TDH), effective July 11. The current state epidemiologist, John Dunn, will serve as interim commissioner.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:24-04:00July 18, 2025|Tennessee|

Texas

The Board of Pharmacy issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Texas Hill Country.

Also in Texas, the Drug Utilization Review Board posted the agenda for the July 25 meeting.

Finally in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will convene a 30-day special legislative session on July 21.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:19-04:00July 18, 2025|Texas|

Washington

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission collaborated with the Medical Commission, the Board of Nursing, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Board of Naturopathy to create brief tip sheets for the ongoing Rite Aid closures. Download the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Clinicians and the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Patients.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:08-04:00July 18, 2025|Washington|

Wyoming

The Department of Health confirmed a second, unrelated case of measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2025-07-25T11:03:03-04:00July 18, 2025|Wyoming|

Alaska

The first session of the regular legislative session adjourned on May 25. SB 147B and HB 195A, which were supported by pharmacies, aimed to expand access to care by granting pharmacists independent authority. This would establish a standard of care model, allowing pharmacists to fill urgent care gaps and provide patient care services. These bills will be carried over into the 2026 session.

Also in Alaska, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) signed SB 132, PBM reform legislation requiring insurers and PBMs to respond within 60 days to any inquiries by the Department of Health. The new law prohibits denial of claims submitted by the Department of Health from failure to obtain prior authorization.

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

Michael Silber2025-07-11T09:14:08-04:00July 11, 2025|Alaska|