As part of the West Coast Health Alliance, the Department of Health released vaccine recommendations for the 2026–27 respiratory virus season.
Also in Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green (D) issued the Seventh Proclamation Relating to Pharmacist-Provided Vaccination Services allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a standing order that lets vaccine providers across the state begin giving updated COVID-19 vaccines. The statewide order signed last week by Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, matches similar steps taken in the other three West Coast Health Alliance (WHCA) states—Washington, California and Hawaii.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy published the 2026 Book of Pharmacy Laws & Rules, providing a consolidated reference of current statutes and administrative rules governing pharmacy practice in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Professional Licensing working with the Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance clarifying the use of the 2026-2027 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Pharmacy has proposed amendments to Title 16 CCR § 1749, related to Fee Schedules. Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed text may do so by submitting written comments beginning July 31 and ending on September 14 to the following:
Contact Person: Brianna Fujimoto
Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95833
Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 574-8618
Below are related links:
Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed addition of the text of the regulation will be considered and responded to in the Final Statement of Reasons.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
This notice provides updated information for providers regarding COVID At-Home Rapid Antigen Test Kits billed through Medicaid-participating pharmacies. This update applies to both the Fee-for-Service (FFS) program and Managed Care Organization (MCO) plans.
Effective September 1, 2026, COVID At-Home Rapid Test Kits will be limited to a quantity of eight (8) per Medicaid customer per rolling calendar year (a 365-day period measured from the date the first test kit is dispensed).
A list of covered COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen Test Kits can be found in the Medicaid Preferred Drug List | HFS.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
In compliance with Revised Statute (R.S.) 37:1218.2, which authorizes pharmacists to provide services related to the initiation and dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, the Department of Health (LDH) issued Informational Bulletin 26-11 for Pharmacist Billing for HIV PEP/PrEP Services.
Also in Louisiana, LDH announced that Healthy Blue (HBL) will end its participation as a Louisiana Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) at the conclusion of its Medicaid managed care contract, effective December 31, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
TennCare is committed to ensuring that covered medications meet established standards for safety, efficacy, and regulatory approval. As part of this commitment, TennCare will reject claims for NDCs deemed non-FDA-approved. Effective September 1, 2026, pharmacy claims submitted for these products will be rejected at the point of sale with the following messaging: “Non-FDA-approved drug; Please try an alternative NDC.” Please visit the OptumRx-TennCare website regularly to stay up to date on changes to the pharmacy program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The House Select Committee on Health Care Affordability held a hearing this week with invited testimony only on ways to lower health care costs while maintaining access and quality. Discussions covered innovative delivery and financing models, flexible and affordable health plan design, and policies to help small and mid-sized employers offer more coverage. Lawmakers also explored ways to improve cost and quality transparency to help consumers make informed choices. The interim hearings guide future legislative recommendations to improve affordability, access, and sustainability in Texas healthcare.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
