As a member of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), the Oregon Health Authority announced endorsement of the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted the February 11-13, 2026 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Coalition issued a news release on January 20 calling for PBM reform and announcing a new advocacy website that includes an updated state pharmacy deserts map. The Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores (PACDS) is a member of the coalition, and NACDS is actively working with the coalition and PACDS to advance our joint legislative agenda.
Also in Pennsylvania, NACDS reminds members that all pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Board of Pharmacy (PBOP) by June 28. The PBOP recently published an instructional video to assist applicants with the registration process. For more information, see:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid hosted a quarterly pharmacy stakeholder meeting. One issue discussed was the usual and customary policy changes that VDP is making as a result of a new statute, HB 2402, requiring a pharmacy to exclude any fee, charge or rate offered as part of a monthly fee-based membership discount program when determining the usual and customary charge the pharmacies put on fee-for-service pharmacy claims. The proposed rule amendments went through an informal comment period in November 2025, and VDP told stakeholders that they are reviewing the comments received. NACDS and the other Texas pharmacy groups raised concerns about the recent SureScripts/GoodRx announcement and asked that the rule be revised and reissued as a draft in light of this new development.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for the February 3 quarterly meeting in Austin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
NACDS is providing the following information regarding updates and opportunities in the state.
Also in Vermont, the state posted its application online. Please note specific mention of pharmacy related to expanded pharmacists' scope to include test-to-treat in more scenarios (i.e., COVID-19, flu, strep throat) on page 40. Additionally, on page 40, it is noted that changes are required to current statute to support and accommodate broad expansion of test-to-treat in pharmacies.
Also in Vermont, Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Provider and Community Partner Online Listening Session will be held on February 2 at 1:00 pm-2:00 pm EST. Please register online in advance.
Finally in Vermont, the AHS RHT Program team has created a listserv for interested parties to enroll for information about the program. NACDS encourages interested members to join this listserv to gain access to important insights and information. Please note once you subscribe to the listserv, you will receive an email asking you to "confirm" your registration. You must complete this two-step process to be added to the listserv.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Medicaid Services (DMAS) Pharmacy Liaison Committee posted the minutes from its December 2025 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) is hosting two legislative days this year on January 28 and February 23 to meet with legislators to inform them about practice and priority issues.
Also in Washington, the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee is holding a hearing on January 30 on SB 5924, legislation expanding prescriptive authority for pharmacists by removing the administrative barriers to pharmacist-provided care by allowing independent prescribing and diagnosis within a pharmacist's scope of practice and based on individual training, education and experience. The legislation is modeled after laws enacted in Idaho and Iowa and builds on 46 years of safe pharmacist prescribing and diagnostic authority already permitted in the state through Collaborative Drug Therapy Agreements (CDTAs). This week, NACDS issued a CALL to ACTION asking members to register in support of the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The state will receive $205 million in federal funding as part of CMS’ Rural Healthcare Transformation Program. The state’s funds will help cover chronic disease prevention and behavioral health; sustain Critical Care Access hospitals; sustain access to labor and delivery services in rural communities; innovative approaches to care delivery and payment models; workforce development and training; technological and consumer health solutions; and IT advances and technical assistance. To address concerns regarding sustainability, the state proposed the establishment of the “Wyoming Health Transformation Perpetuity”, designed to generate long-term revenue and establish auditing and reporting requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rural Health Transformation Program implementation is advancing, and NACDS review shows 36 states directly include pharmacists/pharmacies in their plans, with five more outlining strategies applicable to pharmacy providers. Fourteen states (AR, DE, ME, MI, MO, NH, ND, OH, OR, RI, TN, UT, VT, WY) are also advancing test-and-treat legislation, signaling expanded roles for pharmacists in clinical care. While momentum is significant, coordinated engagement remains essential to influence care models, reimbursement and policies as states finalize implementation. NACDS created a members-only state-by-state resource, entitled "Rural Health Transformation Program State Funds Tracker".
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.
The legislature convenes on January 20, with a projected adjournment date on May 20.
Also in Alaska, State Department of Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg and her team hosted a webinar this week to present approved initiatives and timelines, share updates on the funding process and discuss opportunities for healthcare providers to engage with the Rural Health Transformation Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
