Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2781 blog entries.

Alaska

A new state law improves healthcare access by letting qualified pharmacists offer more services within their expertise. AKPhA Executive Director Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD, told “Alaska Independent News” this law could transform care statewide. It allows pharmacists to treat common conditions and expands collaborative practice, making it easier for patients to get care from accessible healthcare professionals in their communities.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:06:50-04:00August 28, 2026|Alaska|

Florida

The Department of Health is proposing to remove four vaccines, hepatitis B, varicella, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate from immunization requirements for students attending public and private PreK-12 schools. The proposed rule, backed by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, is subject to a 21-day public comment period that began August 24. The proposal would also broaden religious vaccine exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs and allow parents and college students to opt out of having immunization records included in the state vaccine database. The four vaccines targeted by the rule are required under agency rules rather than state law, allowing the department to repeal the requirements without legislative action. Existing state law would continue to require vaccinations against diseases including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, rubeola and tetanus.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:06:23-04:00August 28, 2026|Florida|

Maryland

The Department of Health is seeking feedback as it explores adding food and nutrition services to Medicaid through In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority beginning in 2028, including services such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions. The RFI is for planning only and will not result in contracts or grants. More information is available online. The effort builds on Maryland's Food is Medicine investments, including the Medically Tailored Meals initiative, Produce Prescription program, and Population Health Improvement Fund. Feedback is due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, using the RFI form. Questions may be sent to mdh.ilosrfi@maryland.gov.

Also in Maryland, Delegate Bonnie Cullison (D) was appointed as the new chair of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, effective August 7.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:05:50-04:00August 28, 2026|Maryland|

Michigan

Medicaid released the agenda which includes log on information for the Pharmacy Liaison Meeting scheduled for September 3 from 2:30 pm-4:30pm.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:05:16-04:00August 28, 2026|Michigan|

Mississippi

The Division of Medicaid (DOM) is conducting off-cycle provider revalidations in accordance with guidance from CMS. Providers who have not completed revalidation since April 22, 2025, will be required to complete an off-cycle revalidation to maintain compliance with federal enrollment requirements. To support efficient processing, revalidation notices will be issued in phases over the coming months. For an overview of the revalidation process, please review the Medicaid Provider Revalidation Roadmap. You can also find more information online.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:04:46-04:00August 28, 2026|Mississippi|

Missouri

Effective August 31, the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) Pharmacy Administration Helpdesk will update its hours of operation to Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Providers may email MHD.PharmacyAdmin@dss.mo.gov or call (573) 751-6963 for assistance with questions about the MO HealthNet Pharmacy Program, including claims adjudication, MORx inquiries, TPL coordination and pharmacy claims pricing issues.

Also in Missouri, MO HealthNet (Medicaid) completed the required annual review of all drug coverage criteria per 13 CSR 70-20.200 Drug Prior Authorization Process – Pharmacy Clinical Edits and Preferred Drug Lists.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:04:14-04:00August 28, 2026|Missouri|

Nevada

The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for the September 2 and 3 meeting in Reno.

Also in Nevada, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking public comments on a proposed rule establishing a $100 fee for both registration and biennial renewal for practitioners and others who dispense controlled substances. This fee is intended to support the integration of Nevada's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) into pharmacy dispensing systems and electronic health records if current grant funding becomes unavailable. (Amendment to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 639.) Public comments may be submitted in advance to the Board at teambc@pharmacy.nv.gov.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:03:44-04:00August 28, 2026|Nevada|

Oklahoma

Republicans returned to the polls on Tuesday for a runoff election between Attorney General Gentner Drummond, pharmacy’s champion on PBM reforms, and former State Sen. Mike Mazzei, to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt (R). Mazzei defeated Drummond in a close race, winning by about 2000 votes, with a margin of 0.6%.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:03:12-04:00August 28, 2026|Oklahoma|

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority released a statement that the West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules.

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority's Immunization Policy Advisory Team will meet on September 3. The Oregon Immunization Program works to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable disease in Oregon. Staff members identify and promote evidence-informed public health best practices to both the public and health care professionals throughout the state.

What: Meeting of Oregon's Immunization Policy Advisory Team (IPAT)

When: Thursday, Sept. 3, noon-2 p.m.

Where: Virtually via Zoom – register HERE (required). Registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional information that they will need to join the meeting.

Draft agenda items include:

Public comment

Respiratory season update

RSV season patterns

Standing Order update

ALERT IIS Replacement Project update

Future meeting settings

Roundtable discussion

Final agenda will be available at the meeting or via email request three days before the meeting date by contacting imm.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

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

Michael Silber2026-08-28T12:02:43-04:00August 28, 2026|Oregon|