Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 41, PBM reform legislation. SB 41 requires licensure of PBMs, protects patient choice by prohibiting PBMs from steering or inducing patients to affiliate pharmacies, prohibits retroactive fees and claw backs, mandates PBMs use a passthrough pricing model and prohibits spread pricing among its various provisions. Recall earlier this year, Gov. Newsom signed AB 116, the health omnibus trailer bill that contains the specific statutory language to implement the governor’s PBM reform policies as outlined in the state’s main budget bill.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
- October 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- October 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alert on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Important Update: GLP-1s for Weight Loss Are Not a Covered Benefit.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed adding Title 16 CCR § 1707.4, related to Central Fill Pharmacies.
Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed text may do so by submitting written comments beginning October 17 and ending on December 1 to the following:
Contact Person: Lori Martinez
Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 574-8618
Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed 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.