West Virginia
NACDS reminds members that SB 526, the “Pharmacists Prescribing Authority Act” was effective July 11, 2025, and allows pharmacists to test and treat patients for flu, RSV and COVID under their own authority. The law does not require rules. Further details on this law, as well as other new laws and rules, are available in the West Virginia Pharmacists Association July newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
The Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) is required to conduct administrative desk reviews to ensure providers are following state policies and practices that comply with federal regulations. Medicaid coordinates with SafeGuard Services, LLC (SGS), a Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC) working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). SGS performs fraud, waste and abuse detection, deterrence and prevention activities for Medicaid claims through administrative desk reviews. See Medicaid’s ALERTs for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy published its July 2025 newsletter including the following articles and items of interest: Update Your Profile, Be on Alert – Scam Letters and/or Phone Calls, Thank You for Serving – Cedar Lahann and Kevin Dang, Welcome to the Board – Christopher Hogan and Stephanie Spark, Understanding ARS §20-1742: Malpractice Reporting Requirements in Arizona, 2025 Legislative Update and Bills Signed Into Law and Disciplinary Actions and Update – Health Boards.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
On July 28,a federal judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas Central Division granted a preliminary injunction to stop the implementation of HB 1150/Act 624, a state law prohibiting out-of-state PBMs from operating pharmacies inside the state, due to take effect on January 1, 2026. The reason given in the court order was because it likely violates the Commerce Clause, and it is likely preempted by TRICARE.
Also in Arkansas, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a new section 1115 demonstration titled "Arkansas Opportunities to Test Transition-Related Strategies to Support Community Reentry from Incarceration and Institutions for Mental Disease." It allows the state to receive federal financial participation (FFP) for Medicaid state plan services provided to adult beneficiaries who are in institutions for mental disease (IMD) for substance use disorder (SUD) or serious mental illness (SMI) treatment.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
On June 19, the Board of Pharmacy (Board) received notification from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) that the Board's compounding regulation changes were approved. The Notice of Approval provides that the new regulations will become effective on October 1.
As required by law, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of its compounding regulations and identified necessary changes after United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) General Chapters became compendial. These efforts resulted in the Board voting, as part of its April 2023 Board meeting, to promulgate new regulations. Since that time, and after five formal comment periods, a regulation hearing and extensive review and discussion over the course of multiple public meetings, the Board completed the formal rulemaking process. With the recent approval by the OAL of the updated compounding regulations promulgated by the Board, the Board wishes to update its stakeholders on its policy related to licensees transitioning to the updated USP General Chapters and updated regulations.
During this intervening period, the Board encourages licensees to continue transitioning to the new standards established in USP and to take steps to establish compliance with the Board's updated regulations.
Source: View the policy statement. Revised July 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing l(HCPF) is hosting its annual virtual Stakeholder Webinar on August 12 from 9:00 am to 11:00am MT. Leaders will discuss emerging federal threats to Medicaid, state budget challenges, Medicaid cost trend drivers and HCPF's priorities for fiscal year 2025-2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Indiana
The Pharmacy Access for Contraceptives for Hoosiers (PATCH), a grant program for pharmacies who have or are planning to implement contraceptive prescribing services, expired on July 30.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking a pharmacist to volunteer to serve on the Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Committee to review the current statewide protocols for testing and initiation of therapy for influenza, acute group A strep and acute uncomplicated UTI in women. Interested parties must submit a resume and letter of interest to pharmacy@ks.gov by September 2.
Also in Kansas, the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita, the Kansas Hospital Association and DCCCA, are conducting a study designed to improve access to substance use disorder (SUD) care aimed at identifying the barriers to treating individuals with SUDs.
Finally, the Board of Pharmacy adopted several new rules at the July 11 meeting, which will go into effect in August 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Board of Pharmacy adopted new requirements for the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC), that were effective on June 20. The amended rule reduces the minimum experience requirement for a pharmacist to qualify as a PIC from two years to one year of active pharmacy practice, and it expands the responsibility for the supervision, management and regulatory compliance of the entire prescription department to include both the PIC and the owner of the pharmacy permit.
Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy published the July 2025 newsletter.
Finally, the Board of Pharmacy released the July 2025 Advisory Council update on the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
Medicaid is seeking new applicants to serve on its newly reimagined Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). Specifically, they are encouraging individuals who have experience with Medicaid as an advocate, community leader or direct service provider to apply.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on August 8. Visit the Online Application to learn more and apply. Questions can be directed to MDHHS-MAC@michigan.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Board of Pharmacy reminded pharmacy technicians that effective August 4 pharmacy technician applications must be submitted via the MOPRO online licensing portal and that paper applications will no longer be available. MOPRO is the new licensure system for the Division of Professional Registration.
Also in Missouri, registration is open for the August 19 virtual Noon "Lunch with the Chief Inspector" update on pharmacy technicians.
Also in Missouri, the Health Department (MHD) launched a self-service feature on the Pharmacy and Medical Pre-Certification Helpdesk Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for prior authorization (PA) requests for drugs. This enhancement allows pharmacies and providers to check the status of faxed drug PA requests instantly. To use this feature, providers will need their National Provider Identifier (NPI), the participant's MO HealthNet ID (DCN) and the date the request was faxed.
Finally in Missouri, the 2025 Pharmacy Practice Guide was recently updated.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
As a reminder, LB 118 (Statute 38-2866.01), increasing the pharmacist-to-pharmacy technician ratio to permit a pharmacist to supervise any combination of pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns up to four people, is effective September 3. Also recall, for any pharmacist supervising four pharmacy technicians or pharmacist interns, at least one person must be a certified pharmacy technician.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the first round of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits, issued on April 23, 2025, will be expiring on August 23, 2025. Summer EBT funds can be used to purchase nutritious foods at grocery stores, online food retailers, and farmer's markets that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT.
Finally in Nebraska, the Board of Pharmacy published its draft minutes from the July 14 meeting. The next Board of Pharmacy meeting is scheduled for September 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
South Carolina
The PEBA, the state agency responsible for the administration and management of the state’s retirement systems and employee insurance programs for the state’s public workforce, awarded the contract for pharmacy benefits management services to CVS Caremark. Beginning January 1, 2026, CVS Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the PBM for the State Health Plan. The initial contract term is two years with three one-year renewal options, for a maximum contract term of five years.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Effective August 1, TennCare will no longer enforce the five prescription limit per month on prescription drugs and refills for adult TennCare enrollees; however, the two brand prescription limit per month will remain in effect. Members may exceed the two brand monthly prescription limit by utilizing the products on the Auto-Exempt and Attestation List. As a reminder, the limit starts over at the first of each month. No changes will be made to the CoverRx and CoverKids programs. TennCare Pharmacy Updates are available online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Also in Texas, the 30-day special legislative session entered its second week. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) and Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) announced the formation of House and Senate Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. These committees are holding hearings on improving flood warning systems, enhancing flood emergency communications, providing relief funding for the Hill Country Floods and preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. Additionally, Patrick and Burrows appointed 21 members to the newly established House and Senate Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting.
Finally in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) reminded licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that they are required to complete an approved Human Trafficking Prevention course each renewal period. Please see the full list of newly approved courses on the Texas Health and Human Services webpage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
The Health Care Cost Transparency Board analyzed healthcare spending from 2017 to 2023, using data from both public and commercial insurers in the All-Payer Claims Database. The analysis revealed that spending on retail pharmacies increased by 71 percent during this period, which is a significantly faster rate of growth compared to any other category of services. Rising prices were the primary driver of growth in spending on prescription drugs, with the number of prescriptions increasing by only three percent, compared to a 66 percent price increase. This study aligns with other studies that show that list prices set by manufacturers are the primary reason why costs are escalating.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority's (HCA) 2025-27 Operating Budget was reduced for Apple Health (Medicaid) managed care organization (MCO) rates by one percent, or approximately $90 million, for calendar year 2026. HCA provided guidance and FAQ on the managed care rate reductions effective January 1, 2026.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) updated the substance use disorder (SUD) provider guide, clarifying state and federal laws that limit the use and disclosure of SUD information.
Finally in Washington, starting August 1, submitting eligibility policy questions and data requests for Eligibility Policy Innovation and Community Support (EPICS) is transitioning from the email inboxes to the ServiceNow platform, renamed to Apple Health Policy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Medi-Cal Rx shared the following information for pharmacy providers. The US Food and Drug Administration has asked the four companies that have teriparatide products (FOREO by Lilly and generics by Prasco, Teva, and Apotex) to change the package size on the label of the products. Changing package size will affect claims billing while labels with both package sizes are in distribution. Note, the product NDCs were not changed to account for the change in package size. However, the reimbursement rate was updated to account for the reduction in package size from 2.4 ml to 2.24 ml.
The Department of Health Care Services would also like to request pharmacy providers update their POS systems to allow these claims to be submitted for 2.24 ml as this change took effect on March 29. Medi-Cal Rx also asks pharmacy providers to submit claims for 2.24 ml regardless of the package size displayed on the package. This will prevent overpayment. If the pharmacy POS system does not allow the claim to be submitted for 2.24 ml, please resubmit the claim and call Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center for assistance.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following: NOTICE OF DECISION NOT TO PROCEED - Pursuant to Government Code section 11347
Re: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning Quality Assurance Programs
Pursuant to Government Code Section 11347, the California Board of Pharmacy (Board) hereby gives notice that it has decided not to proceed with the rulemaking action published in the California Regulatory Notice Register on August 9, 2024, Register 2024, No. 32-Z. The proposed rulemaking concerned Quality Assurance Programs (OAL Notice Z2024-0725-02).
Any interested person with questions concerning this rulemaking should contact Lori Martinez at 916-244-6648 or by e-mail at: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov.
The Board will also post this Notice of Decision Not to Proceed on its website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is soliciting stakeholder input before August 30, regarding the draft Supervision Policy for Medicaid Billable Behavioral Health Services. Feedback can be provided either by attending a stakeholder meeting or providing written feedback using this Google Form.
Also in Colorado, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Board of Pharmacy is hosting a pharmacy stakeholder meeting on proposed rules on July 31 at 9:00 am MDT. Oral comments will be taken from webinar participants. Written comments need to be submitted as soon as possible so that they can be included in this stakeholder meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Western Iowa and has notified the public of potential exposure locations. The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of eight confirmed measles cases in 2025. For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Thursdays, with current case counts and public health guidance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
MedImpact distributed an updated statewide naloxone protocol. Please note that the protocol requires pharmacies to notify the Department for Public Health when initiating participation under the statewide protocol by emailing or faxing (502-564-9377) the signed protocol within seven days of dispensing naloxone.
Also in Kentucky, MedImpact issued a bulletin detailing NADAC pricing and the process for reversing and refilling claims when drug prices increase.
Also in Kentucky, the Department of Insurance (DOI) issued Bulletin 2025-03 to provide details regarding its enforcement of SB 188 of 2024, the comprehensive PBM commercial market reform law. As a reminder, the rate floor for chain pharmacies will not be effective until the DOI cost of dispensing study is completed.
Finally in Kentucky, MedImpact issued a third reminder to pharmacies regarding recent changes to its covered diabetic supplies list.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed several bills into law that impact pharmacies, including:
HB 15/Act 121, effective August 1, updates the state's controlled substance schedules to align with recent federal scheduling actions taken since the last legislative session. Three substances were added to Schedule I, including two opiates and one stimulant.
HB 210 /Act 159, effective August 1, establishes provisions for the retention, archiving and destruction of certain information within the state's Prescription Monitoring Program.
SB 19 /Act 464, effective June 20, 2025, authorizes pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to individuals aged 18 years and older under a standing order issued by a Department of Health (LDH) healthcare professional with prescriptive authority. LDH must first adopt rules outlining the procedures for dispensing ivermectin.
SB 154 /Act 41, effective August 1, defines "Kratom" and classifies 7- hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances in the state. The Act also adds Mitragyna speciosa to the state's list of prohibited plants.
HB 690 /Act 396, effective June 20, 2025, directs the State Surgeon General to develop rules for the administration of medical activities under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or all members of the healthcare community in the state. These rules will not override federal regulations but will provide state specific guidance to promote uniformity and safety in administration.
HB 264 /Act 474, effective June 20, 2025, introduces several key reforms regulating PBMs in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services (OPS) issued an advisory this week reminding Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies about the regulatory requirements for returning an unclaimed prescription to stock. According to COMAR 10.09.03.03 (M), pharmacies are required to reverse invoice charges for any prescription not picked up by the participant or their designee within 14 days of dispensing the opioid antagonist. The 14-day period begins at the date of service (dispensing). The advisory cautioned that they are actively monitoring claim reversals and that signs of non-compliance may trigger audits and further review.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The August 6-8 Board of Pharmacy meeting agenda and meeting materials are available. Please note on August 6, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm. Also note on August 7, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm.
Finally, the board anticipates meeting in Open Session on August 8 and will break for lunch between 12 noon to 1:00 pm. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The Board of Pharmacy has posted the application for pharmacists seeking temporary provisional licenses. The process was required by Act 34 of 2025, the recently enacted bill intended to provide relief to pharmacies experiencing increased workloads due to pharmacy closures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Hill Country.
Also in Texas, the Drug Utilization Review Board posted the agenda for the July 25 meeting.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) Medicaid issued guidance for pharmacy claims for a 90-day supply of prescription drugs for children in the Fee-For-Service program impacted by the Hill Country flooding.
Also in Texas, NACDS sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) 2025 Conference and Expo in Austin. The three-day event featured lots of CE sessions, including an update from the Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacist Danny Carroll. There was also a recap of the successful 89th legislative session and a Passing of the Gavel ceremony, during which pharmacist Jason Davis from HEB was sworn in as the president of TPA.
Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) convened a 30-day special session on July 21. The Governor's proclamation identified 18 issues lawmakers will debate including increased funding for statewide emergency communication warning systems, regulation of hemp-derived products, tightening laws against medication abortion and congressional redistricting aimed at adding five more GOP seats. House Democrats are coming under increased pressure from national leaders in their party to prevent Republican leadership from redrawing congressional districts. Special sessions last 30 calendar days, but there is no limit on how many the governor can call. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R) announced that the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) for fiscal years 2026–27 remains unchanged, with $3.1 billion available for general-purpose spending through August 31, 2027.
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) sponsored the Texas Pharmacy Association's (TPA) 2025 Conference and Expo in Austin, where pharmacists, students, and technicians joined with their pharmacy peers. The three-day event featured lots of CE sessions, including the opening general session featuring a look at the new era at TPA under the leadership of CEO RoxAnn Dominguez, and an update from the Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacist Danny Carroll. There was also a recap of the successful 89th legislative session and a Passing of the Gavel ceremony, during which pharmacist Jason Davis from HEB was sworn in as the president of TPA.
Finally in Texas, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock (R) announced that the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) for fiscal years 2026–27 remains unchanged, with $3.1 billion available for general-purpose spending through Aug. 31, 2027.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.