Kentucky
The Cabinet for Heath and Family Services released an extremely positive, in-depth report on parity in pharmacy payment for services. The report is a result of SJR 46, legislation adopted in 2025 that NACDS supported. The report found that paying pharmacies for clinical services would have minimal costs and positively impact access to care. As a result, NACDS intends to work with in-state partners to pass legislation mandating Medicaid payment for services in 2026.
Also in Kentucky, MedImpact issued an updated list of covered influenza vaccines, effective August 16. As a reminder, MedImpact does not require pharmacies to enroll in the Vaccines for Children program to be eligible for reimbursement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) published several bulletins of interest for pharmacies:
Also in Louisiana, LDH shared the slide deck from the July Medicaid PBM transition virtual meeting.
Also in Louisiana, in 2024, Act 711 of 2024 (R.S. 37:1218.2) became law, enabling pharmacists to independently dispense and/or administer HIV PrEP and PEP medications and order/interpret related rapid or laboratory testing. LDH posted the information about the statewide protocol, standing order, guidelines and training resources.
Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy posted the August 20 meeting agenda.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee is seeking a pharmacist to join the committee beginning in May 2026. The committee meets twice a year (May and November), and members receive a $600 annual stipend. If you are interested in serving, you must apply online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maine
On August 13, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for September 4.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Massachusetts:
On August 7, the Board of Pharmacy shared the following updates:
Contains new terms found in the newly promulgated 247 CMR 9.00 and terms that have been moved from 247 CMR 15.00.
Controlled Substance Prescriptions
Updates guidance for pharmacies to consider when evaluating the legitimacy of controlled substance prescriptions.
Failed HEPA Filters in ISO-Classified Environments
Updates guidance for compounding during remediation of failed HEPA filters, including updated BUD assignments.
Updates guidance for compounding during excursions of temperature, humidity, and differential pressures, including updated BUD assignments.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed policy change 2534-Pharmacy, removing copays for PrEP & PEP, effective November 2, 2025, contingent upon CMS approval. Comments are due by September 15 to GoethalsV@michigan.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Board of Pharmacy license renewals for pharmacies, drug distributors, drug outsourcers, drug distributor registrants and third-party logistics providers will be emailed on August 15 to the business e-mail address on file with the Board, along with instructions for renewing online via the MOPRO online licensing portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The State Department of Health shared the following reminder:
NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program would like to remind stakeholders, including prescribers, pharmacists, members and other caregivers, that 90-day supplies of most maintenance medications and over the counter (OTC) drugs are covered by NYRx. This benefit applies, but is not limited to, NYRx covered OTC medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and covered vitamins and minerals, such as prenatal vitamins, vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, fluoride and iron preparations. For a complete list of medications covered by NYRx, see the Medicaid pharmacy list of reimbursable drugs. 90-day supplies offer numerous benefits:
- For patients, cost savings with less copays, convenience of less trips to the pharmacy, improved medication adherence and reduced risk of missing refills.
- For prescribers, increased patient adherence equals easier monitoring, reduced administrative burden, increased patient satisfaction and a more streamlined process for chronic disease management.
- For pharmacies, increased patient adherence, improved operational efficiency leading to more time for additional services such as immunizations and medication therapy management (MTM) and enhanced customer satisfaction resulting in a stronger patient-pharmacy relationship.
Prescribers should consider writing for a 90-day supply and pharmacists should work with prescribers to switch to a 90-day supply, once it is determined the patient is on a stable dose of a maintenance medication or OTC drug.
Furthermore, pharmacists may also submit for package size quantities that closely represent the prescriber's fiscal order. For instance, if a prescriber writes for a quantity of 90 tablets and the closest package size is 100 tablets, that can be utilized.
For questions on this policy, contact NYRx@health.ny.gov or 518-486-3209.
Also in New York, NYRx Education and Outreach team shared an NYRx Brand Less Than Generic Program Update, effective August 21.
- Complera® will be ADDED to the program.
- Pradaxa®, Sandostatin LAR®, and Sprycel® will be REMOVED from the program.
For more information related to the Brand Less Than Generic (BLTG) Program, please review the BLTG YouTube webinar, NYRx, the Brand Less Than Generic (BLTG) Program – YouTube.
The NYRx Education & Outreach Call Center is available by phone at 1-833-967-7310 or by email at NYRxEO@primetherapeutics.com from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is now accepting applications for non-voting, volunteer peer review members of the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Credentialing Committee. For background and details on the Credentialing Committee, please see the announcement from NCTracks entitled Coming Soon: NCDHHS Credentialing Committee.
Providers interested in being considered for peer review roles should submit their resume to: ncmedicaidcredcomm-candidate@gdit.com.
For more information about the Credentialing Committee and related resources, including Fact Sheets and links to the stakeholder webinar series, visit the NCDHHS Credentialing Committee webpage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oklahoma
The Board of Pharmacy posted the quarterly newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
On August 13, the Board of Pharmacy adopted Temporary Rule OAR 855-115-0345 updating the Standard Vaccination Protocols to include the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2025-2026 influenza season.
The ACIP guidance, adopted on July 22, reaffirmed recommendations for the routine annual influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications for the 2025-2026 season.
ACIP recommends only single-dose formulations of annual influenza vaccines that are free of thimerosal as a preservative for three populations:
- Children 18 years or younger
- Pregnant women
- All adults
Please remember licensees are required to follow the age restrictions set forth by state law in ORS 689.645.
Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the August 2025 board meeting:
- Div 102 – Board Delegated Limited Authority for Vaccine Protocol rules *Effective August 8
- Divs 104/115 – Standard Vaccination Protocols *Effective August 8
- Standard Vaccination Protocol for Managing Adverse Reactions & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway
- Divs 115/135 – Standards Adopted by Reference *Effective August 8
Review the Secretary of State filing notices on the rulemaking page.
Review the Standard Vaccination Protocols located on the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee / Protocols page.
Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking amending pharmacy dispensing, prescription requirements and regulatory cleanup of program rules as follows. A hearing will be held on September 18 from 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm and comments are due to the agency by 5:00 pm on September 21; see notice for details.
- 410-121-0000 (Foreword and Definition of Terms): Amending definition of "mental health drug" to align with other rules and remove references to previous repealed rule definition.
- 410-121-0111 (Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee): Removing outdated language referencing 2011 bill and previous governing body.
- 410-121-0145 (Prescription Requirements): Removing outdated language for age restrictions and contraceptive prescribing.
- 410-121-0146 (Dispensing Limitations): Amending language to allow large days supply for select MH [mental health] carve out medications.
- 410-121-0147 (Exclusions and Limitations): Amending language to clean up repealed rule references.
- 410-121-0155 (Reimbursement): Amending language to exempt IHS [Indian Health Service] and Tribal pharmacies from AAAC survey process.
Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the August 20 meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
In the wake of Rite Aid closures, the Department of Insurance (PID) issued Notice 2025-07 urging to insurers and PBMs to take immediate steps to protect patients' access to prescription medication as many Pennsylvanians look for a new pharmacy. Specifically, PID asked them to:
- Help patients quickly find a new pharmacy if their local Rite Aid has closed;
- Allow a patient to use out-of-network pharmacies when in-network pharmacies are not available and, make sure patients do not pay more than in-network prices in such cases;
- Transfer any existing approvals or prior authorizations to the new pharmacy automatically;
- Set up hotlines, websites or other support tools to make prescription transfers easy;
- Fast-track urgent requests, like specialty medications and controlled substances; and
- Pause or reschedule pharmacy audits.
Additionally, the notice encouraged consumers experiencing issues accessing their prescriptions to file a complaint or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and American Pharmacists Association (APhA) jointly filed an amicus brief in federal court supporting Tennessee’s 2021 law regulating PBMs. The law, aimed at protecting patient choice and pharmacy access, bans PBMs from practices like patient steering and excluding pharmacies from preferred networks. The case stems from a challenge by McKee Foods arguing that the law is preempted by the federal ERISA statute.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The 30-day special legislative session is set to officially conclude on August 19. However, many Democratic lawmakers are currently out of the state, which means the House cannot conduct business without a quorum. As a result, House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) announced that if a quorum is not present, the House will adjourn sine die on August 15. If this occurs, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has pledged to immediately call for another special session.
Also in Texas, at the August 8 meeting, the Board of Pharmacy adopted rules on prescription delivery, allowing certain prescription drugs to be delivered by drones and contract carriers. The rules take effect on the date that they are published in the Texas Register.
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy members elected HEB pharmacist Donna Montemayor to serve at Vice President of the Board and Donnie Lewis, RPh to serve as Treasurer.
Also in Texas, on September 1, the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) will begin identifying some drugs with temporary non-preferred (TNP) status. TNP drugs are new-to-market drugs available on the Medicaid formulary but that have not yet been reviewed by the state's Drug Utilization Review Board for a preferred drug list status, either preferred or non-preferred.
Also in Texas, HHSC is encouraging pharmacies to enroll in Healthy Texas Women (HTW), offering women's health and family planning services at no cost to eligible Texans. More information on the program can be found on the HTW website. Pharmacies can enroll as participating HTW providers when completing the enrollment process through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership's (TMHP's) Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). Pharmacies are automatically enrolled in HTW when completing the Medicaid enrollment unless the pharmacy unchecks the HTW participation box. The HTW Provider Certification and Attestation form does not apply to pharmacies. See the TMHP PEMS website for enrollment information.
Also in Texas, HHSC removed the non-preferred status from the generic methylphenidate patch products on the preferred drug list effective August 11, as a result of manufacturer-reported backorders due to supply shortages.
Finally in Texas, HHSC published an update to the Clinical Prior Authorization Assistance Chart (PDF). HHSC requires managed care organizations (MCOs) to implement specific clinical prior authorizations for clients enrolled in managed care. Usage of other clinical prior authorizations will vary between MCOs at the discretion of each MCO. Refer to the Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual for more information about required clinical prior authorizations in managed care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) Apple Health (Medicaid) released a new provider fact sheet with information about language access.
Also in Washington, the 2025-27 Operating Budget directed the Health Care Authority (HCA) to reduce Apple Health (Medicaid) managed care organization (MCO) rates by 1 percent, or approximately $90 million, for calendar year 2026. HCA is implementing several specific reductions that combined will result in $90 million in reduced expenditures. HCA summarized the changes which take effect January 1, 2026.
Also in Washington, HCA posted information about language access and interpreter services:
Also in Washington, the Washington Health Care Privacy Toolkit was updated.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) launched a Naloxone Pilot Program for a one-time distribution of naloxone to behavioral health agencies (BHAs) in the state. This pilot is the result of efforts to expand access to opioid reversal medication and listening to feedback from community partners, which showed that BHAs have a high need for upfront funding to purchase the initial stock of naloxone before they can begin a "stock and replenish" model.
Finally in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) published its August newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review the “Reminder: Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Claim Reimbursement” as it relates to “Now Active: NCPDP Field 426-DQ Usual and Customary Charge Requirement”. Also note the mass adjustments for commercial COVID-19 vaccines; see alert below for details.
- Mass Adjustment for Commercial COVID-19 Vaccines for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service September 11, 2023, through September 30, 2024
- Reminder: Prescription Supplements Are Not Covered
- Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for August
- Reminder: Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Claim Reimbursement
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy provided this August 1 update regarding the
California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER) Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4113.1.
Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4113.1 establishes requirements for a community pharmacy to report medication errors to an entity approved by the Board. The Board refers to this as the California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER) system. The statute requiring reporting to CAMER can be viewed at BPC section 4113.1.
In September 2024, the Board approved the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), an ECRI Company, as the entity to receive and review medication error reports under BPC section 4113.1. Please note while ECRI and ISMP operate a Patient Safety Organization (PSO), event reports submitted pursuant to BPC section 4113.1 are not submitted to the ECRI and ISMP PSO.
Following the Board’s decision in June 2025 to withdraw the Quality Assurance (QA) rulemaking, questions have arisen regarding its impact on reporting to CAMER. It is important to note that QA and CAMER are two distinct requirements under pharmacy law. The withdrawal of the QA rulemaking does not affect the statutory requirement for community pharmacies to report to CAMER. For more information, please refer to the Board’s CAMER website.
As a reminder, community pharmacies may register for CAMER online. Additionally, the Board advises licensees that medication errors that occur on or after September 1 must be reported to the CAMER system consistent with legal requirements established.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted its News Roundup – August 2025 and includes the following: Upcoming Meetings, Rite Aid Closures, California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER), Self-Assessment Forms: July 1, 2025 Deadline, Report a Drug Theft/Drug Loss Online Portal and NEW PIC Training Webinar.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued an executive order announcing a special legislative session on August 21 to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall caused by the passage of H.R. 1, the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. In addition to addressing fiscal issues, the Governor wants legislators to address health care, food insecurity and artificial intelligence issues.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Illinois
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Vendor Relations Unit will host its next Quarterly Vendor Information Conference Call on August 12 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am CST. Please use the following information to access the call: Dial-in Number: 844-291-5490 Access Code: 2902421
This call provides an opportunity for the Department of Human Services to share important program updates, address recent issues and hear general questions or concerns from vendors.
When joining the call, please be prepared to provide your name, company name and WIC Vendor ID (if you represent a specific vendor location).
Key discussion topics have been outlined in the agenda. If you would like to address a specific issue during the call, in addition to the topics on the agenda, please complete the Help IL WIC Improve vendor questionnaire before the call.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services announced that Lee Grossman has been appointed as the new Director of Iowa Medicaid. Grossman, an Iowa native, brings more than 14 years of experience from the Wyoming Department of Health, where he most recently served as Medicaid Director since February 2023. Lee will begin this new role in early September.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
With dozens of overdose deaths in the state involving bromazolam, Attorney General Russell Coleman (R) is calling on the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to take emergency action to ban the drug. Additionally, he has contacted the US Drug Enforcement Administration asking them to quickly schedule the drug as a controlled substance. The drug has already been scheduled in some states, including Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
The Board of Pharmacy will meet on August 19 and 20 at the Board’s office in Baton Rouge. The agenda has not yet been posted, but the meeting schedule is provided below:
- Reinstatement Committee – 10:30 am on August 19
- Impairment Committee – 1:00 pm on August 19
- Finance Committee – 2:30 pm on August 19
- Executive Committee – 3:30 pm on August 19
- Board Meeting – 9:00 am on August 20
- Administrative Hearing – 12:30 pm on August 20
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) announced the appointment of Douglas Jacobs, MD, MPH, as its new Executive Director, effective August 18. Dr. Jacobs, a primary care physician, brings extensive experience in public health leadership, policy innovation and clinical care. Most recently, he served as Chief Transformation Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and previously held senior roles in Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, where he helped lead the state’s COVID-19 response. He is also a practicing primary care doctor with first-hand experience of how policies affect patient care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
MassHealth shared this month’s Pharmacy Facts. The ordering, referring and prescribing (ORP) referring provider national provider identifier (NPI) is not required for claims for durable medical equipment (DME) and home infusion services billed by pharmacies through the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). To avoid denials for claims with dates of service on and after August 1, 2025, pharmacy providers should not enter the ORP referring provider’s NPI on the claims for DME and home infusion services billed through MMIS.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy published its meeting agenda for August 20.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Mississippi
Please note survey open for public input on development of Rural Health Transformation Plan. On July 3, Congress passed via the FY 2025 budget reconciliation process H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). Section 71401 of the Bill modifies Section 2105 of the Social Security Act and establishes a $50 billion grant program ($10 billion per fiscal year for FY 2026 – 2030) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute payments to the 50 states through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Applications to participate in the grant program must be approved by the HHS Secretary no later than December 31, 2025.
The Office of the Governor, in coordination with the Division of Medicaid (DOM) and the State Department of Health (MSDH), intends to solicit public input through a public survey and a stakeholder forum by the Office of the Governor, develop a Rural Health Transformation Plan (Plan) and submit a timely application for the grant funding. The Office of the Governor will make the final selection for initiatives included in the Plan.
Please complete the survey by 5:00 pm on August 14: Rural Health Transformation Program Stakeholder Survey
See the full Survey: https://medicaid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Attachment-E-Rural-Health-Transformation-Program-Stakeholder-Survey.pdf
To learn more visit: https://medicaid.ms.gov/rural-health-transformation-program/
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.