Washington
The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission collaborated with the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington State Board of Nursing, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Board of Naturopathy to create brief tip sheets for the ongoing Rite Aid closures. Download the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Clinicians and the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Patients.
Also in Washington, the Department of Health Office of the Assistant Secretary announced policy, procedures and guidelines exercising enforcement discretion to permit pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to practice in the state without an active Washington state credential or certification under chapters 18.130, 18.64, or 18.64A RCW only for the purpose of assisting with prescription transfers due to the closures of Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacies in Washington.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wyoming
The Department of Health (WDH) confirmed a third case of measles in an unvaccinated adult from Carbon County.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alabama
The Alabama Pharmacy Association is now accepting nominations for two Alabama Board of Pharmacy Seats.
Nominations for the Pharmacy Technician position are being accepted through July 31. All candidates must be a resident of the state and must be nationally certified and registered in the state for a minimum of five years. They must also be actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy. Nominators should include CPhT documentation along with nomination.
Nominations for the Specialty Pharmacist position are being accepted through July 31. All candidates must be a resident of the state. They must be licensed pharmacists who have been licensed in the state for a minimum of five years and who are actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy, or pharmacy administration, or both. 34-23-90 defines "Specialty" as "such as nuclear, home infusion, compounding only or consultant pharmacist".
Nominations should be submitted in writing to LJones@aparx.org and should include the nominee's name and contact information along with the name and contact information of the individual submitting the nomination.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Board of Pharmacy is sponsoring a training program, "Inspection Expectations, Diversion Trends, Loss Prevention, Legal Updates and CURES," on August 8 via WebEx. Pharmacists who participate will receive six hours of continuing education (CE) credit.
The event is free, but space is limited and preregistration is required. The board has transitioned its registration and CE certification to PharmEd, its new learning management system. To register for the event, you will need to create an account in PharmEd if you do not already have one. To create an account please go to https://pharmed.thinkific.com/. Training attendees who do not use PharmEd will not be given CE credit.
For information on how to register for the event, visit the Board's website at www.pharmacy.ca.gov, scroll down to "Important Information for Licensees," and click on "Free CE Training Registration".
For questions about the event, email the Board at pharmacy.ce@dca.ca.gov.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
MedImpact will host the 2nd Quarter Pharmacy Provider Forum on July 30 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST. For information on how to join the webinar and other items of interest, please see the most recent pharmacy newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maryland
The Health Care Commission and Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP) are hosting the Blueprint for Dispenser Reporting of Non-CDS Dispenses webinar on July 23 at 1:00 pm EST via Zoom. Registration is required by July 21. During the webinar, presenters will discuss new requirements for dispensers to report noncontrolled (non-CDS) prescription drugs to the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) starting September 1, outlined in Noncontrolled Prescription Drugs Dispenser Data Submission Manual. Attendees are encouraged to share questions ahead of the webinar. Please email your questions to mhcc.noncds@maryland.gov. Please note, CRISP will also host a technical webinar on July 29 at 1:00 pm EST via Zoom to walk through the process for submitting non-CDS dispensing information. Please register in advance for the Non-CDS Data Submission Webinar.
Also in Maryland, NACDS reminds members that Medicaid pays for certain pharmacy healthcare services including MTM, administration of medications, tobacco cessation and vaccinations. They will also pay for any services provided under a collaborative practice agreement (CPA). For more details and enrollment instructions, please refer to this Advisory Bulletin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services posted the following fee schedules effective July 2025:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
New York
On July 16, the State Department of Health hosted its monthly pharmacy community meeting for NYRx, the state Medicaid pharmacy benefit program. NYRx also offers a monthly newsletter that contains helpful updates and links. The call focused on two topics. First, an update on diabetic testing supplies – advising pharmacies to become familiar with the preferred supply list. Second, a reminder to update the ETIN (Electronic Transmitter Identification Number), if needed, and how to do so.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
North Carolina
Due to issues at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the state legislature passed SB 391, extending the expiration of drivers’ licenses by two years. These expired licenses remain valid for driving, but other uses, like alcohol, tobacco and certain pharmacy sales, are affected. The Board of Pharmacy allows pharmacies to accept expired licenses for dispensing controlled substances. However, pseudoephedrine sales are more complicated, as license scans feed into a national database. NACDS’ in-state partner, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA), is working with legislators to clarify rules for businesses over the next two years.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy posted the following rules. NACDS does not intend to comment on these. Members can find more information on submitting comments in the links.
- CSI – BIA – Responsible Person Requirements (Comments Due 8.11.2025).pdf – requires minimum work hours for the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC)
- For Stakeholder Comment – Manner of Issuance (Comments Due 8.1.2025).pdf – requires a child's weight on certain pediatric prescriptions
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
Members can now bring out-of-state pharmacists into their Pennsylvania stores to help with the high demand for new prescriptions due to pharmacy closures. On July 7, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed Act No. 34 of 2025, which allows the Board of Pharmacy to issue a temporary provisional endorsement license to pharmacists licensed and in good standing in another state. An applicant seeking licensure under the act will not be required to demonstrate substantial equivalency or work experience. The act will expire 180 days from July 7. Further details and the provisional license application have been posted on the board’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
Last week, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that Ralph Alvarado has stepped down as state’s Commissioner of Health (TDH), effective July 11. The current state epidemiologist, John Dunn, will serve as interim commissioner.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy issued guidance for the emergency dispensing of prescription medications as a result of flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Also in Texas, the Drug Utilization Review Board posted the agenda for the July 25 meeting.
Finally in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will convene a 30-day special legislative session on July 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission collaborated with the Medical Commission, the Board of Nursing, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Board of Naturopathy to create brief tip sheets for the ongoing Rite Aid closures. Download the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Clinicians and the Rite Aid Closures Tip Sheet for Patients.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Wyoming
The Department of Health confirmed a second, unrelated case of measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alaska
The first session of the regular legislative session adjourned on May 25. SB 147B and HB 195A, which were supported by pharmacies, aimed to expand access to care by granting pharmacists independent authority. This would establish a standard of care model, allowing pharmacists to fill urgent care gaps and provide patient care services. These bills will be carried over into the 2026 session.
Also in Alaska, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) signed SB 132, PBM reform legislation requiring insurers and PBMs to respond within 60 days to any inquiries by the Department of Health. The new law prohibits denial of claims submitted by the Department of Health from failure to obtain prior authorization.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) 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. AB 116 requires PBMs to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), the same agency that also regulates health plans in the state. PBMs must obtain and maintain a license with DMHC on or after January 1, 2027, or the date on which DMHC has established the licensure process. DMHC is authorized to charge an annual fee on PBMs to support the department's actual and reasonably necessary expenses to implement PBM licensure and oversight. DMHC is also authorized to suspend or revoke a PBM license or assess administrative penalties if the director determines the licensee has committed acts or omissions constituting grounds for disciplinary action. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Fund will be established to receive fees, fines, penalties and reimbursements to support regulation of PBMs. DMHC is authorized to conduct periodic routine and non-routine examinations of the fiscal and administrative affairs of any PBM. Furthermore, PBMs must inform its contracted pharmacists of the right to submit complaints to DMHC and must provide certain data to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). A PBM also has a fiduciary duty to its payer client that includes a duty to be fair and truthful toward the payer, to act in the payer's best interests, and to perform its duties with care, skill, prudence and diligence.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is establishing Medi-Cal provider enrollment requirements and procedures for pharmacy providers that hold a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver. Effective August 1, 2025, pharmacy providers that hold a valid Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver and current Certificate of California Clinical Laboratory Registration may bill for CLIA-waived tests provided within the pharmacist's scope of practice as defined by the Board of Pharmacy and authorized in Business and Professions Code Section 4052.4. Pharmacy providers must apply to enroll in the Medi-Cal program by submitting a Medi-Cal provider enrollment online application, along with all supporting documentation. Providers can access Medi-Cal provider enrollment information on the DHCS Provider Enrollment Division webpage.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed SB25-289, a law creating a new Drug Donation Program to facilitate the safe donation and dispensing of unused medicine to Coloradans in need. The program expands upon the drug donation provisions and the corresponding rules and regulations for the Board of Pharmacy; it establishes parameters for participation and sets directives for donation recipients on the requirements for record retention in the program; outlines how to distribute donated medicine; and identifies what types of medicine can be distributed through the donation program.
Also in Colorado, the Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) annual Pharmacy Stakeholder Webinar is on August 12 from 9:00 am-11:00 am MT. Discussion will focus on emerging federal threats to Medicaid, state budget challenges, Medicaid cost trend drivers and priorities for fiscal year 2025-2026. Participants are encouraged to register for the webinar in advance.
Finally in Colorado, SB25-308 creates a cash fund for state dollars designated to 1115 waiver programs such as health related social needs and re-entry services for those leaving prison or jail after incarceration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Connecticut
On July 8, 2025, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed HB 7192, An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Bipartisan Drug Task Force. The law enhances the accountability and transparency of PBMs and health carriers and implements recommendations from the Bipartisan Drug Task Force which includes some of NACDS’ PBM policy priorities, including any willing provider. NACDS participated in the task force and submitted testimony when both bills had hearings.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Delaware
On July 1, the Board of Pharmacy held an emergency meeting and adopted emergency regulations regarding pharmacy closures in the state; see Department of State Division of Professional Regulation Emergency Order for details. Additionally, the Department of Insurance issued Domestic and Foreign Bulletin No. 153 RE: Department Expectations in Response to Emergency Order by the Board of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Closures; see the bulletin for details regarding emergency prescription coverage; prior authorizations and prescription transfer; pharmacy reimbursement and network adequacy; consumer protection and transparency; and compliance & enforcement. For questions, comments or requests for clarification, please email compliance@delaware.gov.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Hawaii
Gov. Josh Green (D) signed SB 1245 recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers and ensuring health plan reimbursement for services they provide withing their scope of practice. Beginning July 1, 2026, private and public health plans in the state must reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services of contracted pharmacies when those services are delivered within the pharmacists’ scope of practice.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Idaho
The Department of Insurance (DOI) published its June 2025 newsletter. As a reminder pharmacy providers may submit inquiries and complaints on the DOI website. Complete a separate form for each PBM if there are multiple complaints. To date, the DOI has received 43 complaints from pharmacies regarding PBMs. Of these, 36 remain open or pending, while seven have been closed. Complaints may include multiple issues, with the most common being related to Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) appeals and dispensing fees. The DOI Consumer Affairs team is also assisting the PBM Examiner with investigating reported concerns. For questions and information, please contact PBM@doi.idaho.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
Electric bills are expected to surge. What you need to know is that Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and PJM capacity auctions cleared at significantly higher prices for the 2025-2026 Planning Year: June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. MISO and PJM are the Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) that coordinate the movement of wholesale electricity in Ameren Illinois and ComEd electric territories, respectively. Ameren Illinois and ComEd electric customers will soon see the effects of these higher prices for the first time on invoices received in June/July. Ameren Illinois, ComEd, nor the suppliers have any control over these charges, nor do they have any power to change them. Due to a multitude of variables, Retail Energy Suppliers (RES) are handling this additional cost in many ways, according to supply contract terms and conditions as well as internal policy decisions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Indiana
The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) expanded provider enrollment to include licensed pharmacists. This new provider specialty allows eligible pharmacists to enroll as rendering providers linked to a group provider. Group providers may be reimbursed for evaluation and management (E/M) services related to hormonal contraceptives provided by IHCP-enrolled pharmacists, as outlined in Indiana Code (IC 25-26-25). Pharmacists may enroll as IHCP rendering providers using the IHCP Provider Healthcare Portal or via paper application. An active pharmacist license and successful completion of training as specified in IC 25-26-25 are required for IHCP pharmacist enrollment.
Also in Indiana, the Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) Drug Utilization Board (DUR) approved updates to the prior authorization (PA) criteria, Statewide Uniform Preferred Drug List (SUPDL) and Preferred Brand Drug List.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid posted to the attention of all Medicaid Medical Providers and Pharmacies INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2693-MC-FFS RE: Implementation of House File 1049-Gender Transition Surgeries or Associated Procedures effective July 1, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.