Florida
The Department of Health, Division of Disease Control, scheduled a public meeting and workshop to discuss proposed revisions to Rule 64D-3.046 of the Florida Administrative Code, which governs immunization requirements for school entry. The session will take place on December 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Central Time, or until all business is concluded. The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach, in The Dunes Conference Room, located at 15727 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Additional details are available in the official notice posted at the Florida Administrative Register.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Georgia
During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 1028. This legislation allows the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to issue a Standing Order for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This Standing Order may be used by Eligible Persons who may have been exposed to HIV as a prescription to obtain PEP medication for the prevention of HIV from a licensed Pharmacy. The Department of Public Health created a Standing Order, supporting documents, and training for pharmacists, which are now available on the Department’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicaid posted the following: INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2717-MC-FFS RE: Annual Submission Requirements Regarding Prevention and Detection of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, effective immediately.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential launch of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in the state. A key part of this effort is the release of a statewide Intent to Apply Survey to gather input from organizations across the state that plan to apply for future RHTP funding. For details about the survey, visit the RHTP website.
Survey Deadline: December 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT
Who should complete the survey?
Organizations that:
- Serve rural, frontier, or remote areas of Oregon
- Are in good standing with the State of Oregon
Even if your organization provided public comment in the fall, OHA encourages you to complete this survey.
Also in Oregon, the December 10-12 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available.
Please note that on December 10, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm.
Please note that on December 11, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 2:00 pm.
The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on December 12 and will break for lunch between 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm.
The Public may attend the board meeting in person during Open Session. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. *Please be advised that additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
Also in Oregon, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced TK Keen has been chosen as the state’s insurance commissioner. Keen has been serving in the acting insurance commissioner role since June and was deputy insurance commissioner for five years before that. He is also the administrator of the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of DCBS.
Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the draft agenda for the December 17 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alabama
Medicaid issued an Alert announcing, effective October 1, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) were covered through the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Program with prior authorization (PA) for recipients (children and adults) with one of the following:
- type 1 diabetes mellitus
- type 2 diabetes mellitus and are insulin treated with multiple (three or more) daily injections of insulin
NOTE: CGMs are not covered through the pharmacy benefit; requests must be submitted by a DME-enrolled provider with an active National Provider Identifier (NPI).
Also in Alabama, the Board of Pharmacy technician registrations expire December 31. The Board is accepting pharmacy technician renewals online at www.albop.com. Please don't wait until the last minute to renew.
Important information for technicians and their employers: If you are completing the Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA) Pharmacy Technician Training or employing a technician completing the program, please take note. With the upcoming holidays, please be aware of the following important dates and plan accordingly.
The APA office will be closed on Christmas Eve through January 1, 2026. If you complete the program after December 22, you may not receive a certificate of completion until January 5, 2026. If you need to complete the training before you renew your license, please do so before December 22.
APA will email certificates of completion on the following dates in December:
- Monday, December 1
- Monday, December 8
- Monday, December 15
- Monday, December 22
Please contact the APA office if you have any questions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy posted the meeting materials for its quarterly teleconference meeting held on November 20. Included on the agenda were updates from industry on pending pharmacist prescriptive authority legislation, SB 147 and HB 195.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
The Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin 12-2025 which seeks public input on revisions to the Data Submission Guide for the All-Payer Claims Database.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the update on GLP-1 coverage effective January 1, 2026; see details below in the alert.
Also in California, as part of the Board's actions during the November 5-6 Board Meeting, the Board approved a policy statement related to the transition to a Standard of Care Practice Model for some pharmacist-provided health care services. Specifically, under provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 1503 (Berman, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025), certain pharmacist-provided patient care services are transitioning to a standard of care practice model.
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy approved a policy statement related to the role of the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC). Specifically, under AB 1503, new provisions reinforce the decision-making autonomy of the PIC related to staffing decisions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Facing a $850M budget deficit, Gov. Jaris Polis (D) proposed cuts to the Medicaid professional dispensing fee (PDF) for pharmacies. For fiscal year 2025-2026, the Health Care Financing and Policy (HCFP) will cut the tiered fee by $85,000 and propose a $506,000 reduction for 2026-2027. Reimbursements for high-volume pharmacies will drop from $10.25 to $9.93 and from $9.31 to $8.72.
Also in Colorado, a Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar for all stakeholders will be held from 10:00 am – 11:30 am Mountain Time on December 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Illinois
The purpose of this Provider Notice is to inform pharmacy providers that the claims adjudication system is now able to process and pay compound claims. The processing system had been paying compound claims at zero since the Change Healthcare outage in March 2024.
At this time, pharmacy providers are encouraged to void and rebill those claims that were either paid at zero or held pending restoration. This applies to fee-for-service (FFS) billing only.
Please call the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 and speak to a pharmacy consultant to obtain any necessary overrides on rejections that may occur while rebilling these claims.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicaid posted the following. Please note effective December 1, the optional 90-day supply allowance will now be a required 90-day supply prescription list. The list of medications for this requirement is posted on the PDL website; see letter below for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) announced a webinar on December 4 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Central Time. This event aims to inform stakeholders about LDH’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) submission.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Minnesota
The Department of Health (MDH) released the final updated Form and Manner for Prescription Drug Data Sets, as well as an updated Frequently Asked Questions Document. Updates impact reporting by all reporting entities, including manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies.
The updates reflect statutory changes from the 2025 legislative session (Laws of Minnesota, 2025 – 1st Special Session, chapter 3, article 2, sections 6-14) and responses to input received during the comment period. The updates include changes to align reporting elements, modified registration requirements and a change to the reporting period for reporting data on drugs of substantial public interest.
MDH has updated the Rx Data Portal to integrate the statutory changes and make additional enhancements to support reporting entities. These updates are now live and available to all reporting entities.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nevada
Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) convened a special session of the state Legislature on November 13 to address several key issues, including expanding healthcare access and workforce training.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Carolina
The latest Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletter, dated November 2025, is now available on the Medicaid website. In addition to the December 2025 check write schedule, this edition of the newsletter includes the following articles:
- Reminder: Immunizing Pharmacist Enrollment in NC Medicaid Contraceptives and NRT Protocol Reimbursement to Pharmacies
- Reminder on NC Medicaid Pharmacy Co-payment Requirements
- NC Medicaid's Participation in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model for Sickle Cell Disease
- Discontinuation of Coverage: Xifaxan (Rifaximin)
- North Carolina to Launch First-of-its-Kind NC Medicaid Managed Care Plan for Children and Families on December 1, 2025
- Updates to Coverage for Wegovy and Zepbound for Clinical Indications Other than Weight Loss
- Immunizing Pharmacist Enrollment and Medical Claims Billing Update
Providers are encouraged to review this important information. The 2025 Medicaid Pharmacy Newsletters can be viewed here.
Also in North Carolina, effective December 7, the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Attestation will be added to the reverification provider application and to full Manage Change Requests (MCRs) when active electronic funds transfer (EFT) information is present. This attestation requires a signature from the Office Administrator (OA) on the provider's record.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The state's single Medicaid PBM, Gainwell, announced that, effective December 8, claims for preferred GLP-1 receptor agonists (listed below), will require a diagnosis of 'diabetes mellitus, type 2' to be documented in the member's medical record (as determined by medical claims data) or submitted on the pharmacy claim. For members with a diagnosis of 'diabetes mellitus, type 2' documented, claims will continue to be eligible for coverage under the state's Medicaid pharmacy benefit. For all other non-FDA approved uses (such as prediabetes or weight loss), coverage will not be available. Please note claims and associated diagnoses are subject to audit, and results will be reviewed by the Department of Medicaid for compliance. Diagnosis codes must be submitted by the prescriber on the original prescription or added by the pharmacy in consultation with the prescriber, with documentation of the date, time and name of the individual providing the diagnosis, in addition to the name of the pharmacy staff member verifying the diagnosis.
Preferred GLP-1 receptor agonists include:
- Byetta/exenatide
- Trulicity/dulaglutide
- Victoza/liraglutide
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The legislature convened an interim hearing to examine the influence of PBMs on prescription drug pricing and patient access to local pharmacies. Chaired by Sen. Spencer Kern (R) and pharmacist Rep. T.J. Marti (R), the session highlighted significant concerns regarding below-cost pharmacy reimbursements, opaque pricing structures and patient steering practices. Expert testimony by Antonio Ciaccia, 46brooklyn Research, and others underscored systemic incentives that diminish transparency and raise costs. The Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Department reported recovering $32 million through enforcement actions, positioning Oklahoma as a national leader in PBM oversight. Legislators signaled intent to pursue comprehensive PBM reform legislation again in 2026, aimed at enhancing transparency, safeguarding independent pharmacies and ensuring equitable drug pricing.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
South Carolina
Effective for dates of service on or after December 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is updating its billing policy for providers who purchase physician-administered drugs through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) 340B drug pricing program. The changes described in this bulletin only apply to services rendered to Healthy Connections Medicaid members in an outpatient setting who are enrolled in the fee-for-service Medicaid program.
These policy updates will be published in the Physicians Services, Clinic Services, Hospital Services and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Services provider manual by December 1, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The deadline to submit an attestation of low-volume status and proof of actual prescription volume to your contracted PBMs is December 1. Volume status is based on your pharmacy’s actual prescription volume from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. For more information, please refer to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) rules. The Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s PBM resource page also has some helpful information to assist you with this process.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi–Cal Rx Web Portal: Mass Adjustment for Member Eligibility Data That Impacted Claim Funding for Claims Submitted March 10, 2022, through October 5, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Massachusetts
The Board of Pharmacy shared the following updates. As a reminder, pharmacy practice documents, regulations and other resources are available on the website.
Policy 2020-15: Scope of Practice
Updates to this policy define "handling" of medications and that it requires an individual pharmacy license as well as defining the "prescription area" and who may access it.
New Pharmacy Labeling Requirement
Pharmacies must now label Schedule VI medications prescribed for reproductive or gender-affirming care with the name and address of the healthcare practice instead of the individual prescriber upon request from the prescriber.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
New York
Effective November 6, Yeztugo® was covered as a pharmacy benefit by NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program, in addition to being covered by the Medicaid managed care medical benefit as a Practitioner-Administered Drug (PAD). To prevent pharmacy claim denial, it is important for the pharmacy to submit the claim for both oral and subcutaneous products on the same date of service.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the November 19 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arizona
The Arizona Medicaid agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the Governor's Office invite you to attend this public webinar to learn more about Arizona's application for the Rural Health Transformation Program. This webinar will highlight the application submitted and will discuss the next steps regarding the program award and the funding of Arizona's programming. Click here to register and add to your calendar.
Date: November 13
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Virtual Via Google Meet. Please register in advance. (Meeting ID and passcode will be provided upon registration)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
he Board of Pharmacy distributed its monthly News Roundup for November. This issue includes important information related to vaccines, albuterol and epinephrine standing orders for schools, the California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER), drug theft/drug loss online portal and PIC training webinar.
Also in California, the November 2025 issue of the Board of Pharmacy's newsletter, The Script, is now published online. The November 2025 newsletter includes information on:
- New Laws
- Regulations
- Immunization Alert
- Importance of Patient Consent Forms
- CAMER
- Inspection Results
- Citations Issued
- Technology the Pharmacist's Role in Medication Safety
- Standing Orders for Schools Regarding Albuterol and Epinephrine
- Well-Being Index
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy sent the following reminder to licensees.
Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4113.1 establishes requirements for a community pharmacy to report medication errors known as CAMER to an entity approved by the Board. The statute requiring medication error reporting by community pharmacies can be viewed at BPC section 4113.1. 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. Information regarding CAMER registration can be found at https://mederrors.ismp.org/.
The Board reminds community pharmacy licensees that medication errors that occur on or after September 1, 2025, must be reported to the CAMER system consistent with legal requirements established.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Finally in California, pursuant to the announced pharmacy benefit policy changes effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) mailed letters to Medi-Cal members to notify them of two upcoming changes:
- All Medi-Cal members received a letter concerning the exclusion of coverage for GLP-1 medications for weight-loss indications.
- Impacted Medi-Cal members received a letter concerning the need for prior authorization (PA) approval for select medications previously filled without a PA request.
Both letters provide members with information about the policy change and guidance concerning potential actions the member may take.
Questions may be submitted to the Pharmacy Benefits Division at Medi-Cal.PharmacyBenefits@dhcs.ca.gov or to the Medi-Cal Rx Education and Outreach team at Medicalrxeducationoutreach@primetherapeutics.com
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.