Louisiana
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) urged lawmakers during the final week of the session to amend HB 358, permitting a pharmacy technician to work remotely by Rep. Dustin Miller (R). The Governor wanted to include an amendment prohibiting PBMs from owning pharmacies. While the House quickly concurred with the Governor's language, the Senate declined to bring the bill up for a final vote on the last day of the session on June 12. Gov. Landry pledged to convene a special session this summer to encourage legislators to lower drug prices and help preserve independent pharmacies. Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) sent CVS a cease-and-desist order to prevent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from lobbying customers about pending legislation and issued a statement saying she would investigate whether the text messages about the bill were appropriate.
Also in Louisiana, lawmakers passed and sent to Gov. Landry for approval HB 264 by Rep. Michael Echols (R), prohibiting PBMs from engaging in spread pricing, patient steering and the use of effective rate pricing. The bill applies to local pharmacies only, defined as those with ownership in Louisiana of 10 or fewer pharmacies. The bill also establishes a reimbursement floor using NADAC, enhances transparency and audit protections, passes through manufacturer rebates to consumers, and grants additional enforcement authority to the Insurance Commissioner. Lastly, the proposed law modifies the composition of the Pharmacy Benefit Monitoring Advisory Council and adds a chain pharmacist appointed by the Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacies (LARP).
Also in Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed HB 565 by Rep. Annie Spell (R), legislation prohibiting Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) from amending, modifying, or changing a claim submitted by a healthcare provider or adjusting, down coding or paying a claim at a lower level than what was submitted by the healthcare provider. To the extent MCOs violate these provisions, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) shall withhold payment to the MCO an amount to be determined by LDH not less than $25,000 or greater for each violation.
Also in Louisiana, HB 690 by Rep. Charles Owens (R), requiring the state surgeon general to promulgate rules for the administration of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) related medical activities by all members of the healthcare community, including hospitals, public and private clinics, pharmacies, nursing homes and other entities involved in healthcare activities where EUA may apply, was sent to Gov. Jeff Landry (R).
Also in Louisiana, House Resolution 314 by Rep. Rodney Lyons (D) requesting that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) provide access to vaccines and information on the diseases they prevent to areas of need, passed the House and was sent to the Secretary of State.
Finally in Louisiana, the Department of Health published two rules in the June Register.
- The emergency drug kit (EDK) permit removes the requirement for the administrator of the applicant facility to sign the application for the EDK permit, and requires the online permit verification to be readily retrievable, since the board no longer issues paper permits.
- The Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) change reduces the minimum experience requirement for a pharmacist to qualify for a PIC privilege from two years of active pharmacy practice to one year. It also adds the authority and accountability of the owner of the pharmacy permit to the existing responsibility of the PIC for the complete supervision, management and compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy of the entire prescription department.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Mississippi
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking a Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compliance Director. This position will oversee PBM compliance, policy development and administrative actions as directed by legislative authority regarding PBM activities, as outlined in the Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act, the Pharmacy Benefit Audit Integrity Act and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The individual will serve as the agency’s primary point of contact with internal and external stakeholders for PBM matters. This position welcomes applications from both non-pharmacists and pharmacists. As stated in the job description, the successful candidate’s actual salary will be based on their relevant experience.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Missouri
The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division (Medicaid) adopted an emergency rule for the Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (PRA). The emergency amendment was filed on June 23 and takes effect on July 8 and expires February 26, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 25-10: Pharmacy Dispensing Fee Increase. Effective July 1, all pharmacies who fill a prescription for a Medicaid Fee-for-Service member will receive a professional dispensing fee rate increase from $10.38 to $10.50. Independent pharmacies, defined as those who own six or fewer pharmacies, who fill a prescription for a Medicaid managed care member will receive a professional dispensing fee rate increase from $10.38 to $10.50.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 25-09: Changes to the Nebraska Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) effective July 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) vetoed AB 259, legislation that would have set a fixed “maximum fair price” for drugs – a price dictated solely by a government standard – while excluding important costs such as the fees that pharmacies charge to dispense medications. Instead of imposing experimental price controls that could worsen drug shortages, NACDS and the coalition opposed to the bill recommended the administration focus on innovative solutions that lower drug costs without undermining access to essential medications or placing undue strain on our healthcare providers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New Jersey
On June 19, the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance held another hearing on A4953. The Committee approved an amendment that would provide for a commercial rate floor, clarify the definition of network and non-network pharmacies and require fiduciary duties for PBMs. The bill remains in the committee.
Also in New Jersey, on June 23, the Senate Committee on Commerce held a hearing on the "State of PBMs in New Jersey." NACDS submitted written testimony. Panels before the committee included those representing PBMs, pharmaceutical companies, health insurers and pharmacies. NACDS will continue to encourage the committee to take action to reform PBMs.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
New York
The State Department of Health announced that effective July 1, several drug manufacturers voluntarily withdrew from participation in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in compliance with Social Security Law Sec. 1927 [42 U.S.C. 1396r–8] (a), requires drug manufacturers to participate in the MDRP for their drugs to be eligible for coverage under the Medicaid program. Prescribers and pharmacies are encouraged to assist members with a therapeutically equivalent generic or to obtain a new prescription for an available alternative.
Also in New York, the Board of Pharmacy met on June 26. The agenda included a presentation by the Department of Health's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement and a discussion of prescription transfers, shared pharmacy services regulations, Legislative matters and board meeting dates/locations.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
North Carolina
The Department of Health and Human Services Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (Commission) proposed to amend, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 26E .0406, Disposal of Unused Controlled Substances from Nursing Home. The Commission also proposes adopting, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 27G .3605, Medication Units and Mobile Units. Both proposed rules are available on the Commission for MH/DD/SAS Proposed Rules page.
The public comment period for both rules runs June 17 through August 15. Written comments on the proposed rule must be submitted electronically to dmhddsasrules@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to W. Denise Baker, 3001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3001.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
The Budget Conference Committee approved an amended version of the state budget that will soon be on Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) desk. Though NACDS worked strategically with members and partners to include a meaningful commercial pharmacy rate floor, the conference committee fell woefully short, fueled by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s claims that a rate floor would raise consumer premiums. The final language, which only applies to pharmacies incorporated in the state, sets the ingredient cost floor at either the amount a PBM pays its affiliates or actual acquisition cost (ACC); however, it does not include a dispensing fee rate floor. NACDS is analyzing the impact of the language and will seek member feedback on any next steps.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has published its quarterly (June 25) newsletter. Articles including the following: PDAB selects 23 medications for review in 2025, Oregon PDAB conducts successful outreach effort on drugs under review, "What patients say about prescription drug costs", Oregon PDAB launches new drug data dashboard, PDAB member profile: Chris Laman, Board publishes generic drug report, "News you can use", Board, staff thank Robert Judge for his service to Oregon PDAB and Oregon Governor signed Senate Bill 289 into law.
Also in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 289 making three housekeeping changes for the PDAB; it will take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill will change the PDAB's statutory language to "up to nine" drugs a year for review costs, giving the PDAB more flexibility to present the state legislature with an annual list of drugs that may cause affordability challenges based on statutory criteria. Additionally, the Department of Consumer and Business Services will provide the PDAB with a list of prescription drugs annually instead of quarterly. Finally, the bill removes the requirement that the PDAB prepares a separate generic drug report annually and, instead, includes generic drug information in the annual report the PDAB submits to the state legislature each December.
Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority and county public health officials are investigating a case of measles in an unvaccinated individual who recently returned to the state following international travel. This is the first confirmed case of 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
After signing 1,155 bills into law and vetoing 26 bills, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that a 30-day special legislative session will convene on July 21. The Governor said that while the regular session saw substantial legislative success, additional work remains on six bills that he vetoed that regulated consumable hemp products, recording requirements for real estate documents, water project impact fees, protections for human trafficking victims, regulating cement kilns near semiconductor plants and judicial branch administration reforms.
Also in Texas, the Pharmaceutical Initiative Board (TPI) met on June 25.
Finally in Texas, Sen. Kelly Hancock (R) announced his candidacy for the State Comptroller's race next March soon after he was sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller's office. Hancock's appointment as chief clerk to Comptroller Glenn Hegar (R) paves the way for him to become interim comptroller when Hegar leaves his office at the end of June to become the next Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
On June 23, Vermont Medicaid shared the following notice of help desk closure for the July 4 holiday:
Dear Vermont Medicaid Pharmacy Providers,
In observance of Independence Day, the Vermont Optum PA Helpdesk (formerly Change Healthcare) will be closed on July 4.
If you have an emergency, please contact our helpdesk using our standard after-hours number, 1-844-679-5362 or 1-844-679-5363. Your call will be returned within 15 minutes.
From all of us at Optum, please have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Washington
Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) issued a joint statement with the California and Oregon governors to the US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemning the dismissal of the 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Also in Washington, Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) appointed Ryan Moran as the director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, effective August 18. Moran currently serves as Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing and Medicaid Director for the Maryland Department of Health.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority announced that the Pharmacy Fax Server will be undergoing maintenance June 28 from 3:00 am-6:00 am and June 28 from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am on June 29. During these times, providers will not be able to submit faxes. Pharmacy Point of Sale (POS) system maintenance activity will impact pharmacy claims requiring SmartPA. If you receive claim exception code 4677 with NCPDP Reject Code 75 – 'Prior Auth Required' during the maintenance window, please resubmit impacted claims after the maintenance period.
Finally in Washington, due to the timing of the State Biennium End and the observance of Independence Day, payments to providers for the week of June 30, will be delayed and made the following week on July 8. Remittance Advices (RAs) and HIPAA 835 files will also be made available on July 8.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The Board of Pharmacy announced an immediate position available for Executive Secretary. The deadline for applications is June 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
The Legislature adjourned May 25.
Also in Alaska, the Board of Pharmacy is seeking input on a Just Culture survey. The results of this survey will be discussed by the board at the August 21 meeting.
Finally in Alaska, the Board of Pharmacy shared information about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) reporting changes effective June 25. Refer to the AK Data Submission Dispenser Guide v3.1 via the PMP Clearinghouse portal for detailed instructions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
The Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin 8-2025 on the extension of Rule 128 data reporting deadline for plan year 2026.
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 note effective June 6, the administration fee for vaccines was increased for pharmacy providers retroactively with a date of service on or after January 1, 2024, from $3.79 to $15.95 (or the lesser of the billed amount); see alert below.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its June 19-20 Full Board Meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed into law HB25-1222, a rate floor and telepharmacy bill that applies to independent pharmacies only, defined as "a drug outlet that is privately owned by at least one licensed pharmacist with no ownership interest by or affiliation with a chain pharmacy or a publicly traded prescription drug outlet." The law will reimburse independents no less than NADAC, plus a dispensing fee. It also includes audit protection provisions, and it exempts independent pharmacies from the direct supervision rule if the initial interpretation and final evaluation of the prescription are done by a pharmacist in person or remotely.
Also in Colorado, the Governor also signed HB25-1094 allowing a PBM to earn income derived from a flat-dollar service fee assessment and prohibits a PBM from earning income based on the cost of a prescription drug; prohibiting a PBM from designing a formulary to favor a certain branded pharmaceutical or biologic; requiring a PBM to credit income from a source other than a flat-dollar service fee to a health insurance carrier or a self-funded health benefit plan beneficiary; setting the amount that a PBM shall reimburse an unaffiliated pharmacy or a PBM-affiliated retail, mail order or specialty pharmacy for a prescription drug; and requiring a PBM to make certain documents and data available to a carrier, a self-funded plan or the insurance commissioner upon request and authorizing the health benefit plan to execute an audit to validate compliance with the contract.
Also in Colorado, the Governor signed SB25-301, law that streamlines prior authorization approvals for pharmacists.
Finally in Colorado, the Governor signed SB25-071, the 340B bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy has seen a recent surge in fraudulent emails and phone calls targeting Florida health care practitioners by impersonating the Department of Health or Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA). These scams leverage information about the licensure and enforcement processes to attempt to steal your personal or financial information.
If you have accidentally entered your credentials into any prompt or website that seems suspicious, or if you have been contacted by a suspicious caller or email, change your password immediately, gather the following information about the incident, and report it by calling the MQA Customer Contact Call Center at 850-488-0595 or emailing MedicalQualityAssurance@flhealth.gov.
- A description of the scam and how you were contacted.
- Screenshots of the phone call (with the timestamp and number).
- Photos of any documents or emails received (including the sender's email or fax number).
- A copy of the envelope or bank charges, if applicable.
Thank you for helping us protect the integrity of Florida's health care workforce.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
The Legislature adjourned sine die on June 12, 2025.
Also in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Under Secretary Drew Maranto and the Pharmacy Medicaid staff briefed on June 10 with pharmacy stakeholders, representatives from PRIME, Gainwell and the six managed care organizations. The main points of the briefing were Secretary Greenstein's commitment to a smooth transition from the costly sole source Prime PBM contract to multiple Medicaid managed care contracts, which will go live on October 1. Louisiana Army National Guardsman General Cindy Haygood was appointed project coordinator. Pharmacy stakeholder engagement meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks. In this process, our in-state partner, the Louisiana Alliance of Retail Pharmacies (LARP), and NACDS will play a crucial role in closely monitoring the rollout, ensuring that stakeholder needs are met.
Also in Louisiana, LDH issued several bulletins:
Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy Regulation Revision Committee posted the agenda for the June 18 meeting. The Committee will discuss the following items:
- Centralized Prescription Dispensing
- Prescription Drug Delivery
- Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Record Retention
- Remote Access by a Pharmacy Technician
- Controlled Dangerous Substances
- Completion of Prescription Form
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
On June 5, the Board of Pharmacy met for its regular monthly meeting. Of note on the agenda was a discussion of board obligations for permanent pharmacy closures.
Also in Maine, on June 5, the Appropriations Committee voted to remove the Governor’s proposed pharmacy tax of $.70 per prescription from the budget. The budget bill will be moved by the Appropriations Committee upon review of all sections, then sent to both chambers of the legislature for action. A budget is needed before the fiscal year ends June 30.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Massachusetts
On June 5, the Board of Registration in Pharmacy met for its regular monthly meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 7.
On June 10, the Joint Committee on Financial Services held a hearing on several PBM bills. Of particular interest, the committee heard testimony on H.1234, an Act Relative to Pharmacy Benefit Managers, that was introduced by Rep. John Lawn (D), the Chair of Health Care Finance and sponsor of the PBM law from the previous session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Minnesota
This week, the General Assembly passed SF 6/HF2, including pharmacy’s language to restructure the Medicaid managed care pharmacy benefit under a state-directed, non-conflicted, transparent single PBM, like the Ohio and Kentucky models. The Department is required to implement the model by January 1, 2027, which mandates an AAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost or Minnesota actual acquisition cost) + $11.55 Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) payment rate. The bill also includes a $4.50 “directed payment” to supplement current PDFs through the end of 2026. To qualify, the pharmacy must attest to having less than 13 locations, or be in a federally designated medically underserved area, or primarily serve an underserved population. Lastly, the bill also extends audio-only telehealth allowances to providers through Fiscal Year 2027; this applies to reimbursements for claims with private plans, Medicaid and MinnesotaCare. Many thanks to our members and pharmacy partners, especially the Minnesota Retailers’ Association and the Minnesota Pharmacy Alliance, for taking the lobbying lead on-the-ground in St. Paul. NACDS will update members when Gov. Tim Walz (D) signs the bill and when the Department provides guidance on applying for the “directed payment” supplement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) renewed the naloxone standing order with a June 2, 2026, expiration date.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, in partnership with the State Board of Health, is seeking members for 25 professional healthcare boards, including the Board of Pharmacy. Applications are now being accepted for one pharmacist member on the Board of Pharmacy. The term begins on December 1, 2025, and ends on November 30, 2030. Details are available online. Please note the deadline for submission of an application and all supporting documentation is August 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.