South Dakota
The Board of Pharmacy published its July 2025 newsletter. Highlights including the following: South Dakota Board Welcomes Newly Licensed Pharmacists; In-State Pharmacies and Wholesalers; [Reminder] Pharmacist License Renewals; Updates to South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 36-11 and SDCL 36-11A; Updates to Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 20:51 and ARSD 20:67; PDMP Update; and Board of Pharmacy meeting dates, pharmacy contacts and staff.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The Department of Insurance (DOI) Advisory Committee for the Standard Request Form for Prior Authorization of Prescription Drug Benefits will hold a public meeting on August 5 to discuss and take possible action on the standard prior authorization request form. As required by Insurance Code Section 1369.305(d), the advisory committee will:
- Review the adopted standard prior authorization request form.
- Examine the form's effectiveness and impact on patient safety.
- Determine whether changes are needed to the form.
Also in Texas, SB 1188, legislation ensuring electronic health records that contain patient information are maintained in the United States or a US territory, was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
Effective July 1, the Health Care Authority (HCA) Apple Health (Medicaid) added a new section to the audio-only behavioral health procedure code list for HCPCS codes billable for Reentry Targeted Case Management (rTCM). The revised list is posted online under "Billing guides and fee schedules"; click on "Reentry services".
Also in Washington, Apple Health (Medicaid) announced changes to the State Maximum Allowable Costs (SMAC) list for the fee-for-service (FFS) Prescription Drug Program effective September 1. The full SMAC list can be found on the agency's Provider billing guides and fee schedules website under the Prescription Drug Program and applies to claims billed to FFS.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) Prescription Drug Program's third quarter Preferred Drug List has been posted.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) created a toolkit called Apple Health is Medicaid Communications Toolkit to assist providers, community leaders and advocates to help Washingtonians access care.
Finally in Washington, in an effort to effort to help prevent opioid misuse and overdose deaths, Fred Meyer's 60 pharmacies partnered with the Health Care Authority (HCA) to provide free locking bags to patients to more safely store their opioid prescriptions. The HCA's Lock Up Your Meds safe storage program is part of the statewide Starts with One campaign to prevent opioid overdoses by increasing the safe use, storage and disposal of opioid prescriptions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
The Secretary of State published a series of new proposed Board of Pharmacy rules that would implement legislation adopted in the 2025 session. Note that these include rules that allow pharmacist and technician licensing reciprocity and streamlining and that include a prohibition on dispensing abortion drugs and gender altering drugs for non-adults. Comments are due to the Board of Pharmacy by 5:00 pm on July 17.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Wyoming
The Department of Health confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County. This case is the first reported in the state since 2010.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alaska
The Board of Pharmacy is seeking input on a Just Culture Workplaces Survey. The results of this survey will be discussed by the board at the August 21 meeting.
Also in Alaska, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) will require the following data elements starting July 30:
- AIR09 & AIR10: Full first and last name of the dispensing pharmacist (no initials).
- DSP15: Pharmacist's state license number.
- PAT20: Species Code (01: Human, 02: Animal) – required.
- PAT23: Animal name – required if PAT20 is "02".
Submissions with missing required fields will be rejected beginning on July 30. Please 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
NACDS sponsored the Arkansas Pharmacist Association's (APA) annual meeting. Gov. Sarah Huckaby Sanders (R) spoke about the importance of supporting our patients and their access to affordable healthcare. Chain and independent pharmacists thanked the Governor for her support of the profession and patients by protecting pharmacy access and ensuring patients across the state receive the care they deserve.
Also in Arkansas, the Insurance Department issued Bulletin No. 9-2025, Arkansas 2025 Legislation report, summarizing newly adopted insurance laws.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. As previously announced in the alert titled 60-Day Countdown: NCPDP Field 426-DQ Usual and Customary Charge Requirement, pharmacy providers submitting claims to Medi-Cal Rx with a date of service (DOS) on or after July 18 will be required to include their Usual and Customary (U&C) charge in NCPDP Field 426-DQ (Usual and Customary Charge). Claims submitted for the DOS on or after July 18 with a blank dollar amount or a value of $0.00 will be denied by Medi-Cal Rx with Reject Code DQ – M/I Usual and Customary Charge with the supplemental message "Resubmit claim with U&C charge in field 426-DQ."
- Reminder: Combined Medi-Cal Rx Provider Payment Releases to Occur on July 9, 2025, and July 15, 2025
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued the following update regarding the California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER) system. An orientation webinar is being offered by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) at 1:00 pm Pacific on July 9. Also, medication errors that occur on or after September 1 must be reported to the CAMER system. For your convenience, here's a link to the CA Board of Pharmacy Medication Error Reporting System website hosted by ISMP.
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 statute requiring medication error reporting by community pharmacies can be viewed at BPC section 4113.1. The Board approved ISMP, an ECRI Company, as the entity to receive and review medication error reports under BPC section 4113.1.
Consistent with its commitment to keep licensees apprised of implementation activities related to the California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER) system, the Board is providing the following updates:
- ISMP will be holding an orientation webinar at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on July 9. Registration for the orientation webinar is available online. To view, go to FAQ and then "Will there be training or orientation sessions for how to use the reporting system and submit reports?".
- ISMP posted additional information related to reporting data elements. To view, go to FAQ and then "Which data elements will be built into the reporting system?".
Also in California, the Office of Administrative Law approved the Board of Pharmacy's updated compounding regulations. The regulations describe the Board's requirements for nonsterile compounding, sterile compounding, hazardous drug and radiopharmaceutical preparations.
The regulation is effective October 1. The Board will be releasing an updated policy statement regarding its expectations during the transition period. The Order of Adoption for the approved regulation regarding the compounding regulations has been posted.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposes taking rulemaking action related to "Medication-Assisted Treatment Protocol". The proposed text is available for review on the Board's website. Written comments must be received by the Board no later than August 4 or must be received by the Board at the hearing, if one is scheduled. Inquiries or comments may be addressed to:
- Lori Martinez Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833; Phone: (916) 518-3100; Fax.: (916) 574-8618; or e-Mail Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
- The backup contact person is: Debbie Damoth Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833; Phone: (916) 518-3100; Fax.: (916) 574-8618; or e-Mail Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has been formally approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the federal Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, with implementation effective July 1. This model is designed to improve access to high-cost, high-impact gene therapies for Medi-Cal members with complex conditions, starting with sickle cell disease (SCD). The initial therapies included in this model are Casgevy and Lyfgenia.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued a Bulletin documenting requirements clarified for claims billed to Medicaid for dually eligible members.
Also in Indiana, IHCP reminded providers about the benefits of submitting claims electronically and provided pharmacy updates approved by the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning.
Also in Indiana, IHCP announced that effective July 1, they will expand provider enrollment to include licensed pharmacists. This new provider specialty will allow 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.
Finally in Indiana, the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning is seeking applicants to serve on the Medicaid Advisory Committee which provides feedback on the program policies and proposed policies that ensure the program is responsive to concerns as well as providing transparency and accountability.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
Gov. Laura Kelly (D) appointed two new pharmacists members to the Board of Pharmacy, Joanna Robinson, PharmD, MS, BCSCP, and Janine Ohler, PharmD, BCPS. They will each serve a four-year term and are replacing Jonathan Brunswig, PharmD, and William Walden, RPh, both of whom served eight years on the board.
Also in Kansas, SB 63 which became law earlier this year on February 20, requires in Section 4 that "if a healthcare provider violates the provisions of Section 3 of the law, the healthcare provider has engaged in unprofessional conduct and, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the license of such healthcare provider shall be revoked by the appropriate licensing entity or disciplinary review board with competent jurisdiction in this state".
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
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’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
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’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
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’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
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.