Ohio
Gov. Mike Dewine (R) signed HB 229, sponsored by Rep. Kelli Deeter (R), into law this week. The law establishes licensure for PBMs beginning in 2027; prohibits certain PBM practices; and allows the Department of Insurance to take disciplinary actions for violations, including fines and license suspension or revocation. Additionally, it requires PBMs to enter into written agreements and provide regular accounting of rebates, fees and other financial arrangements to plan sponsors and permits the Department to access PBM records and data.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
On March 26, the Senate passed SB 2074 by a decisive 34-3 vote. This bill aims to establish a reimbursement rate floor of NADAC plus a dispensing fee that cannot be lower than the Medicaid fee-for-service rate. The legislation was reported to the House for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted two current Board Member Opportunities:
- Public Board Member Position - Apply Now!
- Pharmacist Board Member Position - Apply Now!
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the April 15 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Rhode Island
The Board of Pharmacy implemented a new Pharmacy Law Test effective April 1, as part of updates to pharmacy initial licensing and renewal requirements. The changes are being administered through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP’s) Electronic Licensure Transfer Program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
South Carolina
Reminder: federal law requires all providers who order, refer or prescribe services or items for Medicaid members to be enrolled in that state's Medicaid program. This requirement applies to pharmacist administering drugs as allowed under state protocols and submitting their NPIs in the prescriber field. Please review the Medicaid Enrollment of Ordering, Referring and Prescribing (ORP) Providers and Collection of ORP Data bulletin (MB# 25-015) published on July 2, 2025, as background.
Also in South Carolina, NACDS met with the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) on March 11 and inquired about mass enrollment of pharmacists as Medicaid providers. The provider enrollment department has informed NACDS that, unfortunately, due to system limitations and CMS requirements, they are unable to offer a mass enrollment process to any provider type.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
The Department of Health (TDH) continues to closely monitor respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across the state. Recent emergency department data indicates that RSV activity remains elevated but has begun decreasing in Tennessee. Due to continued RSV activity in the state, pediatric providers and hospitals may continue to administer RSV immunizations to eligible infants through April 30. RSV immunizations remain available for ordering through TennIIS for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) announced the Senate’s Interim charges, and Speaker Dustin Burrows laid out the House’s interim charges to prepare for the 2027 session.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed SB 669 (Chapter 36)/HB 830, a key initiative of her administration to address PBM structure in the commercial market. The law will require all health insurance carriers to use a pass-through pricing model. It also will prohibit a PBM from reversing and/or resubmitting a pharmacy claim without meeting certain requirements; reducing any pharmacy payment through effective rates; and retroactively denying or reducing a claim or aggregate of claims, except under certain circumstances. Additionally, it requires the State Corporation Commission to compile a report of its examination of PBM steering practices with recommendations to the General Assembly by December 1, 2027.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Board of Pharmacy has released updated self-inspection worksheets for 2025, covering various pharmacy practice settings and specialties. The comprehensive collection includes worksheets for general pharmacy operations, hospitals and HPACs, manufacturers, wholesalers and healthcare entities. Additional specialized addenda are available for long-term care facilities and various USP standards including nonsterile compounding (USP 795), sterile compounding (USP 797), hazardous drugs (USP 800) and radiopharmaceuticals (USP 825).
The Board also published a 2025 DSCSA self-inspection worksheet to help pharmacies comply with Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requirements.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) signed HB 5430 , a bill that will further strengthen the state’s oversight of PBMs in both the commercial market and under the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The law eliminates spread pricing; prohibits PBMs from using offshore group purchasing organizations (GPOs) to divert drug rebates; requires a 2026 pharmacy cost of dispensing study; and gives the Insurance Commissioner additional tools to regulate and oversee PEIA’s PBM.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alabama
The Department of Insurance (DOI) PBM Compliance Division has taken its first action against non-compliant PBMs. Actions have been filed against two entities: one taken in October against Drexi, Inc. for operating without a PBM license in the state, and one taken against Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) this week for several violations, including charging of illegal fees; under payment of reimbursements; and failure and refusal to provide accounts, documents, records, files, information and matters relevant to the substance of complaints. The Department is enforcing Act 2025-36, also known as the Community Pharmacy Relief Act. Stay informed by visiting the DOI PBM Compliance Division page and the PBM Actions page.
Also in Alabama, the Board of Pharmacy proposed these rules for adoption. The required public comment period is now open, and we encourage all members to review them.
File written comments directly with the Board of Pharmacy as directed in the cover sheet for the rule. Deadlines for comments are provided on the rule filings. All written comments should be sent to Wpassmore@albop.com by the deadlines noted.
Finally in Alabama, the Board of Pharmacy scheduled several upcoming meetings for 2026, including April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 14, November 18 and December 16. All meetings begin at 9:00 am CST/CDT unless otherwise noted.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
Due to an overwhelming response, the Board of Pharmacy is opening more spots for those interested in attending a listening session on pharmacists provided consultation. Seeking to minimize barriers that exist for pharmacists providing consultation to patients, the Board is interested in hearing from licensed California pharmacists to gather information to assist in evaluating the Board's current consultation requirements. In addition, separate listening sessions will be scheduled so the Board can obtain input from patients and public participants.
Sessions will be conducted over WebEx. Please see the schedule of dates and times below. The Board respectfully requests individuals to register for ONLY ONE session to ensure other pharmacists have the same opportunity. If you previously registered for a session, please do not register for an additional session date.
We have increased the meeting capacity; however, space is still limited, and registration is required. To register, click on the link below for your preferred session:
Questions to be discussed during the listening session include:
- Do you believe patient consultation is needed for all prescriptions?
- How and where does the pharmacist provide patient consultation?
- Does the patient receive the medication prior to consultation?
- Should the pharmacy be required to document the consultation?
- Can technology assist in identifying, documenting, and providing patient consultation?
- What challenges or barriers exist making it difficult for the pharmacist to provide consultation?
- What is your vision of best practice for patient consultation?
- Are there opportunities for compensation for medication reviews and patient counseling?
- If you mail or deliver prescriptions to patients, how do you provide consultation?Do you believe the requirements should be different than face-to-face consultation?
The information provided will be considered during an upcoming Enforcement and Compounding Committee meeting.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy published its 2026 Lawbook.
Finally in California, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Pharmacy (Board) has proposed modifications to the proposed regulatory text in section 1717.11 of article 2, division 17, title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, related to REMOTE PROCESSING. These regulations were originally noticed on January 9 and approved as modified by the Board at its March 18 meeting. Materials regarding this proposal can be found online or by requesting them from the contact person identified below.
Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments between March 19 and April 3 to the following:
Contact Name: Debbie Damoth
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95833
Fax number: (916) 574-8618
Email Address: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Please note comments should be restricted to the most recent modifications made to the proposed regulations. The Board is not required to respond to comments on other aspects of the proposed regulations received in response to this notice.
Any comments previously submitted remain in the rulemaking file and will be responded to by the Board's staff as part of the Final Statement of Reasons. All written comments received by April 3 that pertain to these modifications, will be reviewed and responded to by the Board's staff as part of the compilation of the rulemaking file.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
SB26-032, a bill designed to expand access to pharmacy vaccine services by increasing pharmacists' authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and by providing liability protections for pharmacists, passed both legislative chambers and was sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law.
Also in Colorado, after months of stakeholder negotiations, HB 26-1336, the Increase Access to Pharmacy Services bill that NACDS supports, was filed last week. The bill would strengthen coverage requirements for the clinical services pharmacists provide within their scope of practice and expand pharmacy technicians' technical and nondiscretionary tasks that do not require a pharmacist's expertise and professional judgement. The bill also includes provisions that expand pharmacists' scope of practice to provide test & treat services for families with children 12 years of age and younger. A hearing is scheduled in the House Health Care and Health Insurance Committee on March 31.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Georgia
The Board of Pharmacy published a Notice of Intent to Adopt, Amend, or Repeal Rule 480-10A-.08 Notification to Patients, and Notice of Public Hearing on March 3. The Board also issued a Notice to Treatment Providers regarding Board Policy #9 on February 26.
Additionally, the Board posted a consumer alert about reports of scammers impersonating Board and Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA) staff on March 4.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation released the Compliance Capsule Spring 2026 newsletter, providing regulatory updates and compliance information for licensed professionals, including pharmacists.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
The Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, supported by NACDS and the Kansas Pharmacy Association, has been approved by both legislative chambers and was sent to Gov. Laura Kelly (D) for signature. SB 360 is a comprehensive PBM reform bill that clarifies auditing procedures, specifies reporting requirements and strengthens enforcement authority by enabling both compliance and financial examinations.
Also in Kansas, the Board of Pharmacy issued the March 2026 newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kentucky
NACDS members are invited to participate in the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy's Standard of Care Summit on May 16.
Also in Kentucky, the Board of Pharmacy released its March 2026 newsletter, providing regulatory updates and guidance for pharmacy professionals.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Maryland
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) invites you to attend the April Board Meeting scheduled for April 13 at 9:00 am. Part of the meeting may be conducted in closed session. This meeting will be held remotely, please register online. Information about providing public comments can be found at the Board Meetings page as well as more information about the upcoming and previous board meetings, presentation materials and the PDAB's work.
Also in Maryland, the Board of Pharmacy scheduled regular meetings throughout 2026, with sessions planned for April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16. All meetings are scheduled for 9:30 am in Room 109/110 at 4201 Patterson Avenue in Baltimore.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Massachusetts
The Division of Insurance published final regulations related to the Licensing and Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers – 211 CMR 157. The Division accepted the NACDS and Massachusetts Chain Pharmacy Council’s proposed amendment to require PBMs to disclose any common ownership interest with an insurance carrier. The release of the final regulation, which is effective March 13, aligns with ongoing work in the Massachusetts Legislature to consider additional PBM reform initiatives.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services informed NACDS that implementation of the Medicaid Managed Care Single PBM will be delayed a year to January 1, 2028. They stated that the decision stems from recent discussions during the final stages of the RFP process, where it became clear that more time was needed to complete necessary processes and seek federal approvals.
Also in Minnesota, the Department of Human Services (DHS) asked NACDS to urge any pharmacy that has not yet responded to the Cost of Dispensing Survey to please do so ASAP. The survey is mandatory, and the overall response rate is currently lower than usual. The survey and related documents can be found on DHS' Cost of Dispensing webpage. Please note that the survey will help determine the Professional Dispensing Fee under both the Single PBM and the Medicaid fee-for-service programs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
SB 878 was amended and passed the Senate on March 23. The bill expands pharmacist scope authority for CLIA-waived tests and allows prescribing of certain types of medical equipment. It also enhances the Board of Pharmacy’s authority to allow pharmacies to dispense medications during a declared emergency. In addition, it would allow the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with a warning label, once the FDA authorizes them for over-the-counter dispensing. The bill was sent the House of Representatives for further action.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Dakota
REMINDER: Cost of Dispensing surveys are due on March 31. Please visit the website to find the electronic version of the survey, instructional letter and other important documents. For assistance, please contact the Myers & Stauffer help desk via email at disp_survey@mslc.com or by phone at 1-800-591-1183.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio
Gainwell Technologies, the Single PBM for Medicaid, announced that effective April 1, per Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5160-1-01, products will only be covered if they are determined to be medically necessary. Concurrent pharmacy claims for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1s) and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DPP-4s) will deny at point-of-sale. Affected members and prescribers have been notified of the change.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the April 8-10, 2026 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. On page 4 of the agenda, please note the Rulemaking Policy Discussion Items scheduled on April 9. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
SB 1186 and HB 2270, companion bills that would reform the Medicaid Managed Care pharmacy benefit under a Single PBM model, have been introduced by Senators Lisa Boscola (D) and Judy Ward (R) and Representatives Rob Matzie (D) and Katie Klunk (R), respectively. NACDS assisted in drafting the bills and is working jointly with the PA Pharmacy Coalition to advance them.
Also in Pennsylvania, the pharmacy technician registration deadline is approaching. To continue practicing, all pharmacy technicians must complete their registrations with Board of Pharmacy through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) by June 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.