New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed two NACDS priority bills designed to protect vaccine access by reducing the state’s reliance on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The legislation – A.10711/S.9598 & A.10710/S.9599 – ensures pharmacies can continue to administer vaccines recommended by the New York State Commissioner of Health, using generally accepted medical standards and guidance from nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations. The legislation also removes ACIP references from several areas of state law governing insurance coverage, school immunization requirements and Medicaid, reinforcing the state’s authority to follow science-based recommendations even if federal guidance changes. In addition, the new law expands access to vaccines by authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages two to 18 years, which had previously been limited to adults under state law. State leaders emphasized that the legislation is intended to safeguard evidence-based public health policy, counter misinformation and maintain broad, affordable access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers of all ages.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
North Carolina
The Board of Pharmacy commenced administrative rulemaking in three subject areas – Transfer of Prescriptions, Alternate Delivery Sites and Standardized Orders in Health Care Facilities. The Board will hold a public hearing on May 19 at 9:00 am at the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Public comments are due on June 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that he is implementing several new fraud prevention initiatives to strengthen and build-upon long-standing efforts to fight fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system.
Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oklahoma
The legislature adjourned sine die on May 14, two weeks ahead of the statutory May 29 deadline after reaching an early budget agreement.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Texas
On May 20, the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board convened to review and approve staff recommendations for the upcoming TPI Business Plan, due June 1. The Board also heard updates from the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Advisory Council (TPIAC) and representatives from covered agencies regarding activities related to pharmaceutical procurement and management. Finally, they discussed feedback collected by TPI staff from external stakeholders about the TPI Business Plan's implementation.
Also in Texas, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet on May 27 to hear invited testimony on several interim charges related to rising healthcare insurance costs. The Committee will examine provider models for health care services, including, but not limited to, PBMs and health care facility fees, to determine whether these business practices are contributing to increased health care costs and insurance premiums. The Committee aims to identify strategies to lower health care costs and increase market flexibility, considering additional offerings such as Health Savings Accounts and new flexible plans.
Also in Texas, the House Select Committee conducted two days of hearings, featuring invited testimony, to evaluate the key drivers of health care costs. These included statutory, regulatory and administrative burdens, as well as the effects of fraud, waste and abuse. The Committee also examined how insurance design, cost sharing, market structure and payment policies affect consumers and employers, with particular attention to how consolidation influences patient choice, market competition and the pricing and value of health care services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
The Legislature passed H.588 on May 19 to expand pharmacist test and treat authority across three conditions – Flu, Strep and COVID. Gov. Phil Scott (R) is expected to sign the bill into law as early as next week. The legislation received significant support from NACDS and its membership operating in Vermont and was widely endorsed by numerous in-state health groups and the Vermont Department of Health Access (DVHA). DVHA has made recent references to the value of pharmacist test and treat services in its rollout of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed HB 483 and SB 271, companion bills that sought to establish a prescription drug affordability board. The Governor’s veto statement is included in her news release.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
California
The Board of Pharmacy released its May 2026 News Roundup, providing updates on recent regulatory developments and Board activities.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Reminder: Include ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes on Pharmacy Claims
- Mass Adjustment for Member Eligibility Data That Impacted Claim Funding for Claims Submitted March 10, 2022, through October 5, 2025 – Second Group
- Mass Adjustment for Incremental Fills for DEA Schedule II Drugs for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service from January 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024
- 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.
Colorado
HB 26-1336, legislation NACDS supported that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services, was sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law. The bill enables children 12 years of age and under to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. It also allows pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Finally in Colorado, the General Assembly will adjourn sine die on May 13
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Geogia
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed SB 195. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention without a prescription, subject to conditions and training requirements.
Also in Georgia, State Rep. Jon Burns (R), Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced study committee assignments, including appointments to the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications. The committee includes several members with significant healthcare and pharmacy policy experience, including pharmacist Rep. Ron Stephens (R), who will serve as chair, along with pharmacist Rep. Butch Parrish (R), Rep. Matt Hatchett (R), Rep. Lee Hawkins (R) and Rep. Debbie Buckner (D). NACDS will continue to monitor the study committee schedule and keep members informed of developments and committee activity.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
On May 8, the Board of Pharmacy posted a notice of an upcoming Board member vacancy for one pharmacist member. Board members are appointed by the Governor for a five-year term and meet each quarter in-person at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses’ headquarters to conduct Board business.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
HB 2068, an omnibus bill incorporating key pharmacy-supported provisions from HB 2676, HB 2740, SB 322 and SB 431, passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The bill expands pharmacists’ prescribing authority under standard of care regulations and permits remote pharmacy services by pharmacy technicians.
Also in Kansas, SB 20 known as the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, was signed by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The PBM reform bill gives the Insurance Commissioner increased enforcement authority to regulate PBMs, establishes a rate floor of NADAC plus the Medicaid professional dispensing fee rate of at least $10.50 for all pharmacies, mandates that drug rebates pass through to health plans and bans spread pricing.
Finally in Kansas, the Department of Health and Environment (Medicaid) issued a provider bulletin 26030 announcing the adult immunizations reimbursement rate increased on 14 vaccinations, effective April 1, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
SB 401, legislation that creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) within the Department of Insurance to improve transparency and control drug prices, passed the Senate and was referred to the House for further action. The bill requires an annual report on drug pricing trends and highlights drugs with high prices relative to other states, countries and their own production and research costs, thereby increasing accountability and guiding state healthcare policy.
Also in Louisiana, HB 1236, legislation that passed the House, requires PBMs to reimburse independent pharmacies using the NADAC and a professional dispensing fee, at least equal to the state’s Medicaid dispensing fee. The bill was amended on the Senate floor last week. NACDS is working on an amendment so that the rate floor reimbursement includes our members.
Finally in Louisiana, another PBM reform bill, HB 938, passed the House and was referred to the Senate Insurance Committee. The bill requires PBMs to reimburse local pharmacies at least their drug acquisition cost plus a Medicaid-level dispensing fee, bans below-cost payments and prohibits increasing patient copays after claims are processed. The law also requires PBMs to share claim data with regulators and is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed SB 773/HB 1135, companion bills authorizing pharmacists to order vaccinations for individuals 3 years of age or older without needing to administer the vaccine themselves. This change supports the dispensing of self-administered or caregiver-administered vaccines, such as the nasal spray flu vaccines.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is soliciting comments from the public on the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary, which applies to managed care organization (MCO) claims. The public may submit comments by June 12 on the drugs included or not included on the Common Formulary, new drug products, prior authorization criteria, step therapy criteria and other topics related to drug coverage under the Common Formulary.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
SB 878, legislation expanding pharmacists’ scope authority for CLIA-waived tests, ordering and administering vaccines and allowing for prescribing certain types of medical equipment, passed both houses and was sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe (R).
Finally in Missouri, the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 15.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy’s next hybrid meeting is on June 3 and 4 in Las Vegas.
Also in Nevada, the Board of Pharmacy will hold a Public Hearing on June 4 to discuss the Proposed Rule regulating workforce, establishing certain requirements governing the staffing of certain pharmacies, including revising the number of pharmaceutical technicians or pharmaceutical technicians in training that a pharmacist is authorized to supervise, depending on the type of pharmacy in which the pharmacist is working.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oklahoma
NACDS sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a letter urging him to sign SB 1565, a bill aimed at expanding maternal health and nutrition services for SoonerCare Medicaid beneficiaries through better access to “Food is Medicine” interventions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Ohio
The Board of Pharmacy distributed a notice announcing that on June 9, they will activate a PMP [Prescription Monitoring Program] Gateway feature called provider authorization. On that date anyone without an active Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) user account or an account with missing or inaccurate information will lose access. Please refer to the notice for instructions on how to update or create an account.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its agenda materials for the May 20 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.
Pennsylvania
The Department of Insurance (PID) announced the launch of a new online portal specifically for pharmacies to submit complaints related to the enforcement of Act 77, the 2024 PBM commercial market reform law. The new portal is intended to create a single, streamlined submission form that collects all required information and allows pharmacies to file complaints related to clawbacks, steering, rebates, reimbursement and specialty drug designations. NACDS encourages members to test the portal and share your feedback with Jill McCormack.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
South Carolina
Federal law requires all providers who order, refer or prescribe (ORP) services or items for Medicaid members to be enrolled in respective state Medicaid programs. Currently, pharmacists are notified at point of sale if prescriptions were written by a non-enrolled Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) provider with the statement “prescriber enrollment is required in SC’s Medicaid program.” Pharmacists that dispense vaccines and naloxone through South Carolina protocols without a prescription are required to be enrolled in South Carolina’s Healthy Connections Medicaid program. Please refer to information provided by the South Carolina Pharmacy Association.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
HB26-1336, legislation that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services for both Medicaid and commercial patients, passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and awaits a final vote by the Senate. The bill enables children 12 years of age and under to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. It also allows pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Also in Colorado, the Board of Pharmacy released Volume 18, Winter 2026 and Volume 19, Spring 2026 of its newsletter providing updates on regulatory developments and Board activities.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Connecticut
HB 5375 was passed by the Legislature this week and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont (D). The legislation, which has been an NACDS priority for the 2026 session, prohibits an insurance carrier from denying pharmacy reimbursement based solely on a provider’s license type for any “covered clinical service” that falls within a pharmacist’s scope and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement when performed by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.