Oklahoma
The Legislature convenes on February 3, 2025.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The February 5-7 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available. Please note that on February 5, the board will meet in Executive Session immediately after recusal announcements and anticipates resuming Open Session between 4:00-5:00 pm. Also on February 6, the board will meet in Executive Session after roll call and anticipates resuming Open Session between 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. The board will meet in Open Session on February 7. 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 Board of Pharmacy announced the following board member opportunity: Pharmacist – Board Member. Board members are appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek (D) and each Board member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Interesting persons my apply to serve on the Board; please visit the Board Member Opportunities page, review ORS 689.115 and apply via Workday. For more information visit the State of Oregon Boards and Commissions website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
As a result of the passage of Act 77, The Insurance Department (PID) announced a process for pharmacies to dispute a drug’s designation as a “specialty drug” by a PBM or insurer. PID also published a non-binding, non-exclusive list of “specialty drugs,” as well as guidance on how a pharmacy can request a review of a specialty drug designation. This process will be available in 2025 for drugs covered by large group policies issued after October 15, 2024, and by individual and small group policies issued on or after January 1, 2026. Beginning in 2026, PID will also release two annual reports, a Network Adequacy Report is due by April, and a Transparency report will be available by July. These reports will provide critical data on manufacturer rebates and pharmacy reimbursement rates to help identify areas for further action or reform.
NACDS strongly encourages members to review both the proposed list and the complaint process and share your comments with Jill McCormack. We intend to work with PID to help you build and revise the list and to encourage the most efficient process for our members to dispute designations.
PBMs and pharmacies can find more information on Act 77, including a schedule that outlines the Act’s full implementation dates, visit PID’s website. To submit a complaint, contact the PID’s Consumer Services Bureau online or at 1-877-881-6388.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Board of Pharmacy has released the proposed rules on pharmacist-delegated technician authorities. The Pharmacy Association wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed rules. A rulemaking hearing will take place on February 27th.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The House of Representatives, under the new leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows (R), established new rules stating that House committees’ chairmanships will be held by the majority party – Republicans, and the vice chairs will be held by the minority party – Democrats.
Also in Texas, the agenda for the February 4, 2025, Board of Pharmacy meeting is now available. For those note able to attend, the meeting will be Live Streamed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
The Vermont Office of Profession Regulation (OPR) is conducting a public hearing on the proposed Pharmacy Administrative Rules update. Public comments are welcome until March 31, 2025. To submit comments, please email sos.opr.comments@vermont.gov.
OPR will also hold three public meetings to invite comment from the public and stakeholders on the draft Administrative Rules. Public hearings will be held at 89 Main Street, 3rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620. To join the meetings online, see the information below:
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 293 389 690 612
Passcode: 9Th7n98t
Dial in by phone
Phone conference ID: 168 777 875#
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 257 060 957 271
Passcode: Hj2ZQ2MN
Dial in by phone
Phone conference ID: 207 994 027#
Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 212 020 234 592
Passcode: RE2J2EA2
Dial in by phone
Phone conference ID: 301 656 014#
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
Two bills that would require DMAS (Department of Medical Assistance Services) to contract directly with a SPBM to manage the Medicaid managed care pharmacy benefit are quickly advancing this session. NACDS testified in favor of SB 875, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Rouse (D), that was later approved by both the Education and Health Committee and the Finance Committee. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a vote. In the House, The Health and Human Services Committee approved HB 2610 and advanced it to the Appropriation Committee. Identical fiscal notes were issued for the bills and they include cost savings estimates. NACDS is working with members, in-state partners and DMAS to support this effort.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission’s February 6, 2025, agenda and meeting materials are available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted an agenda for the Virtual Task Force/Stakeholder Meeting being held on January 29 to discussion and consider possible action related to the US Pharmacopeia (USP) – Compounding practice standards.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.