Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a two-day meeting in Las Vegas on March 4 and 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The State Department of Health’s NYRx Education & Outreach (E&O) team held a webinar on February 25 focusing on different areas of the Medicaid Pharmacy Program. The customized webinar was directed toward pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy staff who care for the state’s Medicaid members and covered several topics, including pharmacy enrollment, coordination of benefits and billing guidance. The session was held as part of a series, which will extend through March, occurring Wednesdays, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET. Registration is required to join. To register, select a date and click the link to register.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
Gainwell Technologies, the Medicaid Single PBM (SPBM), announced effective April 1 brand Suboxone will transition to non-preferred status and will require Prior Authorization (PA). Generic buprenorphine/naloxone will remain Preferred (No PA Required). The announcement further encouraged pharmacies to ensure they have advance supplies of the preferred product to manage this utilization shift without patient interruption.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following Temporary Rule and Protocols:
February 25, 2026, Temporary Rule Noticed
- Div 115 – Services: Prescribing – Pursuant to Protocol *Effective 2/25/2026
Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The primary election is on March 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
HB 830, legislation requiring commercial PBMs to utilize pass through pricing models and offer at least one plan that restricts PBM revenue to a set fee, was amended and passed the House unanimously. The bill also limits PBMs' ability to charge fees and retroactively reduce pharmacy reimbursement. It is now in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and we expect that it will eventually reach Gov. Abigail Spanberger's (D) desk.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
SSB 5934, the standard of care bill, would expand pharmacists’ practice authority by allowing them to independently prescribe and diagnose within their scope of practice, based on education and experience. The bill passed the Senate earlier this month and is awaiting a hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
West Virginia
HB 5430, legislation that would enact further PBM reforms in the commercial market, Medicaid and under the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA), has passed the House unanimously and is currently in the Senate for further consideration. HB 5430 requires an annual pharmacy dispensing fee study, limits the amounts charged by PBMs and prohibits affiliate pharmacies from contracting with Medicaid and the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA). It also requires the implementation of a pharmacy cost comparison tool on prescriber platforms. We expect the bill to be amended in the Senate before it heads to the floor for a vote.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alaska
On February 16, the House Labor and Commerce Committee held a hearing on HB 195, a bill carried over from last year that would allow pharmacists to provide patient care services within the scope of their education, training and experience. The bill was amended and reported favorably to the House Finance Committee for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arkansas
Gov. Sarah Huckaby Sanders (R) reappointed Brian Jolly to the Board of Pharmacy. His term expires June 30, 2031.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
This week, NACDS closely monitored the House Ways and Means Committee’s actions regarding HB 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
Two major bills that could change the practice of pharmacy were voted on this week:
The Senate voted on SB 360, a PBM reform bill that would bring transparency to PBMs, including:
- Ending spread pricing: PBMs would no longer be allowed to charge insurers or employers more than they pay pharmacies for the same prescription.
- Fair reimbursement: Pharmacies would be paid NADAC + $10.50 (or the state Medicaid rate, whichever is higher).
- Lower costs for patients and employers: Savings would go back to health plans, employers and patients instead of being kept by PBMs.
- State oversight: PBMs would be regulated by the Kansas Department of Insurance.
The House voted on HB 2676, allowing for emergency refills for non-controlled medications, and adding pharmacist prescribing in the four categories below:
- Conditions not requiring a new diagnosis, such as preventive care and chronic disease management
- Conditions that are minor and self-limiting such as hair loss, acne, head lice
- Conditions that have a CLIA-waived test to guide next steps, such as respiratory viruses
- Patient emergencies, such as epinephrine, beta agonists, glucagon
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy posted agendas for the March 2 full Board and Disciplinary Subcommittee meetings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New Jersey
Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) issued a news release announcing that she signed Executive Order No. 13, temporarily extending the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) COVID-era Executive Order No. 103 for an additional 45 days. This will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants more time to enter into delegation agreements with physicians so they can continue to prescribe medications. The State of Emergency, previously set to expire at 5:00 pm on February 16, will now expire at 5:00 pm on April 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
North Carolina
Jay Ludlam is leaving his role as Deputy Secretary of Medicaid to move into a new role as Plan President with Molina Healthcare. Melanie Bush will serve as Interim Deputy Secretary, providing continuity and experienced leadership during the transition. Bush currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of Medicaid.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
North Dakota
Medicaid contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey. The survey results will be used to evaluate the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement methodology. To help prepare pharmacy owners and managers to participate in the survey, Myers and Stauffer, will be conducting informational meetings via telephonic/internet-based webinars. At these meetings, Myers and Stauffer will present more details about the survey process, discuss what information is being requested, and answer questions regarding completing the survey form. Pharmacies are invited to attend one of the informational meetings.
Attendance at one of the webinar sessions requires a reservation.
- Please call or email Myers and Stauffer for a reservation and further meeting details:
- Phone: 1-800-591-1183 or
- Email: disp_survey@mslc.com
Webinar Times
- February 26 at 8:00 am CT
- March 3 at 4:00 pm CT
The survey was mailed to pharmacies on February 17 and must be returned no later than March 31.
Please find the electronic version of the survey, instructional letter and other important documents at North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Provider Portal | Myers & Stauffer
It is very important that all pharmacies cooperate fully by filing an accurate cost survey. Pharmacies are encouraged to return the required information as soon as possible.
Please contact the Myers and Stauffer help desk by email disp_survey@mslc.com or phone 1-800-591-1183.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio
The Senate Health Committee met on February 18 and heard proponent testimony on SB 230, legislation that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients with common illnesses. NACDS attended the hearing, submitted written testimony and helped coordinate testimony with members and in-state partners. The bill is necessary for the state to move forward with the pharmacy initiatives in its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plan. We expect the bill to advance this spring. Senate Health Committee Chair Steve Huffman (R) recently authored a Columbus Dispatch column highlighting the importance of passing legislation related to the RHTP.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and instructions for participating in its February 24 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Department of Commerce and Insurance’s new audit of CVS Caremark details extensive violations of the state’s PBM laws, which spans discriminatory reimbursement, banned spread pricing and appeals noncompliance. CVS Caremark has 30 days to comply with the findings, after which the matter will be referred to legal services. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association issued this statement of the findings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Washington
The state’s standard of care legislation, SSB 5924, expands pharmacists’ practice authority by allowing independent prescribing and diagnosis within their scope of practice, based on education and experience. The bill was approved by the full Senate on February 17 and now advances to the House for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Board of Pharmacy is sponsoring a training program, “Inspection Expectations, Diversion Trends, Loss Prevention, Legal Updates and CURES,” on March 5 via WebEx. Pharmacists who participate will receive six hours of continuing education (CE) credit. The event is free, but space is limited and preregistration is required. The board has transitioned its registration and CE certification to its new learning management system PharmEd. To register for the event, you will need to create an account in PharmEd if you do not already have one. Training attendees who do not use PharmEd will not be given CE credit.
For information on how to register for the event, visit the Board’s website, scroll down to “Information for Licensees,” and click on “Free CE Training Registration”.
For questions about the event, email the Board.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy provided a sample “How to File a Complaint” notice to assist licensees in complying with Business and Professions Code section 4113.6(c). Pursuant to this section, A chain community pharmacy is required to post, in a location determined by the business to be prominent and accessible to pharmacy personnel, a notice that provides information on how to file a complaint with the Board. This notice is intended for pharmacy personnel and not for consumers. Pharmacies may use the sample notice provided by the Board or develop their own notice and determine an appropriate posting location that is prominent and accessible, if the notice complies with the requirements outlined in the Pharmacy Lawbook under Business and Professions Code Staffing requirements for chain community pharmacy section 4113.6(c).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Delaware
Gov. Matt Meyer (D) announced Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are now open for four initiatives under Delaware’s plan to overhaul health care in every community. All Requests for Proposals are available at bids.delaware.gov. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review RFPs and submit applications in accordance with posted timelines and requirements. The newly released RFPs represent the first competitive funding opportunities following Delaware’s successful federal Rural Health Transformation Program award and advance projects focused on access, prevention and chronic disease management and workforce development. Additional RFPs are expected to be released in the spring.
Open Requests for Proposals:
Delaware Medical School: Competitive funding to support start-up costs for Delaware’s first four-year medical school, focused on building a sustainable pipeline of primary care physicians committed to rural practice.
School-Based Health Centers: Competitive funding to support new school-based health centers in rural elementary and middle schools, delivering physical, behavioral and preventive health care services directly to students and families with four new centers with the goal of seeing 400 patients by year three.
Food Is Medicine: Competitive funding to establish sustainable Food Is Medicine infrastructure that integrates nutrition-based interventions into rural health care delivery, improving outcomes for residents managing chronic disease while supporting long-term reimbursement strategies.
Rural Community Health Hubs: Competitive funding for mobile health units and other community-based access points delivering preventive, chronic disease, behavioral health and specialty services directly to rural communities with the goal of conducting 1,500 yearly encounters by year three.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Indiana
HB 1358 is the Department of Health’s bill which includes a provision changing the statewide standing order for the dispensing of a smoking cessation products to a tobacco, vaping or nicotine cessation product.
Also in Indiana, SB 157, a bill that requires pharmacies to disclose at the point-of-sale the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) on generics, was amended in the Senate to exempt hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The bill passed Senate and was assigned to House Public Health Committee.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Appeals and Licensing published its Pharma Phacts Newsletter (February 2026). Highlights include the following:
- New Jurisprudence Exam Starts April 1, 2026
- Prescription Management Program (PMP) Updates
- Compliance Corner
- Reminder to Keep License Profile Updated?
- Notification of Change of Pharmacist in Charge
- FDA Warns of Counterfeit Ozempic in US Drug Supply Chain
- Retatrutide in Iowa
- Reminder of Actions to Take After Identification of Fraudulent Controlled Substance Prescription
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.