A new state law improves healthcare access by letting qualified pharmacists offer more services within their expertise. AKPhA Executive Director Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD, told “Alaska Independent News” this law could transform care statewide. It allows pharmacists to treat common conditions and expands collaborative practice, making it easier for patients to get care from accessible healthcare professionals in their communities.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Earlier this month, NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) urging him to sign HB 195, a bill that significantly expands patient access to essential pharmacy-based healthcare services. The legislation broadens pharmacists’ authority to administer medications and offer services aligned with their education, training and experience and professional standards of care. On June 18, the governor vetoed the bill, but the legislature convened a special session and overrode the veto the following day.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

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For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

It is time to renew your professional license for the next biennial period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. A license will lapse after June 30, 2026, and it is illegal to work without a valid and active license. There is no grace period; lapsed licenses require reinstatement. Any incomplete renewal applications received will be granted a one-time extension to September 30, 2026, if received by June 30, 2026. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The House Finance Committee held a hearing on April 7 regarding HB 195, legislation that would grant pharmacists broader authority to prescribe and administer medications and medical devices. Although the committee restricted public input to invited testimony, members of the pharmacy community proactively reached out to legislators in advance, urging support for this bill. By expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice within a clear, patient-centered standard of care, HB 195 aims to improve access to essential health services throughout the state.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

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.

The Department of Health (DOH) is hosting an informational Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) webinar on February 10 from 1:00 pm -2:00 pm AKST, focused on the application process. This webinar is for healthcare providers, Tribes and Tribal Health Organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, workforce and education partners and others interested in participating in RHTP. Be sure to register in advance. 

Also in Alaska, the Board of Pharmacy's quarterly meeting is on Zoom on February 9 and 10. All members of the public that will be attending the meeting will need to preregister. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the Board's website.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Legislature convened January 20 and is scheduled to adjourn on May 20.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The legislature convenes on January 20, with a projected adjournment date on May 20. 

Also in Alaska, State Department of Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg and her team hosted a webinar this week to present approved initiatives and timelines, share updates on the funding process and discuss opportunities for healthcare providers to engage with the Rural Health Transformation Program. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.