The following bills of interest have been introduced:  

• HB 2196 – Requires PBMs to reimburse nonaffiliated pharmacists and pharmacies no less than their actual cost for prescription drugs or devices, establishes minimum professional dispensing fees and mandates appeal procedures for disputes over reimbursement. 

• HB 2444 – Allows a pharmacist to independently order, perform and interpret, under a statewide protocol, CLIA-waived tests and to initiate treatment to individuals at least six years of age. 

• SB 1309 – Establishes a Standard of Care for the Practice of Pharmacy. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

On December 29, 2025, Arizona received its official Notice of Award for $166,988,956.00 for Fiscal Year 2026 from CMS which was lower than the state requested. The state is actively engaging with CMS to advance the next steps and will submit a revised budget by January 30. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Arizona Medicaid agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the Governor's Office invite you to attend this public webinar to learn more about Arizona's application for the Rural Health Transformation Program. This webinar will highlight the application submitted and will discuss the next steps regarding the program award and the funding of Arizona's programming. Click here to register and add to your calendar.  

Date: November 13  

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm  

Location: Virtual Via Google Meet. Please register in advance. (Meeting ID and passcode will be provided upon registration)  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) appointed Virginia “Ginny” Rountree as the new director of the state’s Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the Medicaid agency, effective October 6. A health and human services expert based in Tucson, Ginny brings more than a decade of experience in public roles at AHCCCS and the Department of Economic Security (DES), as well as leadership positions in the private sector.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy posted the following on its website this week. Pursuant to Executive Order 2025-12, the Notice of Emergency Rulemaking for Section R4-23-411 is effective as of September 22. Please visit the “COVID-19 Vaccine Updates” to review the Executive Order, Notice of Emergency Rulemaking and approval, and the COVID-19 vaccine standing order and protocol as well as Department of Health Services COVID-19 Resources.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Board of Pharmacy published its July 2025 newsletter including the following articles and items of interest: Update Your Profile, Be on Alert – Scam Letters and/or Phone Calls, Thank You for Serving – Cedar Lahann and Kevin Dang, Welcome to the Board – Christopher Hogan and Stephanie Spark, Understanding ARS §20-1742: Malpractice Reporting Requirements in Arizona, 2025 Legislative Update and Bills Signed Into Law and Disciplinary Actions and Update – Health Boards.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed SB 1132, legislation directing the Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (Medicaid) to require its contractors to provide members with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through both a pharmacy benefit and a durable medical equipment benefit with specific criteria and requirements for coverage.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed HB 2628 (Chapter 32), legislation permitting pharmacists to order and administer emergency medication to manage an acute allergic reaction to a medication administered at the pharmacy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

SB 1214, legislation that would permit pharmacists pursuant to a statewide written protocol to independently test and treat for flu, strep, COVID, PEP/PrEP or a condition related to an emerging or existing public health threat for individuals 12 years of age and older, passed the House Health and Human Services Committee with a vote of 7-5. Also, a pharmacist may delegate the task of performing the test to a licensed staff member under the supervision of the pharmacist.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.