The Board of Pharmacy seeks to remind affected licensees about Proposition 34, a ballot initiative that was approved by the voters in November 2024. Proposition 34 added the Protect Patients Now Act of 2024 (Act) to the Welfare and Institutions Code (see sections 14124.39-14124.52). Among its provisions, the Act establishes requirements for a “Prescription Drug Price Manipulator” (as defined in subdivision (l) of WIC section 14124.48) to report specified information to certain agencies, including the Board, by no later than December 31, 2025.

Additional information about Proposition 34 is available online.

Public comments related to the Act, and information relating to entities that qualify as Prescription Drug Price Manipulators, may be submitted to Prop34@dca.ca.gov.

Also in California, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11161.7(b), the Board of Pharmacy is distributing an October 22, 2025 list of prescribers whose authority to prescribe controlled substances has been restricted by the Medical Board of California. The Board of Pharmacy is making this information available to prevent the dispensing of prescriptions for controlled substances issued by restricted prescribers.

Also in California, NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the Board of Pharmacy (Board) will hold a hearing to receive public comments on a petition received related to Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1709.1, Designation of Pharmacist-in-Charge.

The public hearing will be held on January 6, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am in the first floor Hearing Room of the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Additionally, attendees may participate via the WebEx meeting platform. To participate via WebEx, please use the following link: WebEx Link or https://dca-meetings.webex.com/dca-meetings/j.php?MTID=m1240449cdb3802fe4e363f663d60bb6e

If joining using the link above

Webinar number: 2491 140 0958

Webinar password: CSBP16

If joining by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Access code: 2491 140 0958

Passcode: 272716

To view and download the hearing materials, please visit the following link: Laws and Regulations or https://pharmacy.ca.gov/laws_regs/index.shtml, and click on Hearing or https://pharmacy.ca.gov/laws_regs/hearing.shtml.

Written comments may be submitted to PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov or to the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Written comments will be accepted through January 6, 2026. The public will also be able to provide public comment when prompted during the hearing.

Requests for further information should be directed to the Board at (916) 518-3090 or PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov, or by writing to the California State Board of Pharmacy, located at 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833.

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy, Board of Registered Nursing, Physician Assistant Board, Medical Board of California, Osteopathic Medical Board of California and Dental Board of California licensees can now register to attend the joint forum. Spots are limited, register today at https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum/register.shtml.

Healthcare practitioners involved in prescribing or dispensing medications are invited to a forum on December 17 at California State University, Sacramento, focusing on clinical and practical challenges practitioners and patients face in accessing medications for opioid use disorder and other controlled substances used to manage pain. This is a virtual and in-person event.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Legal and regulatory requirements governing controlled substances.
• Communication and collaboration between prescribers and dispensers.
• Reducing stigma and barriers to care for patients with chronic pain or substance use disorder.

EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Wednesday, December 17
• Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: California State University, Sacramento

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Register today at https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum/register.shtml. Attendance is capped at 32 in-person participants per Board and 83 virtual participants per Board. Further event details will be provided after registering. Please note that this event is not open to the general public.

WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: Visit https://www.dca.ca.gov/jointforum for updates.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review the numerous upcoming changes to Medi-Cal Rx.

• 30-Day Countdown: Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for December

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

• November 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
• November 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin

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

The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the update on GLP-1 coverage effective January 1, 2026; see details below in the alert. 

• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Physician Administered Drug Policy 

• GLP-1 Coverage Considerations 

Also in California, as part of the Board's actions during the November 5-6 Board Meeting, the Board approved a policy statement related to the transition to a Standard of Care Practice Model for some pharmacist-provided health care services. Specifically, under provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 1503 (Berman, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025), certain pharmacist-provided patient care services are transitioning to a standard of care practice model. 

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy approved a policy statement related to the role of the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC). Specifically, under AB 1503, new provisions reinforce the decision-making autonomy of the PIC related to staffing decisions. 

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

The Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi–Cal Rx Web Portal: 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.

he Board of Pharmacy distributed its monthly News Roundup for November. This issue includes important information related to vaccines, albuterol and epinephrine standing orders for schools, the California Medication Error Reporting (CAMER), drug theft/drug loss online portal and PIC training webinar. 

Also in California, the November 2025 issue of the Board of Pharmacy's newsletter, The Script, is now published online. The November 2025 newsletter includes information on: 

• New Laws 

• Regulations 

• Immunization Alert 

• Importance of Patient Consent Forms 

• CAMER 

• Inspection Results 

• Citations Issued 

• Technology the Pharmacist's Role in Medication Safety 

• Standing Orders for Schools Regarding Albuterol and Epinephrine 

• Well-Being Index 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy sent the following reminder to licensees.  

Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4113.1 establishes requirements for a community pharmacy to report medication errors known as CAMER to an entity approved by the Board. The statute requiring medication error reporting by community pharmacies can be viewed at BPC section 4113.1. The Board approved the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), an ECRI Company, as the entity to receive and review medication error reports under BPC section 4113.1. Information regarding CAMER registration can be found at https://mederrors.ismp.org/.  

The Board reminds community pharmacy licensees that medication errors that occur on or after September 1, 2025, must be reported to the CAMER system consistent with legal requirements established.  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: 

• Mass Adjustment for Vaccines For Children Reimbursement for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service January 1, 2024, through May 16, 2025 

• 60-Day Countdown: Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx 

• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulleting for November 

• Updates to the Medi-Cal Rx Physician Administered Drug Policy

Finally in California, pursuant to the announced pharmacy benefit policy changes effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) mailed letters to Medi-Cal members to notify them of two upcoming changes:  

• All Medi-Cal members received a letter concerning the exclusion of coverage for GLP-1 medications for weight-loss indications. 

• Impacted Medi-Cal members received a letter concerning the need for prior authorization (PA) approval for select medications previously filled without a PA request. 

 Both letters provide members with information about the policy change and guidance concerning potential actions the member may take. 

Questions may be submitted to the Pharmacy Benefits Division at Medi-Cal.PharmacyBenefits@dhcs.ca.gov or to the Medi-Cal Rx Education and Outreach team at Medicalrxeducationoutreach@primetherapeutics.com 

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 41, PBM reform legislation. SB 41 requires licensure of PBMs, protects patient choice by prohibiting PBMs from steering or inducing patients to affiliate pharmacies, prohibits retroactive fees and claw backs, mandates PBMs use a passthrough pricing model and prohibits spread pricing among its various provisions. Recall earlier this year, Gov. Newsom signed AB 116, the health omnibus trailer bill that contains the specific statutory language to implement the governor’s PBM reform policies as outlined in the state’s main budget bill.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:

• October 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
• October 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alert on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Important Update: GLP-1s for Weight Loss Are Not a Covered Benefit.

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy has proposed adding Title 16 CCR § 1707.4, related to Central Fill Pharmacies.

• Notice of Proposed Action
• Initial Statement of Reasons
• Proposed Text

Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed text may do so by submitting written comments beginning October 17 and ending on December 1 to the following:

Contact Person: Lori Martinez
Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy
Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov
Fax: (916) 574-8618

Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed text of the regulation will be considered and responded to in the Final Statement of Reasons.

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted the following:  

• Licensing Committee – October 15 agenda and meeting materials  

• Enforcement & Compounding Committee – October 16 agenda  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: 

• Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines 

• Now Active: COB Billing Process Updates for Beneficiaries in Long Term Care Facilities 

• Mass Adjustment for Vaccines For Children Reimbursement for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service January 1, 2023, through May 16, 2025 

• Mass Adjustment for Mpox Vaccine Reimbursement for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service January 1, 2024, through June 6, 2025 

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy issued a Notice of Third Modified Text – Discontinuance of Business – Updated. The Board of Pharmacy has proposed additional modifications to Title 16 CCR § 1708.2, related to the Discontinuance of Business. 

• Notice of Third Modified Text 

• Third Modified Text 

Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed modifications may do so by submitting written comments beginning on October 6 and ending on October 22 to the following:  

Contact Person: Debbie Damoth 

Agency Name: California State Board of Pharmacy 

Address: 2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833 

Email: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov 

Fax: 916-574-8618 

Please be advised the additional changes made to Title 16 CCR § 1708.2 reflect nonsubstantive changes with the exception of changes made to Title 16 CCR § 1708.2(b)(4). As a result, comments submitted should pertain only to the additional changes made to Title 16 CCR § 1708.2(b)(4). Any responses to comments directly concerning the proposed modifications to the text of the regulations will be considered and responded to in the Final Statement of Reasons. 

Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted this "Vaccine Alert". 

Updated information on pharmacist authority to administer vaccines 

The Board wishes to advise licensees about important upcoming changes to pharmacist authority related to vaccine administration enacted by Assembly Bill 1503 (Berman, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2025). AB 1503 was recently signed by Governor Newsom and will take effect on January 1, 2026. Under the provisions established in AB 1503, pharmacist authority to independently initiate and administer vaccines for persons three years of age and older will transition to a standard of care practice model. Such an approach is consistent with other health care practitioners with similar practice authority.  

In anticipation of this change, the Board strongly encourages pharmacists to begin the transition to a standard of care practice model for immunizations for patients three years old and older. The Board intends to use enforcement discretion during this intervening period. 

The Board also reminds pharmacists that Business and Professions Code section 4052(a)(11) currently provides a pharmacist with the authority to administer immunizations to any person, regardless of age, pursuant to a protocol with a prescriber. This current authority will exist until January 1, 2026, when AB 1503 takes effect. 

Note that while AB 1503 repeals current subdivision (a)(11) of section 4052, it also adds new subdivision (a)(12), which, effective as of January 1, 2026, provides general authority for a pharmacist to initiate, adjust, or discontinue drug therapy for a patient (which includes vaccine administration) under either (1) a collaborative practice agreement, or (2) under specified conditions, an order or authorization made by the patient's prescriber. (See Stats. 2025, Ch. 196, Sec. 13 (AB 1503), effective January 1, 2026.) 

Finally, as announced in a separate alert released on September 18, 2025, the Board reminds licensees about the following recent developments related to vaccines: 

• In early September, the West Coast Health Alliance was launched to provide evidence-based unified recommendations for residents of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii regarding who should receive immunizations. 

• On September 17, the California Department of Public Health announced official immunization recommendations in accordance with this Alliance.  

• Recent enactment of Assembly Bill 144 (Committee on Budget, Chapter 105, Statutes of 2025) provides authority for pharmacists to independently initiate and administer to individuals three years of age or older an immunization that, on January 1, 2025, had in effect an ACIP recommendation and that is recommended by the California Department of Public Health. This authority became effective on September 17, 2025, and provides separate and independent authority (complementing other current and forthcoming authorities) for pharmacists to administer vaccines. 

• AB 144 also contains provisions related to Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines and immunizations. Learn more about Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines here. 

Thank you for your commitment to California patients. 

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’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

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

Pursuant to the enacted 2025-26 State Budget, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will be implementing Medi-Cal Rx policy updates, effective January 1, 2026. These changes are intended to reduce pharmacy spending, improve program integrity, and ensure continued, equitable access to quality pharmacy benefits and services. Also, effective November 1, 2025, the coordination of benefits (COB) claims submission process will be updated for Medicare. See Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx for background information.

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please review the “90-day Countdown: Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx” alert. Note changes are effective January 1, 2026. Please see the alert for details.

• 90-Day Countdown: Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx
• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for October

Also in California, the Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) launched a new webinar series focused on recent federal policy changes in health and human services and how California is responding to ensure continued access to care. The first webinar in the series addressed vaccine access and guidance, a timely topic as the state enters respiratory virus season. A full recording of the webinar and presentation slides are available for those who were unable to attend. The webinar featured insights from CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson, Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan and Department of Managed Health Care Director Mary Watanabe. Topics covered included public health updates, health plan coverage requirements and Medi-Cal vaccine coverage.

Under updated California law, health plans and insurance companies regulated by the state, including Medi-Cal, are required to continue covering routine immunizations recommended by the CDPH. This includes vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Californians are encouraged to review CDPH’s vaccine recommendations and check with their health plan or insurer if they have questions about coverage. To schedule a vaccine appointment, individuals can contact their health care provider, visit a local pharmacy, or go to MyTurn.ca.gov.

Finally in California, on September 26, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 260 (Chapter 136, Statutes of 2025), legislation related to sexual and reproductive health care. NACDS is sharing this as information for members as there are provisions in the newly enacted law related to “pharmacists”.

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

On September 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) along with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D), Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations through the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). These recommendations include the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines. 
 
Also on September 17, Gov. Newsom signed AB 144, authorizing the state to base future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations rather than the CDC's increasingly politicized Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  

Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced California Issues Respiratory Virus Immunization Guidance. This guidance includes the CDPH Immunization Recommendations, Coverage and Availability and Changes to State Law. For more information on immunization requirements and resources, visit CDPH's P​ublic Health for All webpage; ​​​​bookmark this webpage to stay informed on vaccines, screenings and preventive care updates. 

Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a letter to DHCS Stakeholders RE: Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines. 

Also in California, on September 17, the article titled "Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines per Assembly Bill 144 Requirements" was posted to the Medi-Cal News area on the Medi-Cal Provider website.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is releasing information to ensure licensees remain apprised of recent developments undertaken to uphold scientific integrity in public health.   

• On September 3, 2025, Governor Newsom announced that California, along with Oregon and Washington, launched a new West Coast Health Alliance to provide evidence-based unified recommendations for residents regarding who should receive immunizations. Hawaii also joined the alliance. The California Department of Public Health announced official immunization recommendations in accordance with this Alliance.   

• Recent enactment of Assembly Bill (AB) 144 (Budget Act of 2025) provides authority for pharmacists to independently initiate and administer an immunization that, on January 1, 2025, had in effect an ACIP recommendation and that are recommended by the California Department Public Health. AB 144 also contains provisions related to Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines and immunizations.  Learn more about Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines here.  

The Board also reminds pharmacists that Business and Professions Code section 4052(a)(11) currently provides a pharmacist with the authority to administer immunizations pursuant to a protocol with a prescriber.  

The Board will continue to release information as it becomes available, including any further changes to pharmacist authority related to vaccine administration. Thank you for your commitment to California patients.  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:     

• September 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin     

• September 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin    

• Correction to CLIA-Waived Test Reimbursement for Pharmacy Providers  

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.  

• Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines 

• 30-Day Countdown: Upcoming Policy Change to Medi-Cal Rx Physician Administered Drugs  

• Mass Adjustment for Retroactive Enrollment in a PACE Plan for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service January 2, 2025, through February 10, 2025 

• Update: Enhanced Security Protocols for Payment Information Disclosure 

• 30-Day Countdown: COB Billing Process Updates for Beneficiaries in Long Term Care Facilities 

• Coverage for Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model Medications 

• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx CCS [California Children's Services] Panel Authority Policy Coverage 

• Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice 

• Reminder: Prescription Supplements Are Not Covered  

• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for September 

• Mass Adjustment for At-Home Supplemental Administration Fees for COVID-19 Vaccines for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service October 1, 2024, through April 18, 2025 

• Medi-Cal Rx ERA Display Formatting Error – Issue Resolved 

• Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx 

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

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following:   

• August 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin   

• August 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin  

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