As a member of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), the Department of Health announced endorsement of the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Josh Green (D) announced the state has been awarded $188,892,440 through the CMS’ Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). When evaluated on a per-rural-resident basis using federal rural population data, Hawaii’s funding translates to one of the highest levels of investment in the nation, per capita. The Governor’s Office will coordinate with CMS, state departments, healthcare providers and community organizations to implement the plan’s transformational improvements in access, quality, workforce stability and system sustainability. The state will review approved uses of funds once released. More information will be released soon.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health (DOH) issued immunization recommendations for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season, as part of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). Hawaii, along with California, Oregon and Washington, are members of WCHA. These recommendations provide evidence-based guidance for protecting against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Detailed recommendations are available on DOH’s Respiratory Virus, COVID-19 and Immunization Branch websites.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Josh Green (D) signed SB 1245 recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers and ensuring health plan reimbursement for services they provide withing their scope of practice. Beginning July 1, 2026, private and public health plans in the state must reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services of contracted pharmacies when those services are delivered within the pharmacists’ scope of practice.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
NACDS submitted a letter of support for SB1509_SD1, PBM reform legislation, to the House Committee on Health. SB1509_SD1 includes important reforms creating a reimbursement rate floor equating to NADAC plus the state’s Medicaid Fee-For-Service Professional Dispensing Fee and prohibiting a PBM from offering reimbursement rates or incentives to a non-affiliated pharmacy in an amount less than those offered to an affiliated pharmacy for providing the same prescription drug.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Hawaii Pharmacists Association (HPhA) is bringing back Pharmacy Advocacy Day at the Hawai'i State Capitol. HPhA members and non-members are welcome to attend this free event where the association will coordinate meetings with state legislators to discuss the importance of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This date is coordinated with the crossover of many pharmacy initiatives and will help provide momentum as bills travel through their second chambers.
A networking lunch will be sponsored by HPhA, attendees will be recognized on the House floor during session, and health screenings will be provided by University of Hawai'i Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy student pharmacists to Capitol employees and visitors. Please register here to attend and email hawaiipharm@gmail.com with any questions. Registration closes on March 16.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Josh Green (D) signed HB 2553 (Act 104), permitting pharmacists to order and administer ACIP-approved vaccines to persons three years of age or older and authorizing pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist to administer vaccines to persons three years of age or older, if properly trained.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
HB 2553, legislation expanding pharmacists’ immunization authority for minors was transmitted to Gov. Josh Green (D) on May 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
On March 5, HB 2553, legislation expanding pharmacists' immunization authority for minors, passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
