The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) invites you to attend the April Board Meeting scheduled for April 13 at 9:00 am. Part of the meeting may be conducted in closed session. This meeting will be held remotely, please register online. Information about providing public comments can be found at the Board Meetings page as well as more information about the upcoming and previous board meetings, presentation materials and the PDAB's work. 

Also in Maryland, the Board of Pharmacy scheduled regular meetings throughout 2026, with sessions planned for April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16. All meetings are scheduled for 9:30 am in Room 109/110 at 4201 Patterson Avenue in Baltimore.  

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

The Department of Health’s Office of Pharmacy Services announced upcoming changes to the Medicaid Preferred Drug List regarding brand vs. generic product coverage. Updates include new requirements for Sabril, Concerta and Ritalin LA claims when submitted with DAW 6 codes. 

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

On September 19, the Department of Health issued Advisory 278 that includes a statewide COVID-19 vaccination standing order authorizing qualified healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to administer COVID-19 vaccinations using the most current evidence-based guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as standards, and exercise reasonable medical judgment in vaccinating their patient. Please see these additional resources for more information:

• Guidance Letter
• Standing Order
• Updated FAQs

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board published a notice that they will be holding two Zoom informational hearings on September 3 to receive input, information and opinions from the public and stakeholders to assist the Board in developing policy to address the affordability challenges created by the use of Farxiga and Jardiance. Details are available in the notice.

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

Also in Maryland, on August 27, the Insurance Administration (MIA) and Medicaid hosted the inaugural meeting of a workgroup to study PBM practices in both Medicaid and the commercial market. NACDS is serving on the panel, which already has four meetings scheduled for this fall. The department leads presented slides outlining the workgroup composition, schedule, expectations, goals and timeline.

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

The Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee is seeking a pharmacist to join the committee beginning in May 2026. The committee meets twice a year (May and November), and members receive a $600 annual stipend. If you are interested in serving, you must apply online.

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

The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) announced the appointment of Douglas Jacobs, MD, MPH, as its new Executive Director, effective August 18. Dr. Jacobs, a primary care physician, brings extensive experience in public health leadership, policy innovation and clinical care. Most recently, he served as Chief Transformation Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and previously held senior roles in Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, where he helped lead the state’s COVID-19 response. He is also a practicing primary care doctor with first-hand experience of how policies affect patient care.

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

The Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services (OPS) issued an advisory this week reminding Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies about the regulatory requirements for returning an unclaimed prescription to stock. According to COMAR 10.09.03.03 (M), pharmacies are required to reverse invoice charges for any prescription not picked up by the participant or their designee within 14 days of dispensing the opioid antagonist. The 14-day period begins at the date of service (dispensing). The advisory cautioned that they are actively monitoring claim reversals and that signs of non-compliance may trigger audits and further review.

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

The Health Care Commission and Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP) are hosting the Blueprint for Dispenser Reporting of Non-CDS Dispenses webinar on July 23 at 1:00 pm EST via Zoom. Registration is required by July 21. During the webinar, presenters will discuss new requirements for dispensers to report noncontrolled (non-CDS) prescription drugs to the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) starting September 1, outlined in Noncontrolled Prescription Drugs Dispenser Data Submission Manual.  Attendees are encouraged to share questions ahead of the webinar. Please email your questions to mhcc.noncds@maryland.gov. Please note, CRISP will also host a technical webinar on July 29 at 1:00 pm EST via Zoom to walk through the process for submitting non-CDS dispensing information. Please register in advance for the Non-CDS Data Submission Webinar.  

Also in Maryland, NACDS reminds members that Medicaid pays for certain pharmacy healthcare services including MTM, administration of medications, tobacco cessation and vaccinations. They will also pay for any services provided under a collaborative practice agreement (CPA). For more details and enrollment instructions, please refer to this Advisory Bulletin.  

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

Medicaid Fee-for-Service released a bulletin updating its Brand vs Generic Preferred Drug List.  

Also in Maryland, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board's (PDAB's) Stakeholder Council will meet virtually on June 23 at 2:00 pm. The agenda and other meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council page prior to the scheduled meeting. Registration is required to receive the meeting link.  

Finally in Maryland, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board also released an RFI to inform its cost review process for the drugs Skyrizi and Dupixet. Manufacturers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and wholesale distributors are eligible to respond.  

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