The House Health and Mental Health Committee held a hearing on two PBM reform bills supported by pharmacies. HB 1975, by Rep. Bennie Cook (R), provides for network adequacy and prohibits below-cost reimbursement. HB 1850, by Rep. John Hewkin (R), governs audits and beefs up enforcement provisions.

Also in Missouri, Rep. Bennie Cook (R) filed HB 1976, an immunization clean-up bill that removes the January 1, 2023 date, and excludes any vaccine that is jointly excluded by joint rules promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.

Also in Missouri, SB 878, legislation expanding the pharmacists scope of practice filed by Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R), was unanimously approved by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on February 4. Current law allows certain pharmacists to provide certain medication therapy services under a statewide order issued by the Director or the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The bill would eliminate the standing order and authorize pharmacists’ medication therapy services pursuant to rules established by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts jointly promulgate rules to implement this provision within six months of the effective date of this act. In addition, it would allow pharmacists to prescribe durable medical equipment. The bill is pending action by the Senate.

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

SB 878, legislation expanding the pharmacists scope of practice filed by Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R), was heard in the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on January 14. Current law allows certain pharmacists to provide certain medication therapy services under a statewide order issued by the Director or the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The bill would eliminate the standing order and authorize pharmacists' medication therapy services pursuant to rules established by the Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. These jointly promulgated rules to implement this provision will take place within six months of the effective date of this act. In addition, it would allow pharmacists to prescribe durable medical equipment. 

Also in Missouri, in advance of the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee hearing on January 21, NACDS submitted a statement in support of SB 968, a PBM reform bill that includes key provisions for pharmacies: 

• Requires fair and transparent PBM reimbursement to pharmacies, covering both drug acquisition and dispensing costs. 

• Protects patient choice by prohibiting PBM steering and ensuring access to local pharmacies, especially for vulnerable populations. 

• Sets a minimum dispensing fee at 90% of the Missouri HealthNet rate. 

• Strengthens MAC price appeal rights for pharmacies, including a longer appeal window and better access to alternative drug sources. 

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

The Legislature convened the regular session on January 7 and will adjourn by May 15.

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

The Department of Social Services, through the MO HealthNet Division, is seeking input on key initiatives and priorities to consider for potential funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The deadline to submit comments on this form is September 30. More information is available on the Press Release . 

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

The Board of Pharmacy license renewals for pharmacies, drug distributors, drug outsourcers, drug distributor registrants and third-party logistics providers will be emailed on August 15 to the business e-mail address on file with the Board, along with instructions for renewing online via the MOPRO online licensing portal.

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

The Board of Pharmacy reminded pharmacy technicians that effective August 4 pharmacy technician applications must be submitted via the MOPRO online licensing portal and that paper applications will no longer be available. MOPRO is the new licensure system for the Division of Professional Registration.  

Also in Missouri, registration is open for the August 19 virtual Noon "Lunch with the Chief Inspector" update on pharmacy technicians. 

Also in Missouri, the Health Department (MHD) launched a self-service feature on the Pharmacy and Medical Pre-Certification Helpdesk Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for prior authorization (PA) requests for drugs. This enhancement allows pharmacies and providers to check the status of faxed drug PA requests instantly. To use this feature, providers will need their National Provider Identifier (NPI), the participant's MO HealthNet ID (DCN) and the date the request was faxed. 

Finally in Missouri, the 2025 Pharmacy Practice Guide was recently updated.  

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

MO HealthNet announced that due to the increase in the state’s Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (Pharmacy Provider Tax), the adjustment to account for the Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions increased effective July 1. In-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $12.22, plus an adjustment to account for the cost of the Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance attributable to Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions. The professional dispensing fee plus the current adjusted amount will total $14.33. Out-of-state pharmacy providers will continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $8.85. 

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

The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division (Medicaid) adopted an emergency rule for the Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (PRA). The emergency amendment was filed on June 23 and takes effect on July 8 and expires February 26, 2026.

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

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) renewed the naloxone standing order with a June 2, 2026, expiration date.

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