CMS awarded the state $204,016,550 for 2026 as part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, the largest award among New England states. New Hampshire’s application requested $200 million annually throughout the duration of the five-year program to strengthen rural health care access, quality and long-term sustainability. Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) established the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH) to oversee implementation of the program. Implementation planning is underway, with initial investments expected to support rural providers and communities beginning in 2026. In anticipation of the CMS award, the Governor and Council and the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee earlier this month approved an acceptance and expend for the anticipated grant award for the current biennium. 

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

On May 21, the Board of Pharmacy will hold its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes the following: 

• NABP Update 

• Administrative Rules and Legislative Topics 

• Hearings 

• Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Updates 

• Memo from Executive Director Deanna Jurius 

• 50 State Drug Compounding Meeting June 4-5 

• Public Comments 

• Board of Pharmacy Research Organization Registration 

• NH Program Flyer 

• PH 300 Public Comment 

• Non Public Session 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On December 18, the Board of Pharmacy will be holding its next regular meeting.  The meeting agenda includes proposed rules updates to pharmacy rules 100, 200 and 300.  Meetings are held at 9:00 am at 7 Eagle Square, Concord NH 03301.  Zoom options are available.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The state legislature released the Final Report of the Committee to Study the Impact of Pharmacy Benefit Manager Operations on Cost, Administration and Distribution of Prescription Drugs. The report recommends PBM legislation for 2025 that addresses improvements to the state’s pricing and appeals processes laws.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy will be holding a hearing on September 25, 2025, at 9:30 am to review the repeal of three rules.  The three rules being repealed are (1) in regard to unused prescription drugs, (2) the New Hampshire Controlled Drug Prescription Health and Safety Program, and (3) Continuous Quality Improvement.  In lieu of attending, written comments can be submitted to OPLC-Rules@oplc.nh.gov.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On July 18, 2024, the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules is expected to make permanent Pharmacy Code of Conduct regulations that were previously proposed by the Board of Pharmacy. The regulations include a list of eleven ethical standards for pharmacists.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On May 15, 2024, the New Hampshire Senate Committee on Health considered HB 1365, a bill relative to the substitution of biological products by pharmacies. The bill intends to allow for the substitution by a pharmacist of an interchangeable biological product for another interchangeable biological product. HB 1365 had been previously approved by the House. NACDS will remain engaged on this legislation.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed SB 35, a bill that authorizes pharmacists, pharmacy interns and licensed advanced pharmacy technicians to administer an RSV vaccine to adults.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

The New Hampshire legislature has approved an NACDS supported bill SB 35, a bill that will authorizes pharmacists, pharmacy interns and licensed advanced pharmacy technicians to administer an RSV vaccine to adults. The bill now awaits signature from the Governor.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.