The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its November 5 Strategic Planning Meeting agenda. The Board will meet virtually, and the meeting begins at 9:00 am.

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt the following rules:

• Divs 041/115 – OHA Standing Order Prescription
• Div 104 – Criminal Conviction Determination Process

 The filing notices and proposed rule text are available on the Board’s website.

The November 25 Rulemaking Hearing will be held virtually via Teams and begins at 9:30 am.

If you wish to provide virtual oral testimony during the hearing, please complete and submit the Rulemaking Hearing Testimony Sign Up Form on the Board’s website. You may also sign up by submitting your first and last name, email address and which rule(s) you would like to comment on to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov no later than 9:00 on November 25. You will receive a confirmation email and a calendar invitation to join the virtual hearing.

Written comments must be received by 4:30 pm on November 25. Submit written comments to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.

If you would like to listen to the rulemaking hearing, join the virtual Teams meeting or call:

(503) 446-4951 Phone Conference ID: 739 529 152#

Please email all rulemaking inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the October 2025 board meeting: Div 110 – Licensee & Registrant Fee Increase.

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

The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently hired Sarah Young as the executive director of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program. 

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board published its October 2025 quarterly newsletter. 

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the October 15 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance. 

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted The Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC) October 22 meeting agenda. Please note that the Committee will meet in Executive Session after approving the agenda and anticipates resuming Open Session between 9:45 am-10:00 am. Please see the agenda for additional information including the link to join the virtual Teams meeting. For more information, contact pharmacy.formulary@bop.oregon.gov. 

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the October 15 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority Health Systems Division: Medical Assistance Programs issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend rules to provide updates to Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) services covered in the Oregon Health Plan. Please note opportunities for food retailers related to Fruit and Vegetable Benefit Card, Fruit and Vegetable Box and Pantry Stocking Benefit. A hearing will be held on October 15 from 1:00 pm-1:45 pm. The last day and time to offer comments to the agency is October 21 at 5:00 pm.

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

The West Coast Health Alliance, comprised of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, jointly announced Consensus 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The recommendations state that immunization is safe and effective, and it offers the best protection available against respiratory viruses. The recommendations also endorse broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who chooses protection.  

Also in Oregon, at the Board of Pharmacy Special Meeting on September 17, the board adopted the following Temporary Rules and Vaccination Protocols:   

September 17 Temporary Rule Noticed  

• Div 115 – Standard Vaccination Protocols *Effective September 17  

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Adults 18 Years of Age and Older & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 7 through 17 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• REPEALED – Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 3 through 6 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• REPEALED – Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 6 Months through 2 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Coronavirus 19   

• Influenza   

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus   

• Div 102 – Board Delegated Limited Authority for Vaccine Protocol rules  *Effective September 17  

• 2025-2026 Respiratory Vaccine Administration Recommendations  

Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.  

Also in Oregon, the Division of Financial Regulation issued Bulletin No. DFR 2025-6 regarding coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination. This bulletin clarifies the division's expectations around the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination by health benefit plans in the state in accordance with Bulletin No. DFR 2021-1. For more information, please visit the FAQs about COVID-19 vaccine insurance coverage requirements related to the West Coast Health Alliance.  

Finally in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy posted its agenda and meeting materials for the October 8-10 meeting. Please note on October 8 the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm and on October 9 the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm. The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on October 10 and will break for lunch between 12:00 noon-1:00 pm. Please be advised that additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.  

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

On August 13, the Board of Pharmacy adopted Temporary Rule OAR 855-115-0345 updating the Standard Vaccination Protocols to include the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2025-2026 influenza season. 

The ACIP guidance, adopted on July 22, reaffirmed recommendations for the routine annual influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications for the 2025-2026 season. 

ACIP recommends only single-dose formulations of annual influenza vaccines that are free of thimerosal as a preservative for three populations:  

• Children 18 years or younger 

• Pregnant women 

• All adults 

Please remember licensees are required to follow the age restrictions set forth by state law in ORS 689.645. 

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy permanently adopted the following rules at the August 2025 board meeting:  

• Div 102 – Board Delegated Limited Authority for Vaccine Protocol rules *Effective August 8 

• Divs 104/115 – Standard Vaccination Protocols *Effective August 8  

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Adults 18 Years of Age and Older & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 7 through 17 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 3 through 6 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Persons 6 Months through 2 Years of Age & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Standard Vaccination Protocol for Managing Adverse Reactions & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Divs 115/135 – Standards Adopted by Reference *Effective August 8 

Review the Secretary of State filing notices on the rulemaking page.  

Review the Standard Vaccination Protocols located on the Public Health & Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee / Protocols page. 

Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. 

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking amending pharmacy dispensing, prescription requirements and regulatory cleanup of program rules as follows. A hearing will be held on September 18 from 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm and comments are due to the agency by 5:00 pm on September 21; see notice for details. 

• 410-121-0000 (Foreword and Definition of Terms): Amending definition of "mental health drug" to align with other rules and remove references to previous repealed rule definition. 

• 410-121-0111 (Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee): Removing outdated language referencing 2011 bill and previous governing body. 

• 410-121-0145 (Prescription Requirements): Removing outdated language for age restrictions and contraceptive prescribing. 

• 410-121-0146 (Dispensing Limitations): Amending language to allow large days supply for select MH [mental health] carve out medications. 

• 410-121-0147 (Exclusions and Limitations): Amending language to clean up repealed rule references. 

• 410-121-0155 (Reimbursement): Amending language to exempt IHS [Indian Health Service] and Tribal pharmacies from AAAC survey process. 

 Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the August 20 meeting. Register in advance. 

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

The Division of Financial Regulation recently announced the following permanent rulemaking that took effect on August 1:

ID 6-2025: Updates to Pharmacy Benefit Manager Rules and DPT Insurer Reporting Rule

Rules: 836-053-1630, 836-200-0401, 836-200-0406, 836-200-0411, 836-200-0416, 836-200-0418, 836-200-0421, 836-200-0436, 836-200-0440

This rulemaking replaces references to registration throughout the current rules, encoded at OAR 836- 200-0401 et seq with references to licensure. It also adds new data elements to the reporting rule and new market conduct requirements. It also adds language clarifying the bar on retaliation against pharmacies, noting that a pharmacy claims audit may be considered retaliation under certain circumstances. Finally, the rulemaking includes substantial revisions to the language related to pharmacy reimbursement in order to clarify expectations for PBMs when a pharmacy is reimbursed below acquisition cost under a maximum allowable cost schedule.

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted its draft agenda for the August 20 meeting. Register in advance.

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

The August 6-8 Board of Pharmacy meeting agenda and meeting materials are available. Please note on August 6, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm. Also note on August 7, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 1:00 pm.  

Finally, the board anticipates meeting in Open Session on August 8 and will break for lunch between 12 noon to 1:00 pm. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.  

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

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the July 16 meeting. Register here in advance.  

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt the following rules:  

• Div 102 – Board Delegated Authority - Amendment of Vaccine Protocol Rules to Adopt ACIP Recommendations  

• Divs 104/115 – Standard Vaccination Protocols 

• Vaccination Protocol for Adults 18 Years of Age and Older 

• Vaccination Protocol for Adults 18 Years of Age and Older – Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 7 through 17 Years  

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 7 through 17 Years – Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 3 through 6 Years  

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 3 through 6 Years – Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 6 Months through 2 Years  

• Vaccination Protocol for Ages 6 Months through 2 Years – Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway 

• Vaccination Protocol for Managing Adverse Reactions 

• Vaccination Protocol for Managing Adverse Reactions – Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway  

• Divs 115/135 – Standards Adopted by Reference  

The July 22 Rulemaking Hearing will be held virtually via Teams and begins at 9:30 am. If you wish to provide virtual oral testimony during the hearing, please complete and submit the Rulemaking Hearing Testimony Sign Up Form on the board's website. You may also sign up by submitting your first and last name, email address and which rule(s) you would like to comment on to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov no later than 9:00 am on July 22. You will receive a confirmation email and a calendar invitation to join the virtual hearing. Written comments must be received by 4:30 pm on July 22. Submit written comments to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. If you would like to listen to the rulemaking hearing, join the virtual Teams meeting or call: (503) 446-4951 Phone Conference ID: 429 564 160#. Email all rulemaking inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. 

Also in Oregon, the Board of Pharmacy is proposing to adopt the following rule: Div 110 – Licensee & Registrant Fee Increase. The August 21 Rulemaking Hearing will be held virtually via Teams and begins at 9:30 am. If you wish to provide virtual oral testimony during the hearing, please complete and submit the Rulemaking Hearing Testimony Sign Up Form on the board's website. You may also sign up by submitting your first and last name, email address and which rule(s) you would like to comment on to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov no later than 9:00 am on August 21. You will receive a confirmation email and a calendar invitation to join the virtual hearing. Written comments must be received by 4:30 pm on August 21. Submit written comments to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. If you would like to listen to the rulemaking hearing, join the virtual Teams meeting or call: (503) 446-4951 Phone Conference ID: 340 244 93 #. Email all rulemaking inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov. 

Finally in Oregon, the state's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) updated its food package effective July 1 for participants to enhance nutrition and expand choice for families statewide. The state's WIC participants may shop for food on the updated list using their benefit card at any of the WIC-authorized grocery stores across the state. Enhancements to the WIC Food Package include more fruits and vegetables; a wider variety of protein and plant-based options; more cheese varieties; new yogurt brands with reduced added sugar; new plant-based milks; and new nut and seed butters.

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.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has published its quarterly (June 25) newsletter. Articles including the following: PDAB selects 23 medications for review in 2025, Oregon PDAB conducts successful outreach effort on drugs under review, "What patients say about prescription drug costs", Oregon PDAB launches new drug data dashboard, PDAB member profile: Chris Laman, Board publishes generic drug report, "News you can use", Board, staff thank Robert Judge for his service to Oregon PDAB and Oregon Governor signed Senate Bill 289 into law.  

Also in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 289 making three housekeeping changes for the PDAB; it will take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill will change the PDAB's statutory language to "up to nine" drugs a year for review costs, giving the PDAB more flexibility to present the state legislature with an annual list of drugs that may cause affordability challenges based on statutory criteria. Additionally, the Department of Consumer and Business Services will provide the PDAB with a list of prescription drugs annually instead of quarterly. Finally, the bill removes the requirement that the PDAB prepares a separate generic drug report annually and, instead, includes generic drug information in the annual report the PDAB submits to the state legislature each December. 

Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority and county public health officials are investigating a case of measles in an unvaccinated individual who recently returned to the state following international travel. This is the first confirmed case of 2025. 

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