April 24, 2026
No. 15
PBM REFORM
Monday night, the Senate kick-started the week with an attempt to reform the predatory practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Senate Bill 984 would strengthen oversight of PBMs by tightening audit rules, requiring weekly drug-price updates, and mandating transparent maximum allowable cost (MAC) pricing and appeals. The bill also creates new protections for critical access care pharmacies, ensuring they are reimbursed at least their actual acquisition cost and giving them a clear, enforceable appeals process. These reforms aim to curb opaque PBM practices that drive medication delays, pharmacy closures, and higher patient costs. It was hopeful this bill would improve access and stability for both physicians and the patients they serve. Unfortunately, the bill took on some unwanted amendments and was ultimately laid over.
OVERSIGHT EXTENSION
House Bill 1623 was heard in Senate Professional Registration committee on Tuesday. This bill authorizes licensing boards for chiropractors and massage therapists to seek emergency suspensions or restrictions of a professional license when the licensee faces criminal charges related to their duties and poses an imminent risk to public health or safety. The Administrative Hearing Commission must review the request within five days, issue an immediate order if warranted, and hold a full evidentiary hearing within 45–120 days. If no cause for discipline is found, the emergency order is lifted, and all references are removed from public records. We’re keeping an eye on it. The way it was presented was as if they are asking for the same oversight as other healthcare professionals, such as physicians. We hope this isn’t some backdoor way to further legitimize masseurs as healthcare providers.
SENATE WORKS
On Tuesday, the Senate worked on a number of bills ahead of their scheduled budget floor action day. They tried and failed to pass statute of limitations reform that would lower it from five to two years. They were, however, successful in passing HB 2479. This bill was part of the state’s RHTP promises. It would extend licensure reciprocity to practitioners providing telehealth. This is one of the few healthcare-adjacent bills to still be moving. It also established interstate compacts for dietitians, athletic trainers and physician assistants. The physician assistant compact was another RHTP promise. We have worked hard to ensure these measures protect physician-led, team-based care. Since the bill was changed in the Senate, it must go back to the House for their approval in order for it to go through conference committee to be agreed upon before officially passing.
BUDGET MOVES TOWARD COMPLETION
The state operating budget has passed the Senate. This year’s tightening of the spending belt was felt across all the departments. Our fledgling GME program took a substantial hit. At its peak, the funding for GME was around $12 million. The Fiscal Year 27 (FY 27) funding is now at $7.5 million. The budget must be passed by end of business on Friday, May 8. Word on the street is that they intend to give final approval to the budget next week. This will clear all the big foreseeable obstacles, giving them two weeks to work on legislation before the final gavel on May 15. We will be ready with the shovels for any sludge that might hit the floor.
DISABLED PLACARDS
Before calling it a week, the Senate passed HB 1827. This rare standalone bill was passed as filed. It adds occupational therapists to the professionals who can sign off on paperwork to allow patients to have access to disabled license plates and placards. This bill is now on its way to the governor for his signature.