Video & Transcript : 'local pharmacies' :
Page 12 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So you are losing pharmacies... I lose the pharmacies in my area.
- You can find local independent pharmacies, and we'll help you meet one of those folks who will not only
- with Cuban's model, and they will actually send patients to local pharmacies to do exactly what you
- and another pharmacy.
- About two-thirds of that was for the fact that it went from a local pharmacy to all pharmacies doing
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The committee first adopted the minutes from several prior 2025 meetings, then took up HB 574 by Rep. Spell, which updates the names of two organizations on the Mental Health Advocacy Service Board of Trustees. Rep. Spell explained it as a technical cleanup bill to correct the names of the Louisiana Mental Health Association and the Louisiana State Medical Society so the board’s membership records match current organization names. With no objections, HB 574 was reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 486, also by Rep. Spell, to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact) and allow Louisiana psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines. Rep. Spell and PsyPact representatives said the compact would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural areas, while maintaining standards and disciplinary oversight. The committee adopted amendments on fees and the effective date, and HB 486 was reported favorably with amendments.
HB 198 by Rep. Eccles proposed a Medicaid reimbursement methodology for ambulatory surgical centers, using a Medicare-based rate to improve access for Medicaid patients needing specialty procedures. Amendments were adopted to add ophthalmology-related services and to cap reimbursement at the lesser of the outpatient hospital rate or 100% of the Medicaid rate, along with a technical amendment to address the fiscal note. Supporters from GI and ASC groups said the bill would improve access and lower long-term costs, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee spent the most time on HB 182 by Rep. Travis Johnson, which would require hospitals to ensure access to sexual assault forensic exams and related training. Johnson, law enforcement witnesses, and the Attorney General’s office emphasized the need for timely evidence collection, especially in rural areas, and said the current system leaves victims traveling long distances or losing evidence. Hospital and coroner witnesses supported the goal but opposed the bill as written, arguing it could impose duties on hospitals without enough trained personnel, funding, or a workable statewide training and coordination system; they urged a statewide coordinator, mobile SANE units, and clearer implementation. The bill was not finally disposed of in the portion of the meeting provided, and members discussed continuing to work on amendments and timing before floor consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 1
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that from the local perspective. that from the local perspective.
- Our local pharmacies form the cornerstone of our communities, with many patients seeing their pharmacists
- This bill will ensure that local and independent pharmacies in greater Minnesota and our urban centers
- There's a substantial need for local community pharmacies throughout Minnesota.
- </c> their only pharmacy in 2018. their only pharmacy in 2018.
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We represent an organization of mostly rural-based pharmacies in the state that are locally owned and
- We represent a organization of mostly a rural-based pharmacies in the state that are locally owned. represent
- an organization of mostly a rural-based pharmacies in the state that are locally owned and operated.
- If the only local pharmacy doesn't stock buprenorphine, patients may have no realistic way to access
- In New Mexico, many rural communities have no local pharmacy access.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 213, which would allow optometrists to perform three specific laser procedures. The sponsor presented a committee substitute adding 32 hours of approved advanced training, supervised live-patient practice, adverse-event reporting, and other accountability measures. Supporters argued the bill would improve access to care, while the New Mexico Medical Board opposed it, citing patient-safety concerns and the much greater training required of ophthalmologists. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 6-3.
The committee then considered House Bill 65, renamed the Foster Care Plus pilot program. The substitute changed the bill to require clinical assessment instead of CAN assessment, added reporting to the Legislature and LFC, and clarified contracting with clinical experts. CYFD officials said the $2.5 million request, combined with existing growth funding, would support more children, staff, foster-parent stipends, and related services, and that the program is already being implemented with help from Oklahoma-based experts. Some members remained concerned about cost, staffing, and whether the program could be sustained, but the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 8-1.
House Bill 127, on expedited medical licensure, was amended to create a provisional pathway for internationally trained physicians, require a job offer and benchmarks before full licensure, and establish a telemedicine registry. The Medical Board supported the amended bill, while public commenters emphasized physician shortages and access to care. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 128, which updates firefighter occupational disease and disablement presumptions to add cancers and other changes, drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and workers’ compensation officials; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 156, which removes the sunset on the state’s authority to set vaccine guidelines and continue its vaccine program, also passed after supporters argued it preserves access and opponents raised broader vaccine-policy concerns. The committee then began hearing House Bill 137, a buprenorphine access bill, with the sponsor and advocates describing pharmacy supply barriers and a committee substitute aimed at setting minimum stock standards, requiring distributor reporting, and avoiding fines on pharmacies.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- a full local health officer and allows an acting local health officer to serve until a fully qualified
- But they go to the one place that's open, right, at nights and on weekends, and that's their local pharmacy
- pharmacy.
- State Pharmacy Association.
- I'm a pharmacist and owner of Goldendale Pharmacy and Horizon Pharmacy.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee first met in executive session and advanced five bills out of committee. SB 5999, as amended by a substitute, would let rural counties under 100,000 population appoint an APRN or physician assistant as an acting local health officer; SB 5185 would create a pathway for international medical graduates to physician licensure through a Washington Medical Commission pilot; SB 5845 would revise timely payment rules for health carriers, including longer acknowledgment and payment timelines and clarifications on scope; SB 6071 would standardize overpayment recovery timelines for carriers; and SB 6258 would create a non-disciplinary pathway for relinquishing Washington Medical Commission licenses. Each bill received a due pass recommendation and was sent to Rules, with the bills passed subject to signatures.
The committee then heard SB 6226, which would protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists and ensure hearing-instrument and communication-device rules are applied consistently across care modalities, including telehealth. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, emphasizing access for rural and mobility-limited patients and the importance of teleaudiology, though one association cautioned the bill could affect broader regulatory authority. The hearing closed with 54 pro, zero con, and two other sign-ins.
Next, the committee heard SB 6305, the Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act, which would require carriers to submit standardized annual data to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on mental health and substance use disorder coverage, access, utilization, reimbursement, and network participation, with public posting in raw and dashboard form. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability without changing benefits, while opponents argued it could duplicate recent parity reforms and add administrative burden. The hearing closed with 396 pro, two con, and zero other sign-ins.
Finally, the committee heard SB 5924, a proposed substitute expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority for certain limited conditions and products, including some preventive and minor-illness treatments, and allowing limited diagnosis within defined bounds. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural and underserved areas, reduce administrative barriers from collaborative drug therapy agreements, and align with the sunrise review; opponents, including the medical association, said the bill went beyond the review and needed more time, while some testimony raised concerns about psychiatric prescribing. The hearing closed with 279 pro, six con, and four other sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after concluding its business.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Feb 12th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps them keep their local pharmacy.
- And when they go in there, their local pharmacy, the medical, the prescription experts.
- And when they go in there, their local pharmacy, that's what this helps out with.
- pharmacy.
- He wanted to go to his local pharmacy, but he was told he had to do mail order only, and that's what
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, we treat these pharmacies the same as a retail pharmacy on paper, but in the real world, they're
- Some refer to them as box pharmacies or... ...in a typical retail pharmacy.
- Some refer to them as box pharmacies or just your everyday local pharmacies that a lot of us in the rural
- Sam Mafuse with LTC Pharmacy Management, who owns one of the long-term care pharmacies in Louisiana.
- Our pharmacies are closed door.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Keywords:
charitable pharmacy, healthcare fees, outpatient prescription, exemption, Louisiana Department of Health, sewerage systems, individual systems, community systems, local governance, legislation, installation regulations, protective custody, peace officers, mental health, emergency medical services, involuntary admission, long-term care, healthcare, pharmacy, residents
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a fact that if a local community pharmacy leaves, a community will soon after see the loss of a
- It's currently being used to overpay PBM-owned pharmacies rather than supporting local access by fair
- It's a fact that if a local community pharmacy leaves, a community will soon after see the loss of a
- It was not there for local independent pharmacies.
- It was not there for local independent pharmacies.
Bills:
SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195
Summary:
The Senate first considered Senate Bill 1623, a measure updating the state charter for state-regulated credit unions to make them more competitive with federal credit unions. Two amendments were adopted: one changing certain board authority language from “shall” to “may,” and another restoring the title. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of negotiation with bankers and credit unions and would not affect national banks; after questions about membership expansion and census-tract service areas, the bill passed 44-0.
The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would send to voters a constitutional amendment lowering annual caps on assessed-value growth for homestead and agricultural property from 3% to 1%, and for other property from 5% to 3%. Proponents argued it would slow property-tax growth, help seniors and fixed-income homeowners stay in their homes, and not reduce government revenue but only slow future growth; opponents warned it would reduce local revenue growth for schools, counties, infrastructure, and bonding capacity, and would disproportionately benefit higher-value property owners. The resolution passed 38-8, and the special-election referral also passed 38-8.
Senate Joint Resolution 47, which would place current voter ID requirements into the Constitution, also advanced and passed 39-8, with the special-election provision passing by the same margin. Supporters said it simply constitutionalized existing law requiring proof of identity and would preserve election security; critics said Oklahoma already has voter ID rules, the measure was unnecessary, and the language could create uncertainty for absentee voters and future changes. Debate also touched on provisional ballots, military and overseas voting, and whether the measure would make future adjustments harder.
Later, Senate Bill 2084 passed 35-7 and as an emergency measure. The bill limits wrongful-termination settlements for faculty members at higher education institutions to two times annual salary, including pay and accrued benefits. Supporters said it would provide certainty for universities and regents; questions focused on tenure, free-speech claims, and how the cap would interact with existing tort limits. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1655 unanimously to allow Oklahoma Complete Health’s Children’s Specialty Program to contact adoptive parents and offer continued voluntary services for post-adoption children, and Senate Bill 1679 was introduced as the “Preserving Oklahoma Values Act,” aimed at codifying adherence to the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions and rejecting foreign law, with debate beginning over its enforcement and scope.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- a full local health officer and allows an acting local health officer to serve until a fully qualified
- pharmacy.
- State Pharmacy Association.
- At a community pharmacy setting.
- I'm a pharmacist and owner of Goldendale Pharmacy and Horizon Pharmacy.
Committee:
Senate Health & Long-Term Care
Keywords:
SB 6226, Washington, audiology, audiologist, hearing aid specialist, speech-language pathologist, telehealth, teleaudiology, clinical autonomy, clinical judgment, in-person care, remote care, Board of Hearing and Speech, hearing instruments, hearing aids, dispensing hearing aids, standards of care, professional licensure, health professions regulation, patient-centered care
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . assist and pharmacies.
- We have a local pharmacy in Jacksboro and had one in Bowie, and now they've gone... to the...
- Well, not the pharmacy.
- cutting out local pharmacies.
- Pharmacy, so they are the middleman who pays the pharmacies.
Bills:
HB712 , HB722 , HB946 , HB1687 , HB1809 , HB1899 , HB2528 , HB2583 , HB2741 , HB2750 , HB3021 , HB3150 , HB3265 , HB3658 , HB3812 , HB3960 , HB4392 , HB4432
Committee:
House Insurance
Keywords:
prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- For those pharmacies, the board is directed to work collaboratively with any noncompliant pharmacy through
- We represent an organization of mostly rural Based pharmacies in the state that are locally owned and
- I can imagine if the pharmacies, 30 of pharmacies in New Mexico, stop piling other necessity medications
- If the only local pharmacy doesn't stock buprenorphine, patients may have no realistic way to access
- In New Mexico, many rural communities have no local pharmacy access.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - House International Trade
House International Trade Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Eric Turner speaking on behalf of the Arizona Pharmacy Association.
- All pharmacy professionals share the commitment to public safety.
- Arizona Board of Pharmacy, typically on an annual basis.
- My pharmacy serves many medically fragile patients and is currently the only pharmacy in Arizona that
- I'm here on behalf of the Arizona Pharmacy Association.
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation from Berthold Barak Karlich of Benor Capital on investment and innovation from a European perspective. He argued that legacy in trade and innovation is about enabling future generations, not isolation, and highlighted Austria and Europe’s strengths in education, applied research, hidden-champion SMEs, and deep-tech. He also warned against economic nationalism and emphasized that entrepreneurship and cross-border trade create shared interests, peace, and long-term collaboration. In response to questions, he said Arizona had impressed him as a strong, international deep-tech hub, and he expressed interest in learning more about opportunities there.
The committee then considered HB 2746, which creates a study committee on trade offices under the Arizona Commerce Authority to review existing trade offices, gather stakeholder input, and report recommendations by December 31, 2028. Members discussed oversight of Arizona’s trade offices in countries including Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Romania, and Germany, and the sponsor said the bill would help evaluate effectiveness while identifying new opportunities. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. HB 2750, which establishes the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission with legislative appointees, also received a due pass recommendation after members discussed its role as a complement to executive-branch efforts; it passed 5-1 with one present.
The committee next heard HB 4036, a bill restricting the sale and distribution of compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs made with certain bulk drug substances and authorizing inspections by the State Board of Pharmacy. Supporters, including Novo Nordisk and the Partnership for Safe Medicines, argued the bill would address unsafe imported ingredients, impurities, misleading advertising, and a surge in mass compounding that they said exceeds the intent of compounding law. Opponents from the Arizona Pharmacy Association, compounding pharmacists, and a physician argued the bill would burden lawful compounders, raise costs, reduce access, and could harm patients who rely on compounded medications. After extensive debate, the committee failed to pass HB 4036 on a 5-5 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 2765, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating a vapor product manufacturer licensing framework, fees, penalties, and Department of Revenue oversight. The sponsor said the measure was intended to address illegal smuggling of vape products and protect children, while opponents argued it would burden lawful businesses and that the real problem was illicit actors outside the regulated market. The transcript ends during the discussion of this bill, before a final vote is recorded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Which seeks to establish parity between traditional and compounding pharmacies pharmacies by implementing
- My name is Randan Ching, and I'm an independent. pharmacy or pharmacist that runs a Tarrytown Pharmacy
- , a small business pharmacy here in Austin, Texas.
- , you can walk into any. any chain pharmacy, independent pharmacy, and ask to speak with a pharmacist
- pharmacy tech. Yeah, so pharmacy technicians, they do a lot on the pharmacy.
Bills:
HB3772 , HB1656 , HB4504 , HB1896 , HB4420 , HB4421 , HB4076 , HB3708 , HB2806 , HB3540 , HB1586 , HB5459 , HB4553 , HB4535 , HB3811 , HB3749 , HB4255 , HB4051 , HB5098 , HB3554 , HB4539 , HB5274
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Board of Pharmacy, typically on an annual basis.
- My pharmacy serves many medically fragile patients and is currently the only pharmacy in Arizona that
- The Board of Pharmacy does regulate us.
- If they felt a pharmacy went in and did an inspection on a pharmacy and felt like they were a patient
- I'm here on behalf of the Arizona Pharmacy Association.
Keywords:
trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (2-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Most rural hospitals lack in-house pharmacies, and they have to contract with local pharmacies to provide
- and they have to contract pharmacies and they have to contract with<00:10:42.920><c> local</c><00:10
- :43.320><c> pharmacies</c><00:10:43.920><c> to</c><00:10:44.160><c> provide</c> with local pharmacies
- to provide with local pharmacies to provide medications<00:10:45.320><c> that</c><00:10:45.440><c> are
- </c> first 340b contract with local first 340b contract with local Independent<00:13:02.600><c> Pharmacies
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions.
The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill.
Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Aug 27th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Bills:
SB1078
Committee:
House Privacy and Consumer Protection
Keywords:
Santa Cruz, taxation, transactions and use tax, local government, public services, voter approval
Summary:
The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard one bill, SB 1078 by Senator Laird. The bill would create a temporary safe harbor allowing businesses to continue using preprinted gift cards with outdated cash-redemption disclosures for a limited period, so long as consumers are clearly informed of their current right to redeem cards with balances under $15 for cash. Senator Laird said the measure was intended to prevent businesses from having to destroy large inventories of otherwise usable cards after the recent change in redemption threshold.
Support testimony came from Chris Reyes of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, who said the boardwalk had about a million preprinted cards that would otherwise become obsolete, representing roughly $250,000 in cost. He emphasized that the bill would not weaken consumer protections or redemption rights and would simply allow a transition period. Sabrina DeMaio Lockhart, representing the California Attractions and Parks Association and the California Travel Association, also voiced support. There was no registered opposition.
After some delay while waiting for a quorum, the committee took up the bill and members voiced general support, including a comment that the measure would help smaller businesses. The committee voted do pass, and SB 1078 received enough votes to pass out of committee, with the roll left open briefly for absent members before the hearing adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education, and other pending calendar business. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- She committed to empowering parents and returning powers to states and local communities, which, by the
- across the country, when in fact the vast majority of decisions around public education are made by local
- decisions, licensure standards, hiring decisions, and so many other factors are in the hands of our local
- civil rights. rights protections, provides Title I and IDEA investments that help make it possible for local
Keywords:
Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance
Summary:
The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jan 28th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas National Guard members conduct critical search and rescue missions, working alongside local
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1604 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1269 , HB1916 , HB2120 , HB2123 , HB2158 , HB2178 , HB2264 , HB2309 , HB2411 , HJM4004
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pharmacies are not just any other corner store or retailer.
- In pharmacies, they actually have a poor track record.
- I'm a pharmacist and pharmacy owner of 10 Acres Pharmacy here in Sacramento.
- I'm a pharmacist and pharmacy owner of 10 Acres Pharmacy here in Sacramento. So come visit me.
- Thirdly, the impact on local workforce development, Thirdly, the impact on local workforce development
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742.
Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility.
The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, we treat these pharmacies the same as a retail pharmacy on paper, but in the real world, they're
- Some refer to them as box pharmacies or... ...in a typical retail pharmacy.
- Some refer to them as box pharmacies or just your everyday local pharmacies that a lot of us in the rural
- Sam Mafuse with LTC Pharmacy Management, who owns one of the long-term care pharmacies in Louisiana.
- Our pharmacies are closed door.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on March 24 with a quorum present. The committee first voluntarily deferred House Bills 184 and 902. It then considered HB 557 by Rep. DeWitt, which defines long-term care pharmacies in Louisiana law to distinguish them from retail pharmacies and align state terminology with federal requirements. The author and a pharmacy representative testified that long-term care pharmacies serve nursing homes and similar facilities with specialized packaging, delivery, and consultant services. The committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably with amendments.
The committee next heard HB 584 by Rep. Boyd and Taylor, which addresses the practice of giving foster children garbage bags to move their belongings between placements and instead requires the use of duffel bags or similar luggage. Testimony emphasized the dignity issue for children in foster care and noted that DCFS had already begun transitioning to duffel bags. Members discussed whether the bill needed a fiscal note or dual referral, and DCFS testified that the practice had already been underway for about six months and would not require additional funds. The committee adopted amendments clarifying that the bag should follow the child and reported the bill favorably with amendments.
Finally, the committee took up HB 747 by Rep. Miller, which combines the medical psychologist license and certificate of advanced practice, eliminates the separate certificate, lowers fees, and reduces red tape. Supporters from the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists and others were noted, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Throughout the meeting, members also discussed possible future wording changes on HB 584 and briefly recessed at the end of the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The state of Iowa conducted a pharmacy benefit manager.
- So what was the acquisition cost for the pharmacy. Okay.
- You have fees, you have rebates, you have GPOs, you have specialty pharmacies, you have regular pharmacies
- that they own, and what those pharmacies compete with.
- You walk into a CVS pharmacy and you buy a stick of gum.
Committee:
Senate Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments.
The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state.
HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.