Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) signed two bills into law that relate to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the state. The first, HB 215, gives the director of the Department of Insurance more authority to enforce existing PBM regulations, while the second, HB 291, addresses PBM audit practices by creating an appeals process and prohibiting extrapolation, among other provisions. With these bills, Idaho is taking steps to protect consumers and pharmacies from unfair practices by PBMs, and to promote greater transparency and accountability in the pharmacy industry.

After nearly 4 failed attempts, Idaho’s SB 1260 has finally moved to the state Senate. The bill, introduced by Senator Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), would allow women to extend their contraceptive prescriptions from 3 months to 6 months, allotting a longer time period between picking up prescriptions. The bill excludes emergency contraception. SB 1260 is designed to improve access, increase adherence, and assist labor shortages in pharmacies from the pandemic. SB 1260 cleared the Senate Health and Welfare Committee with a unanimous do-pass, sending it to the Senate. To become law, it needs Senate approval, House approval, and the governor’s signature.

These statue updates to pharmacy practice in Idaho include changes to immunization age restrictions, compound and biologic product restrictions, and updates the CSA to mirror scheduling changes made by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - in addition to other minor clarifications.