Government Affairs

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists advocates on behalf of pharmacists and their patients at the North Carolina General Assembly, working to ensure pharmacy remains a strong and trusted part of the healthcare system. 

Over the past several legislative sessions, the Association has helped pass laws that expand pharmacists’ ability to provide care, improve healthcare transparency, protect consumers and pharmacies, and recognize pharmacists as essential public health providers. These efforts have led to expanded immunization and medication administration authorities, limited prescriptive authority, enhanced collaborative practice, test-and-treat services, and progress toward payment for pharmacist-provided care. 

Details on these legislative achievements can be found below among the historical notes for previous priority issues. 

With the involvement of our members, and through consistent, strategic advocacy, the Association advances legislation that strengthens the profession and expands access to high-quality healthcare. In turn, the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists is a leading voice for pharmacy, pharmacy professionals, and patient care at the North Carolina General Assembly. 

Our members may browse the issues to find more detailed information, historical notes, resources, talking points, and grass roots materials, all designed to help you feel empowered and confident in lending your voice to our advocacy efforts.  

"Lasting progress is never the work of one voice, but the result of many working together with shared purpose." 

-- North Carolina Association of Pharmacists Philosophy 

Current & Upcoming Legislative Issues: 

       2026 

(Board of Directors is exploring the feasibility for one or more of the following in the 2026 Short Session.  Information for issues that we introduce in the short session will be forthcoming.) 

·       LTC Controlled Substance Destruction 

·       Immunization Authority Not Solely Tied to ACIP 

·       Epi-Pen Prescriptive Authority 

·       Pharmacy Reimbursement for OD Prevention & MOUD  

·       Addressing Specific Limitations on Mobile Pharmacies 

2027 

·       Standard of Care and Full Practice Authority 

Note:  Payment, reimbursement, PBM reform will continue to be ongoing priority issues.  However, currently we are working on the regulatory and enforcement side of the these issues as opposed to running new legislation.