Board backs concept of Medi‑Cal pay parity for advanced pharmacist practitioners, urges targeted amendments

AB 25 71 would raise Medi‑Cal reimbursement for advanced pharmacist practitioners to 100% of the physician fee schedule, up from the current 85% rate for those services. Board staff noted the measure’s similarity to prior legislation and recommended a support position. The committee moved the recommendation and voted to adopt it.

Sean Kim of the California Pharmacists Association supported the goal of fair reimbursement but asked the author for three amendments: extend parity to all pharmacists providing clinical services rather than a single licensure tier; explicitly include pharmacists practicing in federally qualified health centers; and make pharmacies (not just individual pharmacists) eligible for billing to reflect operational realities.

Chair Crowley said he agreed with the policy aim of full parity for pharmacists but observed that “sometimes we have to make small steps in the direction” and supported advancing the bill to preserve momentum. The committee’s motion to recommend support passed on the record.