California Pharmacists Association

01/10/2026

Hear from CPhA CEO Susan Bonilla as she shares what’s ahead for the CPhA community in 2026.

Two exciting events are coming up:

📍 CPhA Advocacy Day
March 11 in Sacramento
This is an opportunity to engage in California governance, advocate for the profession, and be a voice for your patients.

📍 California Pharmacy Exchange, CPE + APhA 2026
Los Angeles, Southern California
Held concurrently with APhA 2026, this will be the largest pharmacy conference in the nation in 2026!

Attendees can expect national networking, next-level continuing education, a large expo experience, and the return of the California Reception. More details to come.

✨ Early Bird registration is open, with special rates available for CPhA members.

To register, click here: https://cpha.com/events/

01/10/2026

A message from CPhA CEO Susan Bonilla as we begin 2026 and look ahead to what’s coming for the CPhA community.

Two important opportunities are right around the corner:

📍 CPhA Advocacy Day
March 11 in Sacramento
Join pharmacy professionals from across the state to advocate for the profession and for your patients.

📍 California Pharmacy Exchange, CPE + APhA 2026
Los Angeles, Southern California
Held concurrently with APhA 2026, this will be the largest pharmacy conference in the nation in 2026!

The conference will feature national networking, next-level continuing education, a large expo experience, and the California Reception returning home. More details coming soon.

✨ Early Bird registration is open, with special pricing available for CPhA members.

To register for these events, visit the links in our bio!

PharmacyProfessionals EarlyBirdRegistration

01/09/2026

🕊️ Remembering George Herbert Pennebaker (1936-2025)

George Herbert Pennebaker was a visionary leader, innovator, mentor, and fierce advocate for patients and the profession of pharmacy. As a CPhA Past President (2005), George helped shape modern pharmacy in ways that continue to impact care today.

He helped create the Medi-Cal drug program, defined Average Wholesale Price (AWP), pioneered one of the first pharmacy computer systems in the early 1970s, and yes, played a role in the invention of Gatorade. Through it all, George stood firmly for patient-first care, integrity, innovation, and doing what was right.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, George was a mentor, a connector, and a deeply devoted family man. His kindness, intellect, humor, and moral compass shaped countless lives, inside and outside of pharmacy.

🕯️ We are grateful for his leadership and his lasting contributions to pharmacy!

Click here to read George’s full obituary:https://cpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/George-Herbert-Pennebaker-Obituary.pdf

01/07/2026

The California Pharmacists Association stands in strong opposition to the January 5th move by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to overhaul the CDC Pediatric Immunization Schedule. Each of the diseases for which the universal childhood vaccine recommendation was removed carries the potential for serious complications, including death, in unvaccinated individuals. This radical change lacks transparency as it was made without public comment or a vote by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It severely undermines the available scientific evidence, and leading professional organizations across medicine and public health have expressed opposition. Like other modifications to CDC vaccine recommendations implemented during the last year, this update is likely to create confusion among parents and reduce vaccine uptake. It puts the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities at immediate risk and may lead to population-wide infectious disease resurgences over time.

CPhA urges pharmacists in California to follow evidence-based guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Medicine, and California Department of Public Health in providing vaccines under the Standard of Care model established as part of AB 1503. This important piece of legislation was supported by CPhA and removed the requirement that pharmacists practicing in California provide vaccines according to ACIP recommendations. AB 1503 became law in October 2025 and took effect January 1st.

12/18/2025

Low-cost insulin is coming to California pharmacies.

Starting January 1, 2026, CalRx Insulin Glargine pens will be available statewide at a price of no more than $55 per five-pack. Developed in partnership with Civica, this product is interchangeable with Lantus® and aims to expand access to affordable, life-saving insulin for Californians.

Pharmacies can review product details, ordering, and distribution in the CalRx Pharmacy Fact Sheet and are encouraged to complete the CalRx Pharmacy Survey:

Pharmacy Fact Sheet:
https://cpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CVSC_25_Pharmacy-Fact-Sheet_pre-Jan-1-FINAL.pdf

CalRx Pharmacy Survey:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=kxqJKI-In0iZMOeLj3M8phl_HNMwkjJIrG9sze5sm_xURTA5RzBUQTYwTFhGME5ESEJPU1FTRTk1Mi4u

California Department of Public Health California Health & Human Services Agency

12/17/2025

📘 The Fall 2025 issue of California Pharmacist is now available.
Volume 72, No. 3 is live in our interactive flipbook format, offering timely insight into the policies, practice trends, and professional conversations shaping pharmacy across California.

This issue dives into some of the most consequential developments of the year, from PBM reform and standard of care regulation to leadership, ethics, and emerging therapies. You will also find peer-to-peer perspectives and practical guidance for everyday practice.
👉 Read the full issue here:
https://cpha.paperturn-view.com/california-pharmacist-vol-72-no-3-fall-2025?pid=ODk8922390

A special thank you to our advertisers for their continued support. Their partnership helps make this publication possible!

12/15/2025

⏰ Tomorrow at 6 PM

California pharmacy practice is changing, and pharmacists need to be prepared.

Join CPhA for Transforming Pharmacy Practice in California, a live webinar breaking down how AB 1114, AB 317, and AB 1503 impact pharmacist services, billing pathways, and documentation expectations.

This session also introduces CPhA’s new Practice Transformation Community, designed to support pharmacists as these laws move from policy into practice.

Featuring Dr. Sean Kim and Dr. Steve Chen
December 16 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Virtual
Earn 1.0 CPE credit

Complimentary for CPhA members
$20 for non-members

Register here:
https://cpha.com/event/webinar-transforming-pharmacy-practice-in-california/

12/12/2025

California is approaching major Medi-Cal eligibility changes beginning January 1, 2026.

To support pharmacies, healthcare professionals, and Medi-Cal beneficiaries, CPhA partnered with Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to create a clear, printable flyer outlining what patients need to know to maintain coverage.

We encourage pharmacies and healthcare teams to print and share this resource at pharmacy counters and within their communities.
Together, we can help prevent avoidable care disruptions.

Download the flyer here:
https://cpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/KeepYourMedi-CalFlyer_ENG.pdf

12/11/2025

We are proud to announce that our Past President, Dr. Richard Dang, has been selected as this year’s Good Government Pharmacist of the Year Award recipient. This honor recognizes a pharmacist who uplifts their community through civic involvement and policy leadership, and Dr. Dang embodies these values through his work as Chair of CPhA’s Legislative Committee.

He will be formally recognized at the California Pharmacy Exchange, our joint annual meeting with APhA in Los Angeles this March. Help us celebrate his outstanding contributions to the profession and to the patients we serve.

If you have not registered yet, you can secure your spot at the CPhA special rate: https://cpe.cpha.com/registration-instructions/

12/09/2025

🎁 Ring in the holidays with something to look forward to 🎁

For the first time ever, CPhA and APhA are coming together for a collaborative conference. Join us in Los Angeles for the California Pharmacy Exchange and APhA Annual Meeting 2026 from March 27 to 30. Celebrate the season by taking advantage of early bird registration and special CPhA member pricing.

✨ Highlights
• Historic collaboration between CPhA and APhA
• Education, innovation, and inspiration
• Networking with pharmacy leaders
• Opportunities for growth and impact

Register now and secure your savings today.
🔗 Link in our bio.

12/08/2025

CPhA member Clint Hopkins, PharmD of Pucci’s Pharmacy is featured for his leadership in advancing PBM reform legislation and highlighting how SB 41 (Wiener) strengthens the future of community pharmacy in California.

CPhA CEO Susan Bonilla describes SB 41, a bill sponsored by our Association and with partners, as landmark legislation for California pharmacy.

Together these voices reflect the momentum behind PBM reform and the growing recognition of the essential role pharmacists play in patient access and community health.

Read the full story:
📖 https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article313362667.html =sacramento_morning_newsletter

Independent pharmacy owners pushed for a slate of new regulations on PBMs. Now they are taking measure of what it may mean for their stores.

12/05/2025

CPhA member Sonya Frausto, PharmD, spoke with ABC10 to help the public understand how PBM practices impact patient care and pharmacy sustainability in California.

In the interview she explains how SB 41 strengthens transparency, prohibits spread pricing, supports fair contracting, and protects access to independent pharmacies that serve vulnerable communities.

This law is a meaningful step forward for our profession and for the patients we care for.
Watch the full segment here:
🎥 https://youtu.be/mUbMiUOR4ZU?si=FFH3L8oqIU9YA-pM

Are you getting overcharged by your drug company? Pharmacist Sonya Frausto explains that California’s Senate Bill 41, signed into law in October, was designe...