Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA)

06/18/2026

The Illinois Pharmacists Association is urging the state to fight the lawsuit and go forward with implementing the act, saying the PBM industry is bankrupting local pharmacies and cheating patients.

"PCMA is asking a federal judge to do what it could not do in Springfield; give PBMsa free pass to keep gouging patients and bankrupting community pharmacies in thedark. Illinois has lost hundreds of pharmacies and patients have lost access statewide,” Garth Reynolds, executive director of the pharmacists association, said inan emailed statement. “The FTC has documented the anti-competitive practicesdriving that collapse and the state’s own Auditor General found PBM mismanagement wasted roughly $200 million in Medicaid funds in two years. PCMA’sresponse is to sue to keep that machine running.”

“The (drug affordability act) simply requires PBMs to show their work and stops themfrom steering patients into their own pharmacies for their own profit; if that is toomuch accountability for PCMA’s members to handle, that tells you everything you need to know about what they have been hiding,” Reynolds said.

The filing is the latest in a multipronged fight PBMs are waging against other states in court.

06/17/2026

In case you have not yet seen the updated guidance posted on the IDFPR website, applicants who intend to complete ILPRO instead of the MPJE are instructed to contact CTS at [email protected] and request that the Illinois MPJE examination requirement be waived. Applicants should include their full name, date of birth, last four digits of their Social Security number, and the statement: "I would like to waive the IL MPJE exam."

Please note that this is an unmonitored email address and applicants should not expect a response. CTS will use these submissions to help facilitate the licensure process as NAPLEX scores are transmitted to IDFPR and the transition to ILPRO continues.

For more information:
IDFPR - https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/pharm.html
ILPRO - https://www.ipha.org/ilpro/

06/16/2026

IPhA membership supports pharmacists at every stage of their career.

From education and leadership opportunities to advocacy and professional resources, membership helps you stay prepared and connected.

Your involvement strengthens both your practice and the profession.

Membership is an investment in pharmacy’s future.

06/16/2026

🚀 NOW LIVE: Registration Open for ILPRO

Today marks an important milestone for pharmacist licensure in Illinois.

The Illinois Pharmacist Readiness and Orientation Program (ILPRO) is now live and accepting registrations.

Developed by the Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) following the enactment of HB4154 (Public Act 104-0461), ILPRO modernizes Illinois' approach to pharmacist jurisprudence education by providing practical, Illinois-specific instruction on pharmacy laws, regulations, standards of practice, pharmacist patient care authority, and professional responsibilities.

ILPRO was developed in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy, the Illinois colleges and schools of pharmacy, and pharmacy stakeholders across the state.

Successful completion of ILPRO satisfies Illinois' pharmacist jurisprudence education requirement for licensure. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and earn 2.0 contact hours of ACPE-accredited continuing pharmacy education credit.

This launch reflects years of advocacy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to ensuring pharmacists enter practice prepared to serve patients safely, effectively, and confidently.

If you are seeking pharmacist licensure in Illinois, registration is now open.

https://www.ipha.org/ilpro/

06/12/2026

Illinois just made a $24.7 million investment in community pharmacy, and that investment matters.

Today, 434 pharmacies across Illinois will receive support through the Illinois Pharmacy Support Program, helping independent, rural, and critical access pharmacies serving as a vital healthcare access point in their communities. The program will reach pharmacies in 94 counties and provide resources to strengthen services, expand access, and support long-term sustainability.

IPhA has advocated that Illinois must address both accountability and sustainability in the pharmacy marketplace. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act was an important step toward holding PBMs accountable and addressing practices that have contributed to pharmacy closures across our state. This investment represents a commitment on the sustainability side of that equation, providing meaningful support to pharmacies that continue to serve patients despite tremendous financial pressures.

IPhA is proud to see pharmacies already putting these resources to work. Seeing members like Sav Mor Pharmacy, in Virden, leverage this opportunity to expand services and invest in their community demonstrates exactly why this program matters.

Community pharmacies do not close because patients stop needing them. They close when reimbursement systems fail to support the care they provide. Today, Illinois took an important step toward the journey to changing that reality.

Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Senator Dave Koehler, State Representative Natalie Manley, and the many pharmacy advocates who helped make this investment possible.

State investment supports more than 430 pharmacies to expand access in rural and underserved communities across Illinois

06/12/2026

Patient safety remains a core responsibility across pharmacy practice.

National Safety Month highlights the systems, collaboration, and professional leadership that support safe medication use and protect patients across healthcare settings throughout Illinois.

06/10/2026

🚨 ILPRO Launches June 16 🚨

The wait is almost over.

Beginning Tuesday, June 16, pharmacist licensure applicants will be able to complete the Illinois Pharmacist Readiness and Orientation Program (ILPRO), Illinois' new pharmacist jurisprudence education program.

Developed by the Illinois Pharmacists Association, ILPRO provides education on Illinois pharmacy laws, regulations, standards of practice, and professional responsibilities, helping prepare pharmacists for safe, ethical, and effective practice in Illinois.

✅ Satisfies Illinois' pharmacist jurisprudence education requirement for licensure
✅ 2.0 ACPE contact hours (0.20 CEUs)
✅ Online and accessible at your convenience
✅ Certificate of Completion provided upon successful completion for submission to IDFPR

This launch represents an important step forward in modernizing pharmacist licensure in Illinois while ensuring applicants receive practical, Illinois-specific education relevant to today's pharmacy practice environment.

Thank you to the legislators, Governor Pritzker, IDFPR, the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy, colleges and schools of pharmacy, and pharmacy stakeholders who helped make this transition possible.

Additional registration details and access instructions will be available on June 16th and at ipha.org/ILPRO.

06/09/2026

Summer often brings travel, outdoor activity, and seasonal health concerns that can affect medication routines and patient safety.

Pharmacists across Illinois help patients stay informed about medication use, storage, and safety practices that support health and well-being throughout the summer months.

06/04/2026

💉 Ready to expand your skills and make an even greater impact on patient care?

Join IPhA's Vaccine Administration Training for Pharmacy Technicians on June 13, 2026, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to administer immunizations as a certified pharmacy technician.

✅ Real-world immunization administration training
✅ Promote pharmacist-technician team-based care
✅ Help improve immunization rates and public health
✅ APhA-based training program

⚠️ This is the LAST Vaccine Administration Training for Pharmacy Technicians being offered in 2026!

📅 June 13, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM

Register today using the QR code on the graphic or visit the registration link: https://members.ipha.org/event-calendar/details/apha-s-pharmacy-based-immunization-administration-by-pharmacy-technicians-6-13-2026-1671877

Questions? Contact Kim Condon at [email protected].

06/03/2026

Pharmacists across Illinois serve diverse communities and help ensure patients receive respectful, equitable care. Pride Month highlights the importance of inclusive healthcare environments where every patient can access medication expertise, trusted guidance, and supportive clinical care.