Pharmacy Podcast Network

PBM Reform Update from CPhA | PBM Reform Podcast

Mar 5, 2026
Dr. Sean Kim, PharmD and VP of Practice & Professional Development at CPhA, focuses on PBM policy and pharmacy practice. Susan Bonilla, CEO of CPhA and former legislator, led SB 41 for PBM transparency. They discuss California’s PBM reform wins, SB 41 implementation and enforcement, protections for pharmacies, transparency measures, network bundling pressures, and a vision for pharmacies as medication management hubs.
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ANECDOTE

How Susan Moved From Teaching To CPhA CEO

  • Susan Bonilla transitioned from education to pharmacy leadership via public office and legislation.
  • She chaired the Assembly business and professions committee, then used those legislative relationships to lead CPhA as CEO.
ADVICE

Treat Implementation As The Real Work

  • Focus on implementation and enforcement after a law passes, not just passage.
  • CPhA is coordinating with DMHC, HCAI, and DOJ to license PBMs, collect data, and ensure enforcement under SB 41.
INSIGHT

Immediate Prohibitions With Licensing Lead Time

  • SB 41 bans several unfair PBM practices immediately while licensing timelines run until 2027.
  • Prohibitions are effective January 1, 2026 and DOJ can levy fines per violation, so complaints and documentation matter now.
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