MICHIGAN T H E O F F I C I A L J O U R N A L O F T H E M I C H I G A N P H A R M A C I S T S A S S O C I AT I O N
GOVERNOR SIGNS
PBM INTO REFORM LAW PHARMACY ROUNDUP
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
Get the latest on recent legislative developments, including PBM reform, DIR fees and ‘right to try’ legislation. (p. 12)
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MPA’s report examines pharmacy issues like burnout, patient safety and staffing shortages with 10 key recommendations for moving forward. (p. 24)
MichiganPharmacists.org
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Oakland County Pharmacists Association is featured in this Q&A, along with a calendar of local events around the state. (p. 28)
IN THIS ISSUE FOUNDATION
ACE RECAP
PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS
10 3 CEO Corner
16 4 P resident’s Platform
18 8 S tudent Focus
15 Member Benefit
22 MSCP President
26 Legal Insights
MPA’s Annual Convention & Exposition was preceded by historic PBM reform in this eventful first quarter.
MPA President Mike Crowe outlines the gifts of volunteering with MPA and his plans to improve that structure.
A professional network has many advantages, both obvious and subtle. It can even be your insurance policy.
MSCP President Lisa Bade wants to hear your voice. MPA is shaped by the input and guidance of its members.
Maximize your impact as a student by getting involved and learning about the many fascinating opportunities available.
Don’t let changing regulations about transporting compounded drugs cause confusion in your pharmacy.
CEO: Mark Glasper; EDITOR: Mary Wardell; PUBLISHER: Bryan A. Freeman Michigan Pharmacist (ISSN 1081-6089) is the official journal of the Michigan Pharmacists Association, published four times a year at 408 Kalamazoo Plaza, Lansing, MI 48933. Publication Number: USPS-345-600. Phone: (517) 484-1466, Fax: (517) 484-4893 Website: www.MichiganPharmacists.org, E-mail: MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org, Advertising Information: Visit www.MichiganPharmacists.org/news/advertising or contact Bryan Freeman, MPA marketing and communications director, at (517) 377-0257 or BryanFreeman@MichiganPharmacists.org
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All opinions expressed in Michigan Pharmacist are not necessarily official positions or policies of the Association. Publication of an advertisement does not represent an endorsement. Michigan Pharmacist is subject to the standards established by the Association. Michigan Pharmacist is distributed as a regular membership service, paid for through allocation of membership dues. Nonpharmacist subscriptions are $40 annually. Postmaster send address changes to: 408 Kalamazoo Plaza, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodical postage paid at Lansing, Mich. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without specific written permission of the publisher. © Michigan Pharmacists Association, 2022
— CEO CORNER —
MPA SCORES HUGE WIN OVER PBMS DAYS BEFORE SUCCESSFUL HYBRID ACE
O
ur Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) is typically the highlight of the year for the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and especially in its first-ever hybrid format. However, MPA’s signature pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation, House Bill 4348, was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer just two days prior to ACE, upstaging the annual event but setting the stage for a celebration not seen before in Michigan.
First PBM Reform in State History
BY MARK GLASPER, chief executive officer, Michigan Pharmacists Association
Michigan was one of only 10 states in the U.S. that never had any form of PBM legislation – until now. MPA worked tirelessly to bring this victory to independents and other retail pharmacies in the state. This win represents a significant change for how PBMs will conduct business in Michigan going forward. HB 4348 includes: • PBM Licensure – any PBM operating in the state must be licensed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. The PBMs will be required to make annual reports to the state to help shed light on their deceptive tactics. • PBM Steering – the bill prohibits a PBM from transferring a patient’s prescription to an affiliated pharmacy without the consent of the patient. Additionally, it protects the patient from paying a higher amount when using a non-affiliated pharmacy. • Audits and Appeals – PBMs will have a 60-day “shotclock” to get their initial report back to the audited pharmacy. Pharmacies will be able to appeal the audit and challenge its findings. • Prohibition on Retroactive Fees – Retroactive fees known as clawbacks, as well as electronic transaction fees, will be prohibited from being collected by PBMs. This victory didn’t come easily. The bill moved quickly from the House of Representatives where it passed 97-10 in February 2021, but then it languished in the Senate Health Policy Committee for almost a year until it was voted out in February. It then passed unanimously in the Senate before being concurred in the House and sent to Gov. Whitmer to sign. There are many to thank for this bill’s success, including MPA’s members, stakeholders, legislators and Gov. Whitmer. I especially want to thank Rep. Julie Calley for sponsoring this legislation and Sen. Curt VanderWall, Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey for their support in helping MPA get this bill across the finish line. Many thanks also go to MPA Chair Heather Christensen, who testified on behalf of the legislation before House and Senate committee hearings, and MPA Director of Government Affairs Brian Sapita, who championed this bill through the Legislature.
While we didn’t get everything we wanted in this bill, this historic accomplishment sets us up to finish what we started. You can be assured MPA will not rest until PBMs are held fully accountable for all of their unscrupulous ways.
ACE Deals Winning Hand The 2022 MPA ACE was an undeniable success. After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, it was apparent members wanted to meet in person once again. More than 500 attendees, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists and exhibitors, made their way back to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center for great continuing education (CE) programing, award presentations, networking events and the exposition. Exhibitors were especially thankful for our in-person exposition. Approximately 65 exhibitors packed the exhibit hall to greet and meet with the Michigan pharmacy community once again. I want to thank all of our sponsors and exhibitors for their support and for making our attendees feel so welcome. Leading off our event on Friday was keynote speaker Scott Knoer, American Pharmacists Association (APhA) executive vice president (EVP) and chief executive officer (CEO), who knocked it out of the ballpark with his enthusiasm and engaging presentation. I can’t thank Scott enough for making the trek from Washington, D.C. to Detroit in the heart of a Michigan winter! I also want to thank Dr. Philip Levy, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine and assistant vice president for translational science and clinical research innovation at Wayne State University for delivering an excellent keynote address on Saturday. For those attendees who still needed to connect virtually, we offered a truly hybrid event with all CE being streamed live for those attending remotely. We anticipate holding future ACE events in person, but we will monitor your needs and wants for continuing hybrid events. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t thank all MPA staff for holding a great event, but I want to particularly highlight the terrific work of MPA Director of Meetings & Education Alisha Swanchara, Meetings and Education Manager Aaron Wittbrodt and Director of Marketing & Communications Bryan Freeman for doing exemplary work on an excellent CE program and exposition. Thanks to all of our attendees in 2022, and we look forward to seeing you in 2023!
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— PRESIDENT’S PLATFORM —
UNITY THROUGH
ORGANIZED VOLUNTEERING T
he Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is an association of members. What does that mean? If you’re a member of something, you usually have a connection with it – you belong. I’m a member of my family, my church, Ferris State University’s Alumni Association, Sam’s Club (no hard feelings Costco-goers), the Genesee County Pharmacists Association and, of course, MPA. As a member, I don’t just pay my dues – literally or figuratively – to say that I’m a member. I want to be a part of the group, because I get something from belonging. That could be love, bulk discounts, opportunities to serve others, encouragement, networking, support or many other things. Now, this isn’t going to be a brochure of MPA member benefits, though I’m always ready to tell you mine. It’s also not a call for volunteers, though I’m always thrilled to connect enthusiastic members to those opportunities. Instead, in this small piece, I want to share how I envision volunteering as leading to unity and protection of the profession – both the specific opportunities to volunteer and some improvements to the volunteer structure on which the MPA Executive Board and I are working.
BY MICHAEL CROWE,
Pharm.D., MBA, CSP, FMPA, community-based specialty pharmacy manager, Walgreens; president, Michigan Pharmacists Association
Volunteer Purpose Unless you’ve served on the MPA Executive Board you probably aren’t aware of the complete array of volunteer groups under the MPA umbrella. There are boards, committees, work groups and task forces, and their importance cannot be overstated. They are the heart of the Association – one with many, many chambers, all working together to supply the rest of the Association with something vital. It is through these volunteer groups that progress is made and we advance the profession. Also important to recognize about our volunteer groups, is that they are all paired with an MPA staff liaison. As members, we pay a relatively small fee to keep 21 very important people employed (including Foundation and PSI Insurance Agency staff). They’re important because they support these groups, provide continuity over time, and grind out much of the work the groups deem necessary. Without them, we’d be pretty ineffective as individuals. But without us, without members, there is no MPA staff. We are dependent on one another. As I stated in my campaign, unity and protection of pharmacy is my top priority this year. I can think of no better way of accomplishing that than through the direction of a diverse group of members engaging in volunteer groups. The opportunities to give that direction are listed at right. Some are practically “walkon” while others require a more complex process of nomination and election. The point is, as you can see, we have numerous opportunities – hundreds when you consider each group has ten or twenty potential positions.
Plans for Restructuring
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Volunteer Opportunities: Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Executive Board Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Board of Directors Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) Board of Directors Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) Board of Directors Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Board of Directors Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Board of Directors Student Michigan Pharmacists Association Board of Directors Capital Area Pharmacists Association (CAPA) Board of Directors Northern Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (NMSHP) Board of Directors Western Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (WMSHP) Board of Directors Southwestern Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SMSHP) Board of Directors Local county association boards of directors (13) MPA Local Association Development Committee MPA Government Affairs Committee MPA Pharmacy Advocacy Response Team (PART)
One of my roles as president is to make the appointments to many of these committees. Through this exercise, I realized we had some shortcomings. Unity through volunteering won’t work without the right volunteers and the right volunteer opportunities. To that, I expand on three problems and corresponding solutions below.
MPA Education Committee
Problem 1: Limited Volunteers Each year, the president is given a file of members who have expressed interest in serving on one or more volunteer groups. This year, I felt we had very few volunteers for many of those groups. For two committees, we had zero interest (or at least
MPA/MSHP Joint Public Affairs Committee
MichiganPharmacists.org
MPA Professional Affairs Committee MPA New Practitioners Committee MPA Workplace Environment Committee MPA/MSHP Joint Membership Committee MSHP committees (8) MSCP committees (2)
— PRESIDENT’S PLATFORM —
“As members, we pay a relatively small fee to keep 21 very important people employed.” zero solicitation). Another potential issue is having the same members serve on a group year after year. Now, I’m not saying: “out with the old.” I’m supposing that, perhaps, many long-time volunteers only continue to volunteer because there’s a lack of fresh blood. And there’s not really any expectation up front about how long one might serve. To solve this problem, I want members to repeatedly be alerted to the message, “Here are your opportunities, please let us know which, if any, are of interest to you.” This needs to be done clearly and timely; clearly in that the purpose and expectations for each group are outlined for volunteers so they better understand what they are volunteering for, and timely, in that volunteers have time to consider and accept their appointments, well in advance of their upcoming term. Problem 2: Insufficient Representation If we weren’t lacking in the number of volunteers, then we were missing adequate representation. For example, our membership and public affairs committees are joint between MPA and MSHP. MSHP does a great job soliciting MSHP representatives, but the rest of the practice sections are very underrepresented. Thus, I’m working with MSHP to determine if these groups can become purely MPA committees to shift the emphasis. Additionally, recruitment for our committees is nonspecific. Moving forward, I want to be more intentional (i.e. incorporate into policy) in ensuring all practice sections are represented on all MPA volunteer groups, including students and technicians.
Problem 3: Strategic Misalignment Finally, I realized our volunteer groups did not always align with our new strategic plan, which has a heavy emphasis on members and staff satisfaction. Now that we have a new plan, we have changes in our volunteer groups to make, to ensure they are relevant, aligned and not duplicative. Some of those changes have already been made, such as moving the PAC and MPA Third Party Committee to subcommittees of the MPA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). Also, because pharmacy workplace conditions are an ongoing issue and important to our members, the MPA Executive Board made the Workplace Environment Task Force a more, long-term committee earlier this year. Since every committee has an MPA staff liaison, I’m working with MSCP to see if we can merge the MPA Education Committee with the MSCP Education Committee, which have the same staff liaison and may be better suited as a single MPA committee.
Moving Forward I want the right volunteer groups to exist with the right representation, and for there to be a clear and simple process to become part of them, in hopes that there is no missed opportunity to plug in one’s passion. I hope to have implemented solutions to the problems described above by 2023. If you have feedback on them, please contact me. If you’re part of a self-governed group, like a local association or a practice section, I urge you to review these same considerations for your volunteer groups. I really believe this will help us be a more united, and therefore protected, profession.
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— EVENTS CALENDAR —
EVENTS CALENDAR MPA, local association and national pharmacy organization events as well as health observances are included below. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our online calendar at www.MichiganPharmacists.org/eventscalendar.
APRIL 2022
1-30
21 25 28-29 29
MAY 2022
Friday, Apr. 1 – Saturday, Apr. 30
Alcohol Awareness Month Nationwide
Thursday, April 21
CSPM Board of Directors Meeting Virtual Only
1-31 5
Monday, April 25
MPA Executive Board Meeting Virtual Only
Thursday, April 28 – Friday, April 29
MPF Board of Trustees Meeting & Strategic Planning Retreat MPA Headquarters, Lansing
Friday, April 29
MSPT Board of Directors Meeting MPA Headquarters, Lansing
16 25 30
Sunday, May 1 – Tuesday, May 31
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Nationwide
Thursday, May 5
JUNE 2022
27 3
MSHP Committee Day and Board of Directors Meeting Okemos Event Center, Okemos
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Monday, May 16
MPA Executive Board Meeting Virtual & MPA Headquarters, Lansing
Wednesday, May 25
MSCP Board of Directors Meeting Virtual Only
Monday, May 30
MPA Offices Closed Memorial Day
C
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800-965-EPIC (3742) | epicrx.com/mipha | memberservices@epicrx.com
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MichiganPharmacists.org
National HIV Testing Day Nationwide
Friday, June 3
MSPT Board of Directors Meeting Virtual Only
Thursday, June 9
MSHP Board of Directors Meeting Virtual Only
Please note: Some board and committee meetings may be subject to a change in format to virtual or in-person, at the discretion of the members. Please check the online calendar or contact MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org for more information.
Helping independent pharmacies compete since 1982.
CM
Monday, June 27
— BIOS AND MEMORIES —
NEW STAFF BIOS RICK DRABEK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MICHIGAN PHARMACY FOUNDATION Rick Drabek joins the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) as the executive director for the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF). He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance. Rick brings 20 years of fundraising experience from his previous position as senior director of the National Donor Stewardship & Telemarketing Center with the American Cancer Society. Rick serves his community as president of the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and competing in giant pumpkin growing contests, achieving his personal best of a 779-pound giant pumpkin. Rick and his wife reside in St. Johns with their cat and four dogs.
SCOTT HARRIS, INSURANCE AGENT, PSI INSURANCE AGENCY Scott Harris is an insurance agent at PSI Insurance Agency, an affiliate of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), following the Agency’s recent acquisition of his Lansing-based company, Mid Michigan Insurance Group. Scott has been supporting his family and cats by selling and servicing insurance policies since 1987. He also owns and operates an independent bookstore in Lansing called Everybody Reads. Scott is a vegan and a human- and animal-rights advocate and loves baseball, psychedelic music and laughing at his own jokes.
DAVID SPOELMAN, ACCOUNT MANAGER, PSI INSURANCE AGENCY David Spoelman joins PSI Insurance Agency as an account manager. He received his state of Michigan license as a resident producer in 2013. He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in materials logistic management (purchasing and operations) in 1988. He has been married to his beautiful wife Diane Krantz since 1988. He has three children and three granddaughters.
Visit MPA’s social media channels for the most up-to-date information on events, resources and issues that affect pharmacy in Michigan. Facebook.com/ MichiganPharmacists
Instagram.com/ mipharm
Twitter.com/ MIPharmacists
Linkedin.com/company/ michigan-pharmacistsassociation
KATIE KOSMIDER, EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Katie Kosmider has been promoted to the position of executive office administrator for the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA). She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2017. She previously held the position of executive assistant at MPA and was formerly a receptionist, dog trainer and café manager. She is also involved with the nonprofit Liberty in North Korea, where she raises funds to rescue North Korean refugees. She is excited to hold this new position within MPA and contribute to the success of its members.
KARYN PEDDICORD, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karyn Peddicord joins the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) as an executive administrative assistant. With over 15 years of managerial experience, Karyn has been involved in project management, training and the development and implementation of company policy and procedures. She volunteers her time with organizations like the PTO and Scouts BSA and has also worked closely with Great Start to Quality. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son, attending sporting events, traveling and hosting events.
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— STUDENT FOCUS —
MAKING THE MOST Maximize Your Student Experience
A
s student pharmacists, we have four years to build who we want to be after graduation and to start making a difference in the healthcare profession. This is our time to utilize the skills developed through undergraduate studies and previous experiences. Our dedication to learn and master the material in pharmacy school should be utilized in the real world by working, volunteering, joining organizations and getting involved in research to make a change, even though we are not yet fully licensed. We can be active members in our profession, or we can graduate without any involvement. It is up to us to put effort into our journey. BY DANA HOSSAMI,
Pharm.D. candidate, class of 2023, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy; president, local chapter, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
We can use the information we learn in class and apply it to work and to volunteer settings. This is a great opportunity to directly interact with patients. For example, in a hospital setting, we could get the medical history of patients to check what medications they are taking, how they are taking them and why they are taking them. This gives us the opportunity to ensure that patients are adherent and are taking their medications safely and effectively. We could improve patients’ outcomes by helping them decide which over-thecounter medication works best while assessing different factors, such as side effects and drug interactions. We would also be a part of a team that works towards the benefit of patients. In this context, we could talk to nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers and therapists to ensure that we are maximizing patients’ treatment plans. Therefore, we can positively impact patients under the supervision of pharmacists.
University has been doing blood pressure clinics for the past few years through APhA. We get to talk to the public, including undergraduate students, about our role and educate them regarding the importance of checking their blood pressure and the normal values. The Arab American Pharmacist Association visits middle school students to teach them about basic science topics, such as the difference between the virus and the bacteria. Even though we have so many organizations that cover most of our interests, we can still apply to them to get new ones if they suit our interests. In addition, we can get involved in research by choosing a topic of interest. There are plenty of opportunities within each university and generally most professors work on different topics so all we must do is look for these opportunities and get involved. This is a chance to get published, present posters and educate others regarding our findings. For example, the International
“Put yourself out there, challenge yourself, improve your skills and make an impact.” There are different organizations that target most interests; this can help us determine what we are most passionate about and narrow down the shape of our career following graduation. In addition, each organization has many events that give us the opportunity to network and learn. For example, the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) offers the Annual Convention and Exposition (ACE) every year in Detroit. This is a chance for student pharmacists to meet leaders in our profession and to learn more from pharmacists about their role and student pharmacists who are on the same path. In addition, MPA offers Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. This is an opportunity for students to be leaders and to step up by educating legislators on their value as healthcare professionals. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) gives us the chance to be more specialized in the topics we are interested in, such as diabetes or women’s health. We have the chance to develop activities as a small group and implement them. For example, Ferris State
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Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) is an organization that focuses on research and gives us a chance to work with other students on a specific topic. This is a great starting point if we have not been involved in research, especially as there are mentors and workshops presented for us. Put yourself out there, challenge yourself, improve your skills and make an impact. It does not matter what you do, as long as you are an active member in society. You can positively impact the healthcare of patients through education and advocacy for our profession today. There are more methods to do so, you just need to find what works for you best. This will also set you apart from other students for work interviews and residency. It will also help you determine what you like, which is important since you will have so many different opportunities after graduation. This is our chance to speak up, to make a change and to have an impact on our society. There are no boundaries to what we can do.
— CE EVENTS CALENDAR —
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 3-5 P.M.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 11 A.M.-1 P.M.
Asthma Updates in 2022: How Can We Partner to Improve Patient Care?
MPA Immunization Training
Take advantage of this opportunity to earn two free Continuing Education (CE) hours from Njira L. Lugogo, MD, associate professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. There have been significant changes in the asthma treatment guidelines that need to be adopted to improve patient outcomes. Working with pharmacists to achieve specific goals will be critical for long term success.
The next offering of the American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Pharmacy-Based Immunization Certification Course facilitated by the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is open for registration. The LIVE review webinar will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30. The homestudy portion of the course must be completed prior to joining the live review webinar. More information about the course offering, what is needed and how to register can be found on MPA’s website at www.MichiganPharmacists.org/EducationEvents/Pharmacy-based-Immunization-DeliveryProgram-April-30-2022.
Registrations will be accepted until 4 p.m. on April 21, 2022. Instructions to access the virtual event will be emailed to registrants before 4 p.m. on April 22, 2022. This is a FREE CE opportunity - thanks to our sponsor Global Pharmacy Wholesale. Learn more and register online at www. MichiganPharmacists.org/Education-Events/FREECE-Opportunity-Asthma-Updates-in-2022.
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1 P.M.-5:30 P.M. Team Working to Get the Dreams Working MSCP & MSPT Annual Joint Education Event Join us for the MSCP & MSPT Annual Joint Education Event! This year’s theme is “team working to get the dreams working” and will have sessions like Teamwork Makes the Safety Dream Work, MPA Pharmacy Workplace Environment Task Force - Findings & Recommendations, and an Implicit Bias Training.
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 10 A.M. 2022 MPJE Pharmacy Law Review Join us live for the virtual 2022 Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Pharmacy Law Review at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 21. This course is designed to help fourth-year student pharmacists achieve a strong understanding of the MPJE content and aid prospective pharmacists in preparing for the exam. A recording of the course will be available for purchase after the event. You must register by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Instructions to access this training will be emailed to attendees by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022. This course is not accredited for pharmacy continuing education credit. Rates: MPA Student Member - $60 Student Nonmember - $80 MPA Pharmacist Member - $80 Pharmacist Nonmember - $100
There will be 4.0 credit hours of Continuing Education offered during this event and the Implicit Bias training will meet the new CE requirement. Rates: MPA/MSCP Pharmacist Member $80 Pharmacist Nonmember $160 MPA/MSPT Technician Member $35 Technician Nonmember $70 Learn more and register online at www. MichiganPharmacists.org/Education-Events/MSCP-MSPT-AnnualJoint-Education-Event. Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
Learn more and register online by visiting www. MichiganPharmacists.org/Education-Events/2022-MPJE-PharmacyLaw-Review.
QUESTIONS If you have any questions about any of these MPA education events, please email MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.
APRIL 27, 10-11:30 A.M. • MAY 26, 3:30-5 P.M. • JUNE 27, 1:30-3 P.M. Pharmacy Technician Immunization Administration As a nationally-recognized leader in the development of technician training resources, MPA has developed a Pharmacy Technician Immunization Administration training that is recognized as fulfilling the education requirement for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Immunization Administration Certificate Program. Participants must complete a homestudy portion and participate in one live webinar. Learn more and register by visiting www.MichiganPharmacists.org/education/pharm_tech_immun. 2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— FROM THE FOUNDATION —
EXCITED TO SERVE
New Foundation ED Hits Ground Running
I
am very grateful and excited to join the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) as the new executive director of its charitable arm, the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF). The Foundation has a rich 29-year history of providing critical financial support to programs and grants that are the catalyst for innovation, leadership and learning that expands the role of pharmacy in Michigan and society.
BY RICK DRABEK, executive director, Michigan Pharmacy Foundation
“I am also excited to join the MPF Board of Directors later this month and participate in a strategic planning retreat for the Foundation.” 10
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I bring 20 years of marketing and fundraising experience from my previous position as senior director of the National Donor Stewardship & Telemarketing Center with the American Cancer Society. As part of that experience, I developed and implemented a national donor stewardship program that increased donor engagement and developed deeper donor relationships, expanding both donor retention and donations. Starting a new position brings exhilaration, as well as a bit of a learning curve, as I become oriented with the ample history and accomplishments of the Foundation. Soon after starting, I began planning the MPF Golf Classic scheduled for Wednesday, July 20. The MPF Golf Classic will be held again this year at the Eldorado Golf Course at 3750 W. Howell Rd. in Mason. Please consider joining us for a day of golfing fun and a chance to enjoy the sunshine with colleagues, family and friends. Discounted registration is available through June 20 and can be found online at www. MichiganPharmacists.org/Education-Events/EventsCalendar/Michigan-Pharmacy-Foundation-Golf-Classic. I am also excited to join the MPF Board of Directors later this month and participate in a strategic planning
retreat for the Foundation. This process will help further guide the Foundation’s efforts by creating a forward-focused vision that will align the Foundation’s future efforts and set actionable goals and success metrics for reaching those goals in support of the Foundation’s mission. I appreciate all the support I have received from members and staff since starting at MPA. I look forward to sharing future stories and news about how the Foundation is growing and increasing its impact for the improvement and promotion of public health and public education. I hope to get to meet as many of you as possible over the next several months. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call me at (517) 337-0227 or email me at rdrabek@ MichiganPharmacists.org if you would like to talk about how you can help support the work of the Foundation. Thank you for all you do for your patients, for public health and for the profession of pharmacy. I look forward to working with each of you! Register here for the MPF Golf Classic.
— FROM THE FOUNDATION —
Maria Gonzalez Chavez
Ranem Kishmish
Drew Manson
Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Scholarships The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) has sponsored student pharmacist scholarships at each of the Michigan colleges of pharmacy for decades. The program is an opportunity to invest in the future of the profession, and to pay forward the investments made in the Foundation. The program was originally administered by each college until 2013, when the MPF Board of Trustees made the decision to operate the programs through an application process in an effort to grow awareness about the program. The scholarship program was redesigned to recognize a P2 or P3 student pharmacist currently enrolled in a pharmacy program at an accredited college of pharmacy in the state of Michigan. Student pharmacists are required to submit a formal application that gathers information about their leadership skills, academic performance and interest in professional advancement. The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Scholarships were awarded to Maria Gonzalez Chavez of Grand Rapids from Ferris State University, Ranem Kishmish of Sterling Heights from Wayne State University, and Drew Manson of Ann Arbor from the University of Michigan at the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) on Saturday, Feb. 26.
Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship In 2020, the MPF Board of Trustees, working collaboratively with the MPA Executive Board, established the Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship as a legacy tribute to the former MPA CEO Larry Wagenknecht for his 37 years of service to the Association and the profession of pharmacy. The initial goal was to raise $50,000 by his retirement date to ensure the scholarship can be provided annually. Thanks to generous donors, that goal was met and exceeded. The applicant for the student scholarship that demonstrates the most exceptional leadership quality is awarded Larry’s endowed scholarship. The second Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship was awarded at the 2022 ACE to Kiara Torres Garcia of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, from Ferris State University.
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— LEGISLATIVE UPDATE —
PHARMACY ROUNDUP
PBM Reform, DIR Fees, ‘Right to Try’ Garner Interest
A BY BRIAN SAPITA,
government affairs director, Michigan Pharmacists Association
lot is happening in the world of pharmacy, and the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is keeping our members up-to-date as developments occur.
MPA-championed pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation in February received unanimous support from the Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Years of advocacy and education set the bill up for this rapid momentum and overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. This legislation, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, will require PBMs to be licensed to operate in the state, end the retroactive fees that plague pharmacies, allow pharmacies to compete with mail-order prescriptions and end PBM steering. While the new law doesn’t include everything on MPA’s wish list, it is a major step in the right direction and will help our patients in the long run. In Whitmer’s annual State of the State address, the governor made a call for legislators to work with her to lower the cost of insulin and hold drug companies accountable. A House bill, introduced in February 2021 by Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette), would limit the co-pay insurers can charge for prescription insulin to $50. This bill was voted out of the House in March and has been sitting in the Senate Health Policy Committee since then. MPA will continue to monitor this legislation. We have always been supportive of efforts that save our patients money and ensure they receive their medication, but we want to make sure that no pharmacies are harmed. Another bill making waves in Lansing is Rep. Mary Whiteford’s (R-Casco) “Right to Try” legislation. Created after the representative’s husband was diagnosed with COVID-19, this bill allows physicians to prescribe investigational drugs or biological products to treat COVID-19. The legislation still allows a pharmacist to refuse to fill the prescription if they believe a patient will not benefit, however. This is another bill MPA is continuing to watch and influence as it makes its way through the Legislature.
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From left, MPA Government Affairs Director Brian Sapita, MPA Chair Heather Christensen and MPA CEO Mark Glasper stand behind Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the official signing of House Bill 4348 into law on Feb. 23 at Meijer in Lansing.
At the federal level, legislation has been introduced to elevate pharmacists to providers, and the feds are even taking a look at direct and indirect renumeration (DIR) fees. In April of last year, S. 1362, the “Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act,” was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). This legislation would allow pharmacists in medically underserved areas, which includes most of Michigan, to act as providers under Medicare. This bill is sitting in the Senate Finance Committee, and MPA has worked to make sure both Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have signed on as co-sponsors. Meanwhile, in January, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would reform PBMs’ abilities to collect DIR fees from pharmacies. MPA in partnership with our national affiliates, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the American Pharmacists Association, has submitted comments on this proposed rule, and we hope CMS moves quickly to implement it. For questions about any legislation or rule, please don’t hesitate to reach out to MPA Director of Government Affairs Brian Sapita at (517) 377-0254 or Brian@ MichiganPharmacists.org.
— ADVOCACY UPDATE —
Pharmacy at the Table, Not on the Menu BY BRIAN SAPITA, government affairs director, Michigan Pharmacists Association
“In politics, if you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” This is the caution often cited by Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) CEO Mark Glasper, and that saying has never been truer than today. What also couldn’t be truer is that when it comes to legislative action and administrative rules in Michigan, MPA is consistently the only pharmacy organization at the table representing and advocating for our members and patients. MPA was also the only organization serving all pharmacy practice settings that was negotiating with legislators, the insurance companies and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) – the trade organization representing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – on our PBM reform legislation. Why is that? Because of the Pharmacy Political Action Committee (PAC). The PAC grants us additional contact with legislators and allows us to cultivate relationships with them. Those relationships and the trust that we build are crucial to MPA’s legislative success now and moving forward. The PAC has three tiers of giving: Executive Club ($0-499), Premier Club ($500-999) and Governor’s Club ($1,000+). Each tier has different perks associated with it, but the biggest perk is advancing the practice of pharmacy in Michigan. MPA is constantly making strides to better pharmacy practice. We have authored legislation that moves us closer to provider status, and we oppose legislation or administrative rules that will hurt pharmacy. We are constantly vigilant, and the main reason for our success is
the Pharmacy PAC. It is unfortunate, but a fact, that money and the appropriate distribution of money in our political system is necessary to have the opportunities to present the position of pharmacists on issues that affect our profession. Simply stated, we need more pharmacists to make a financial commitment to our advocacy efforts. It is the responsibility of every pharmacist to support the pharmacy profession with time, talent, or treasure. Please do not believe that if you don’t support pharmacy, others will do it for you. Pharmacy is truly a wonderful profession with a variety of opportunities for all of us. We need your financial help to maintain the vibrancy and stability of our profession. The Michigan Pharmacy PAC is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that actively seeks to promote positive public health policy through the building and maintaining of relationships with candidates and elected officials. Contributions to the Pharmacy advocacy fund allow our legislative team to support pharmacy-friendly legislators, participate in important events, speak on behalf of pharmacy’s interests, and plan events such as Pharmacy Day at the Capitol or the Law and Policy Symposium. Please consider donating to the PAC by scanning the QR code or visiting this website: https://www. michiganpharmacists.org/pharmacypac/contribute.
“In politics, if you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” 2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— MEMBERSHIP —
FROM THE DESK OF
MEMBERSHIP
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t’s hard to believe, but we are into the second quarter of 2022 already. First and foremost, we want to thank you for your continued support as we would not be where we are without you, our members. This year, the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) has seen many pharmacy professionals join our ranks, and as a member-driven organization, we want to let you know what the membership department has been up to and where we are going. BY SCOTT WALSH,
director of membership, Michigan Pharmacists Association
• Starting in early 2021 we have been on the road visiting with our members and potential members and will continue to do so in 2022 and beyond. • We have been taking part in local association meetings and events. Our goal is to have representation from membership at each local board meeting and event when we can make it. • A new membership card has been sent out to you. This card contains your name, member ID number and membership expiration date. If you have not received your card, please call us and we will get it out to you right away. • Membership had a booth at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition, and we want to thank everyone that stopped by to say hello.
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• The membership team, with support from the rest of MPA staff, has developed a member survey that we just sent out to our members. Please respond for your chance to win one of four $50 Visa gift cards! Whether you have just joined MPA or been a part of our efforts to further the profession for years, we wanted to take this opportunity to help our members maximize the impact of their membership. When you become a member of MPA, you receive complementary local association membership. Local associations are local pharmacy groups under the umbrella of MPA that provide an opportunity to foster relationships with fellow pharmacy professionals in your community. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and get involved if you can. Finally, as a member-driven organization, we encourage you to refer your colleagues and fellow pharmacy friends to join us. We are only as strong as our membership is. Thank you.
— MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT —
BUILD YOUR
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK “I’ve said before that I view MPA membership as insurance for our profession.” — Mike Crowe
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our membership in our professional association benefits the entire pharmacy profession, whether that’s advocating on behalf of the front-line healthcare professionals, providing support and resources that save time and empower members, or delivering critical news and updates when they are needed. In a time when the pharmacy profession’s wages have stagnated and positions are harder to find, however, some of the most valuable benefits provided by the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), your local and regional associations and MPA’s four practice sections are the networking opportunities that can expand your community, increase your level of fulfillment and open doors. Whether you are a student who is looking for their first position or an experienced pharmacy professional back on the job-hunt, your network is your most valuable resource. For example, when MPA President Mike Crowe was faced in 2018 with the prospect of losing a job he loved, it didn’t look much like an opportunity at the time. Discouraged, but not deterred, he reached out to his network of colleagues and fellow MPA members. The response was overwhelming. Three of the MPA contacts Crowe reached out to knew about a special opportunity coming down the pike, which ended up being an excellent career move for him. “I’ve said before that I view MPA membership as insurance for our profession,” Crowe said. Your network doesn’t just help during a career search. Networking with other pharmacy professionals establishes a key resource for you. It helps you build your reputation and your brand, meet new mentors, and develop relationships that can yield career advice and support. So how do you fully take advantage of the networking opportunities your MPA membership provides? It’s not just about attending MPA events like the Annual Convention and Exposition (ACE). As an MPA member, you receive complimentary membership to a local county association and a practice section. Being an engaged member of these component organizations, getting involved in committees and workgroups, and attending advocacy events like Pharmacy Day at the Capitol (PDAC) will help you develop a network that will empower your career for decades to come.
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— PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS —
THE IMPORTANCE OF
EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY IN TREATING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
I By JOHN BRUBAKER, staff pharmacist, St. John Professional Pharmacy
n 2018, the number of U.S. citizens with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was nearly 68 million people, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There were 26 million new cases of STIs that same year with direct medical costs reaching almost $16 billion.1 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) data from April 2021 states that the rate of gonorrhea in Michigan has increased steadily since 2010, indicating an increase of 75 percent. Syphilis during this same time has doubled. Both STIs are fully treatable and preventable. Studies have shown that partners who receive expedited partner therapy (EPT) were 29 percent less likely to be reinfected than those cases in which patients told their partners to visit the doctor. Forty-six states currently have laws that allow for EPT and there are zero states that prohibit the use of EPT. EPT allows partners to be treated for STIs without themselves seeing a healthcare provider. The CDC in 2006 recommended the use of EPT in the treatment of STIs. EPT is not a new concept, but it is unique as it is the only instance where a prescriber can treat a patient with whom they have not developed a relationship. The authorization for use in Michigan was written into law in 2014 as Public Act 525 of 2014 (MCL 333.5110). The law allows a health professional to prescribe EPT as long the following requirements are met: 1) the patient has a laboratory-confirmed or suspected diagnosis of an STI; 2) the patient indicates that he or she has a partner with whom they have engaged in sexual activity within the last 60-day period immediately prior to the diagnosis of an STI; 3) the patient indicates that his or her partner is unable or unlikely to seek clinical services in a timely manner. In April 2020, MDHHS designated chlamydia trachomatis (CT), neisseria gonorrhea (GC) and trichomoniasis vaginalis (TV) as infections where the use of EPT is appropriate. MDHHS published guidelines and a revision was updated on Oct. 29, 2021.2 EPT should not be recommended in cases of suspected child abuse or sexual assault, situations where a patient’s safety is in question, for partners with known allergies to the antibiotics and for patients who are co-infected with STIs other than CT, GC and/or TV. R ecommended drug regimens for EPT are dependent on the STI presented. The guidelines list the following drug regimens to follow: • Sexual partners of patients with CT: Doxycycline 100 mg PO BID x seven days Alternative regimens: Azithromycin 1 g PO as a single dose OR levofloxacin 500 mg PO daily x seven days • Sexual partners of patients with GC: Cefixime 800 mg PO as a single dose • Sexual partners of patients with GC, who are co-infected with CT or for whom CT result is not available: Cefixime 800 mg orally, as a single dose PLUS doxycycline 100 mg BID x seven days. • Sexual partners of patients with TV: Female partners – metronidazole 500 mg BID x seven days. Male partners: metronidazole 2 g orally, as a single dose Note: Azithromycin 1 g orally should be substituted for doxycycline for a CT or GC partner that is or might be pregnant, or if the partner is unlikely to adhere to a seven-day regimen.
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— PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS — Prescribers may dispense medications for EPT at their location or they may issue a prescription that may be filled at a local pharmacy. When dispensing medications for EPT, it has been shown that the method that produces the best results is a unit-use dose pack as part of a partner packet that should include medications, informational materials provided by MDHHS,3 and a clinic referral for follow up. If a prescription is provided, certain requirements must be met by the prescriber. Individual prescriptions need to be written for each partner and made out in the name of the partner, if possible. If the partner’s name is unknown, then the prescription name is “Expedited Partner Therapy,” and the date of birth to be used is Jan. 1 of the current year. Additionally, the pharmacist may gather some identifying information from the person who will be picking up the prescription (such as their initials) to differentiate between multiple EPT prescriptions. When presented with a prescription for EPT for the “unknown” partner, the pharmacy staff has two options when considering billing for the prescription. The patient can remain anonymous and allow the prescription to be filled using the name “Expedited Partner Therapy.” Using this name for the prescription requires that the partner will accept the out-of-pocket expense of the medications. If they choose not to pay out of pocket, the partner may give all information to the pharmacy (name of patient, date of birth, address and prescription insurance information), so that the cost of the medications may be covered by the third-party payor. There are other concerns about using EPT, one of which is antibiotic overuse possibly leading to resistance. The effects of this should not be of too much concern, as the chance of overuse is very small. The drug with the greatest risk of overuse potential is doxycycline, because of the chance of unsupervised use of unused medication. It is always important to counsel patients when dispensing antibiotics that they should take all the prescribed medication to avoid this type of scenario. Another concern of unsupervised EPT is drug toxicity and adverse events. One of the more frequent adverse events of treatment is
gastrointestinal intolerance. Doxycycline and fluoroquinolones carry theoretical risks for adverse effects in pregnant women or the fetus, but the actual frequencies of fetal and pregnancy-related morbidity are low.4 The advantage of having prescriptions dispensed at the local pharmacy is that the frequency of adverse effects can be avoided through proper counseling and education. Pharmacists are at the front line of helping patients with any type of drug information, from warning about adverse effects of metronidazole to providing a gateway to the healthcare system. McCree et al. encouraged pharmacists to embrace counseling and educational responsibilities related to EPT as an initial interface between sex partners and the healthcare system.5 One area where pharmacists can be of service is to counsel the patient on encouraging their partner to seek medical evaluation. The expanding role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians places them in a prime position to provide other healthcare services to patients receiving EPT. Services include blood pressure monitoring, immunizations, provision of emergency contraception and other initiatives. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be aware of how to handle EPT patients and prescriptions. Even under the best circumstances, the success rate of EPT is around 77 percent. Using our expertise, pharmacy professionals can help to curb the infection rate in the state.
REFERENCES 1. h ttps://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/prevalence-incidence-cost-2020.htm 2. h ttps://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/Expedited_Partner_Therapy_ Guidance_for_Health_Care_Providers_721276_7.pdf 3. h ttps://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/Expedited_Partner_Therapy_ Information_Sheet_for_Patients_and_Partners_721277_7.pdf 4. h ttps://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/eptfinalreport2006.pdf 5. M cCree DH, Oh J, Hogben M. The role of pharmacists in patient-delivered partner therapy. Am J Health-Systems Pharm 2005;62:643-6.
“Pharmacists are at the front line of helping patients with any type of drug information, from warning about adverse effects of metronidazole to providing a gateway to the healthcare system. ... One area where pharmacists can be of service is to counsel the patient to encourage their partner to seek medical evaluation. The expanding role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians places them in a prime position to provide other healthcare services to patients receiving EPT.”
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MPA Executive Administrative Assistant Karyn Peddicord, right, helps guests check in at the 2022 ACE.
The MPA Executive Board attends the Awards Banquet at the 2022 ACE.
American Pharmacists Association CEO/EVP Scott Knoer, MPA member Jackie Morse and others network at the Governor’s Club Reception at the 2022 ACE.
MPA HOLDS HYBRID
ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION
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he Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) held its 138th Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) both in-person, back in Detroit, and virtually Feb. 25-27. While all but only a few speakers were physically in Detroit to welcome learners back in-person, all of the education sessions were live-streamed to a virtual platform where attendees could still learn and interact via chat in real-time. Convening back together proved to be just what we all had been missing. The elbow bumps, handshakes, hugs and obvious smiles through masks were abundant.
BY ALISHA SWANCHARA, CMP,
director of meetings & education, Michigan Pharmacists Association
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The afternoon kicked off with the opening keynote session featuring American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Executive Vice President and CEO Scott Knoer speaking on how APhA and MPA can advocate for and empower pharmacists to care for their patients. It was a full afternoon rounded out with more education sessions and the Exhibit Hall grand opening and reception which was sponsored by Pharmacy Management Partners and Mobile MediClaim.
Saturday’s keynote session was delivered by Dr. Phillip Levy, M.D., M.P.H., professor of emergency medicine and assistant vice president for translational science and clinical research innovation at Wayne State University. He focused on the importance of collaborative practice agreements and how to incorporate pharmacists within the healthcare workflow.
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Saturday, Feb. 26 began with continental breakfast (new this year and included in the price of registration) served in the exhibit hall during more exhibiting hours, providing another opportunity for attendees to visit with exhibitors and sponsors. Educational programming resumed at 8:30 a.m. with offerings including Ethics and Jurisprudence updates, the much-anticipated MPA Pharmacy Workplace Environment Taskforce Findings and Recommendations, a session on palliative care that met the pain continuing education requirement and a session hosted by the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) that explored health disparities in Michigan during the pandemic.
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The convention began Friday, Feb. 25 with a full morning of education programing followed by the Pharmacy Political Action Committee (PAC) Panel and Luncheon sponsored by Pharmacy Management Partners, EPIC Pharmacy and Hometown Pharmacy. New this year were featured product theater sessions where select sponsors were able to visit with attendees during a provided lunch event where sponsors could showcase their new products and services. This year’s product theater sessions were hosted by Heron Therapeutics, DrFirst, CMP Pharma, Abbott Rapid Diagnostics, Prescribe Wellness – A Tabula Rasa Health Care (TRHC) Solution, and Johnson & Johnson.
MichiganPharmacists.org
— ACE RECAP — Lunch was served in the exhibit hall for attendees that did not elect to attend a practice section luncheon, again offering more facetime with vendors. Those who purchased advance tickets to a practice section luncheon were able to witness and applaud as practice section board members recognized award winners including pharmacists of the year. The practice section lunches serve as the annual meetings for MSPT, the Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) and the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP). Because the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ (MSHP) annual meeting takes place each October, the MSHP leadership networking luncheon for student pharmacists provided student MPA members with the opportunity to meet health-system pharmacy leaders and discuss professional practice issues, career options and personal stories. The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)-Nonprescription Medicines Academy (NMA) Student Pharmacist Self-care Championship was held Saturday afternoon, where three student pharmacists from each college of pharmacy participated in a three-round jeopardy-style competition showcasing their extensive overthe-counter knowledge. The winning team from Ferris State University have bragging rights for the year! Additionally, the MPF Student Scholarship Program recipients were honored. This year’s Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) Adopt-a-Student Program made a comeback in person as well. Sponsors (or “parents”) selected a student pharmacist from an “adoption” catalogue. When the program was held virtually in 2021, sponsors really appreciated the opportunity to connect one-on-one before the convention via Zoom, ensuring there was a dedicated time to meet. This year, students contacted their sponsors to arrange a virtual meeting before arriving in Detroit, offering more opportunities to connect. Participation at the sponsor level of a contribution of $100 to the MPF included a Saturday evening awards banquet ticket for their student to attend the dinner program with them. There were reserved seats at the banquet for those in the program.
AWARDS RECOGNITION The Saturday evening MPA Awards Ceremony & Banquet was held in the Ambassador Ballroom, once again. Those in attendance online also had the opportunity to watch live as their fellow pharmacy leaders were recognized. MPA recognized a number of worthy awardees, including our 25-, 40- and 50-year members with the Years of Membership Awards, our Pharmacy Hall of Honor inductees, as well as our elected boards, leaders and fellows for their service. MPA also honored scholarship recipients, noted practice section awardees, the MPA Pharmacist of the Year and other honorable awardees. Congratulations to those who were honored.
25-Year Recipients
Linda Bubenko Robert Boyko Lisa Brummel
Paul Chludzinski Mark Isopi Christopher Maksym
40-Year Recipients
Jay Duprey Patrice Eid Michael Gunberg
William Overkamp Mark Reschke Douglas Samojedny
50-Year Recipient
Howard Kremer
Pharmacy Hall of Honor
Lisa Ausmus Keith Binion Stacy Brousseau Robin Curtis Angela Green Adam King Thomas Magnifico Sarah Mahoney Michelle Sahr Julie Schmidt
Christine Shoens Judith Stoklosa Paul Walker
25 40 50
Executive Board Service Awards
Charlie Mollien
Outgoing President Award
Sarah Hill
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— ACE RECAP — Pharmacist of the Year Award
Bowl of Hygeia Award
Fellow of Michigan Pharmacists Association
Paul C. Walker
Richard Lucarotti
Michelle Sahr
Executive Board Medal
Excellence in Innovation Award
Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award
Ghada Abdallah
Maria Young
Rony Foumia
Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Scholarship Program
Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship
Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award
Kiara Torres Garcia Ferris State University
Ranem Kishmish
Wayne State University
Eric Roath
At left, Ferris State University students Taylor Fifer, Joshua Matson, Maria Gonzalez Chavez and Kiara Torres Garcia took home the trophy for the statewide NASPA-NMA Student Pharmacist Self-Care Championship. Below, Paul C. Walker, left, is presented the Pharmacist of the Year Award by MPA President Michael Crowe.
Maria Gonzalez Chavez Ferris State University
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— ACE RECAP — Other 2020-2021 Awards
Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) Pharmacist of the Year Award
Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Pharmacy Technician of the Year
Michigan Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists (MSHP) Pharmacist of the Year Award
Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) Pharmacist of the Year Award
Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Service Award
Sally Ngo
Donna Smith
John Clark
Sahar Swidan
Gilbert “Butch” Bowlby
Legislator of the Year Award
Speaker Jason Wentworth
Rep. Julie Calley
Good Public Health Policy Award
Sen. Kevin Daley
Sen. Curt VanderWall
Hank Fuhs Good Government Award
Deb Sopo
Kathleen Dugan
Distinguished Local Association Achievement Award
Capital Area Pharmacists Association Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award
Drew Manson
Katie Bromm
Alison Gravelin
We thank everyone who joined MPA, both back in-person and virtually for the 2022 Annual Convention and Exposition! We would like to thank our 2022 convention sponsors: GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— MSCP PRESIDENT —
YOUR VOICE, YOUR ASSOCIATION, A CHALLENGE
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e’ve all seen it when things don’t go our way. There’s the tension of trying to provide the highest level of service to our patients with the practical realities of limited hours in a day. The stress of adding new patient care services as we see staffing shortages. Laws pass that we don’t agree with, while the ones we hope for seem to move slowly. Some of the leaders we’ve put our trust in state they “hear” us and may even make promises of change, but slow or limited change can drive disappointment. BY LISA BADE,
Pharm.D., FMPA, pharmacy clinical care coordinator, Spartan Nash Pharmacy; president, Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists
So, what do we do when we find ourselves in this situation? Do we give up? Throw in the towel? Resign to the idea that it wasn’t meant to be? Sure, we could do that, but I’m going to challenge you to take a different route: Use. Your. Voice. You may be thinking, “Sure, I have been in a situation like this, but how does this apply to the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA)?” Well, the same tenacity that helps us to affect change in our social circles, our communities, our careers and the wider world applies to the Association. I believe that MPA has the power to amplify voices and accelerate forward progress for our profession. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are a few ideas: • Get involved. This one sounds cliché, because we hear it all the time. That said, the reason why you keep hearing it is because too few people are listening. Involvement doesn’t necessarily mean running for a board or vying for a committee appointment. Maybe it’s attending a local event or volunteering in your community. It’s easy to sit back and be critical of those who don’t do something as well as you would have liked, but it’s much more constructive to pitch in and lend a hand towards improving things. • Think critically about the news. Everything has a slant, and misinformation is rampant. The pandemic has drawn more attention to this than ever before. So, be careful when selecting which persons and outlets you listen to and think critically even when hearing new information from someone you trust. It is vital to ensure you are citing accurate, timely and valid information, particularly if you are advocating for positive changes in health care and our profession.
• Take advocacy seriously. Sending a form letter to your legislator endorsing a bill is an excellent start – in fact, it’s more than most people bother to do. But I would encourage you to take it a step or two further. Meet with your legislators, form relationships and don’t rely on the Association to do all the work for you. If there’s an issue you care about, it’s ultimately up to each of us to make it happen. • Hold your leaders accountable. Here, I’m talking about your nominated and elected board members (for example, me), the staff at MPA and other leaders within the Association. You voted for the individuals that serve on the MPA Executive Board and the other boards and committees within MPA. Your membership dues pay the MPA staff to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions. If you aren’t satisfied with the way something is going, it’s on you to reach out, ask questions and work to find a better solution. • Identify a purpose. Every human requires a purpose. It is this purpose that drives us, propels us forward, guides decisions and gives us meaning. Think about what your purpose is for being a member of the Association. Once identified, actively share that purpose with your nominated and elected board members, the staff of MPA and the other leaders within the Association. While it may sound strange, clarifying your purpose can clarify your path, and MPA leaders can help you find your fit within the organization. With strength in numbers, there’s a lot of potential that exists to move our profession forward. Therefore, I’ll leave you with this challenge: Are things not going the way you want them to? Well, today’s the day to start changing that. Use your voice to make it happen.
“With strength in numbers, there’s a lot of potential that exists to move our profession forward. Therefore, I’ll leave you with this challenge: Are things not going the way you want them to? Well, today’s the day to start changing that. Use your voice to make it happen.” 22
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— MSCP FOCUS —
2021 MPA PHARMACY WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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he Pharmacy Workplace Environment Task Force was created by the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Executive Board in 2021 to assess current workplace environment practices and to identify where MPA can help facilitate change. The overarching goal was to raise awareness of the current practice to improve pharmacy workplace environments. The 2021 Task Force charges as identified by the MPA Executive Board were:
BY RONY FOUMIA,
B.S.Pharm, area director, continuity of care, pharmacy, Michigan market, Ascension; chair, MPA Pharmacy Workplace Environment Task Force
The Pharmacy Workplace Environment Task Force was created by the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Executive Board in 2021 to assess current workplace environment practices and to identify where MPA can help facilitate change. The overarching goal was to raise awareness of the current practice to improve pharmacy workplace environments. The 2021 Task Force charges as identified by the MPA Executive Board were: • Charge 1: Review existing Institute for Safe Medication Practices guidelines/recommendations and action taken by other states to address workplace conditions in pharmacies. • Charge 2: Identify and list the factors in the pharmacy workplace believed to play a role in burnout and medications errors.
LINK TO THE FULL REPORT HERE
• Charge 3: Explain how each workplace factor contributes to burnout and/or medication errors and provide the Task Force’s recommendation(s) to address the concern. During the information gathering phase, the Task Force aimed to identify barriers that lead to burnout and errors and methods to decrease preventable errors influenced by the workplace environment, workflow or operational systems. Furthermore, the Task Force sought to raise awareness of burnout of pharmacy professionals and challenges faced throughout pharmacy practice. The Task Force found that the main factors that have caused increased stress on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across all aspects of pharmacy practices are the following: 1. I nadequate staffing models by pharmacy chains, mass merchants and supermarket practices, in addition to poor communication amongst healthcare providers about the expectations for prescription delivery, time to fill, etc. 2. I nability to find adequate applicants for pharmacy technician vacancies across all aspects of pharmacy practice.
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3. I ncreased workloads that became even more exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic in all aspects of pharmacy practice for pharmacists and technicians. 4. P harmacy metric focus by organizations, specifically chain and mass merchant pharmacy settings. 5. I nability for personnel to take appropriate breaks to eat, hydrate and use the restroom during the workday. This was more prevalent in community pharmacy practice locations than institutional settings. Furthermore, sites in community pharmacy practice that offer closure of the pharmacy to allow a meal break have shown mixed results. Many pharmacists reported working during this closure to try to complete work-related tasks. 6. Increasing social issues impacted pharmacy teams and treatment towards them by frustrated/angry patients. 7. P oor communication and/or treatment by direct supervisors offering poor support to the challenges faced by pharmacists. 8. S tress caused by increased worry that the pharmacist may harm patients due to workplace and patient demands and expectations to work quicker than is required for safe practice. 9. L ower levels of control of the pharmacy work environment by pharmacists. 10. W ork-home conflicts due to increased stress levels being brought home by pharmacists & technicians. 11. B urnout related to factors mentioned above causing physical/emotional exhaustion. 12. I nability for pharmacists to find alternative employment when burnout occurs or if a change of environment is desired. 13. D ecrease in compensation and/or lack of or decrease in health benefits for pharmacists. Some employers now are offering full-time positions without health benefits for pharmacists. It is harder for pharmacists to look after their well-being without health benefits. The Task Force utilized various publications during their research and found that workload concerns were a major factor impacting stress levels and overall well-being. Findings show the largest increase in workload concerns came out of chain community pharmacy, mass merchant and supermarket settings.
— MSCP FOCUS —
Findings from the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study (aacp.org). Accessed 2/8/22. https://www.aacp.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/2019_NPWS_Webinar_Slides.pdf
The Task Force provided 10 recommendations and presented their findings and recommendations at the 2022 Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual Convention & Exposition 1. Continuation of the MPA Workplace Environment Task Force. 2. Emphasis on pharmacists to assume their professional responsibility to improve work environments and increase patient safety. 3. Invite employers to start a dialogue and evaluation on the topic of pharmacy workplace environments and increasing patient safety. 4. The Task Force recommends starting a collaborative dialogue on workplace issues, through advocacy from MPA, with the regulatory agencies and bodies. 5. The Task Force found some areas within direct control of pharmacy teams that they can impact to improve pharmacy workplace environments, including communication, training and workflow. 6. Address pharmacy technician recruitment challenges and shortage: One of the biggest challenges the Task Force found across all aspects of pharmacy practice is the difficulty recruiting pharmacy technicians leading to challenges with staffing levels.
8. Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and reimbursement concerns: Addressing reimbursement issues that lead to shrinking margins for pharmacy teams could alleviate the need for cost-cutting and may improve staffing. 9. Help pharmacy personnel seeking alternative employment and a healthier work environment. 10. Continued advocacy around pharmacists earning provider status in Michigan. The task force worked tirelessly to provide their recommendations. The research found that pharmacy workplace environment concerns are an important issue that need increased attention and awareness. The MPA executive board found the issue to be so important that they supported the conversion of the task force into an official and on-going committee. The recommendations of the task force and the continued work of the committee will be to focus on raising awareness about pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ well-being and to also improve patient safety.
7. Importance of focus on patient safety: The Task Force found a lack of focus on patient safety due to poor work environments in many settings.
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— LEGAL INSIGHTS —
FDA CHANGES DIRECTION REGARDING
COMPOUNDED DRUGS I
n February 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended its push to obtain a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between itself and all states. The MOU was issued in October 2020 and essentially attempted to limit the amount of interstate commerce from larger compounding pharmacies licensed in multiple states, although that was not the stated purpose of the MOU. After a lawsuit, as well as pressure from the various states, on Feb. 23, 2022, the FDA suspended ongoing attempts to enforce the MOU.
BY KIM SVESKA, R.Ph.,
Pharm.D., J.D., Foley, Baron, Metzger, and Juip, PLLC
The FDA intends to propose a new MOU at some point in the future. They now must provide an economic impact statement regarding small businesses pursuant to rulings within the lawsuit. States that have already agreed to the MOU will not be required to follow the conditions, nor will states that did not yet agree to the MOU. By way of background, in October 2020, the FDA published the current MOU that set a 5 percent limit on interstate distribution of compounded medications based on the total number of prescriptions dispensed or distributed by the pharmacy or possibly compounding physician practice. The stated intent of the MOU was to reduce the risk associated with compounded drugs, including concerns regarding the difficulty of gathering information about adverse drug experiences, quality issues associated with drugs, and how difficult it might be to coordinate the potentially serious public health issues related to compounding. The types of compounding involved included topical, oral and sterile. The MOU also contained provisions identifying what they called “inordinate amounts” of compounding, which they defined as greater than 50 percent of the prescriptions dispensed from the pharmacy or dispensing prescriber being shipped interstate. If the pharmacy went over the 50 percent, it could be subject
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to additional regulatory scrutiny, which the MOU placed on individual state boards of pharmacy. The MOU did not attempt to affect intrastate distribution of prescription drugs, presumably leaving that to the discretion of the individual state boards of pharmacy. Thus, if a pharmacy only dispensed topical, oral or even sterile-compounded medications within its borders, it would not have been subject to the MOU. It is this author’s opinion that the FDA-generated MOU was intended to place additional restrictions on larger compounding pharmacies distributing prescription medications interstate, because they perceived some pharmacies could attempt to avoid the requirements of the Federal 503A or 503B statutes (USP 797 or cGMP requirements). For those that are actively involved in compounding, this decision limits the FDA’s reach at this point in time. As such, there are currently no restrictions on the amount of dispensing a compounding pharmacy can do either intra or interstate. Stay tuned. It is clear the FDA plans to continue to attempt to limit the amount of interstate compounding. The MOU content can be found at the following website: www.fda.gov/ media/143283/download.
— PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT —
Navigating the Transition from
STUDENT to PHARMACIST T
his time of year is often stressful as many student pharmacists face a job search with the anticipation of graduation in mind. During pharmacy school, student pharmacists are preparing for their future careers in pharmacy. However, once out of pharmacy school, many feel uncertain about how to successfully transition from student to pharmacist. To make things more difficult, becoming licensed during a pandemic and keeping up to date with the evolving literature and policies can be overwhelming. No matter the career path one may choose (retail, health-system, industry, etc.) there are some key strategies to keep in mind while navigating this transition.
Building a Network of Professionals BY MAJA HILL,
Pharm.D., PGY-1 pharmacy resident, Sparrow Hospital
“To deliver the best care to patients, pharmacists must also make sure to take care of themselves.”
Having a network of colleagues to turn to when facing difficult or unusual situations is incredibly important. This network of more experienced colleagues can help guide a young pharmacist through how to tackle challenges based on their collective professional experience. Additionally, company policies can change at a rapid rate, especially in the time of COVID-19, so having colleagues at work that help navigate these changes is vital. Joining professional organizations is another great way to meet fellow pharmacists and expand one’s network. The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is one example. By being a member of MPA, one is able to build relationships with other professionals across the state of Michigan. There is also the opportunity to join a local association and a practice section that relates to one’s area of practice. Getting to know other professionals across the state also opens many doors for collaboration or possible career opportunities and advancement. Having a network of professionals to rely upon is an invaluable resource to have throughout one’s career.
Keeping Up to Date on Literature Once out of pharmacy school, it is now up to the pharmacist to keep up with evolving literature and guidelines. This can seem like a daunting task when considering how pharmacy is constantly changing. However, there are many ways to stay current with drug information. By Michigan law, pharmacists must obtain 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years for license renewal. CE topics range from pain management to vaccine updates to pharmacy law and more. Typically, employers offer free CE opportunities, but additional hours may still be needed. Conferences, such as the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition, are a great way to satisfy multiple CE requirements at once and also help build one’s professional network. There are also other ways to stay up to date outside of CE. Subscribing to major pharmacy and medical journals allows one to receive news about groundbreaking trials and new guidelines. Lastly, obtaining certifications is a great way to learn new information and skills and can help with advancement in the
workplace. For example, retail pharmacists may benefit from the Medication Therapy Management Board Certification, whereas clinical pharmacists can benefit from board certification in their specific area of practice (ex. critical care or oncology). These certifications require extensive studying and knowledge and also require ongoing education even following certification. Evidence-based medicine plays a large role in pharmacy, so it’s important to develop these skills early and continue practicing them throughout one’s career.
Identifying as the Pharmacist Being a pharmacist means being a leader in the pharmacy. The technicians, interns and patients rely on the pharmacist for help and guidance. While it is normal to feel nervous when one is first licensed, it is also a very exciting time. One concern many newly licensed pharmacists face is the environment of their workplace. The pandemic has exacerbated the high workload and limited staff that challenge many pharmacies. As a leader in the pharmacy, it is important for pharmacists to clearly communicate their needs and the needs of their team with the pharmacist in charge (PIC) and district leaders. To deliver the best care to patients, pharmacists must also make sure to take care of themselves. While advocating for oneself can be intimidating as a new graduate, it can greatly improve one’s job satisfaction and that of one’s team, while also improving patient care. Another area new graduates may have hesitancy in is performing the tasks of the pharmacist. While it takes time to gain confidence, remember the extensive training every pharmacist receives. New practitioners have the knowledge and skills to be in this role, as well as a network of professionals to rely on when they need assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always keep patient safety in mind. It’s important for pharmacists to take every opportunity they can to teach and lead their team, since a united team will lead to success. Recognizing oneself as the pharmacist will become more natural over time, especially as one gains experience and confidence. Someday you will become the experienced pharmacist that new graduates look to for help and advice. 2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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— LADC FEATURE —
LOCAL ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT:
OAKLAND COUNTY PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
Q&A
1. Your name and title: Hanadi Thomas, president, Oakland County Pharmacists Association (OCPA)
OCPA’s Wayne County liaison Greg Baise receives a vaccination from OCPA member Tarek Hassoun at the annual St. John Health Fair, sponsored by OCPA and Wayne County Pharmacists Association, in Southfield in 2016.
2. Number of years as an MPA/OCPA member: I was an MPA student member before I graduated in 2001 and then got back involved in 2012. I have been a member ever since. 3. When was your Local formed? I don’t know the exact year, but I did speak with Geri Smith who said that she remembers it when she moved to Michigan in 1978. 4. How did you learn about your local association? I was invited to some of the membership recruitment events and continuing education (CE) events by executive board member Dale Tucker from 2009 – 2011. She was my preceptor during my rotation in 2000. I attended a few of these events with my pharmacy interns and really enjoyed being a part of a local pharmacy organization. 5. Where and when does your Local hold meetings? We usually hold in-person meetings at Kerby’s Coney Island in Troy. Due to COVID-19, we have been holding our meetings via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month starting at 7 p.m.
OCPA members participate in a bowling membership recruitment event in 2017 in Oakland County.
6. Why do you feel it is valuable to support and join a local association? How has it benefitted you? Being a part of a local association has allowed me to meet other pharmacists and collaborate with them to help move the profession of pharmacy forward. It has also allowed me to make a difference in the profession by advocating for new legislation and educating the public, while also making lifelong friends. 7. Do you have a favorite event or memory related to your Local? I have served on the OCPA Executive Board for 10 years. I have many favorite events, which include organizing educational talks at local libraries for the public, charity walks at the Detroit Zoo and membership recruitment events. 8. Please list any upcoming events: CE: Pharmacy Ethics and Jurisprudence, Thursday, April 28, 2022, via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
OCPA members attend the 2022 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition where they submitted three resolutions to the MPA House of Delegates.
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9. Who is a good contact at your Local for further information and questions? Hanadithomas@yahoo.com (preferred) or oaklandpharm@gmail.com
— LADC FEATURE —
LOCAL MEETINGS & EVENTS Capital Area Pharmacists Association (CAPA) April 30, 2022 Advent House Community Service Event, 3 p.m. May 4, 2022 Implicit Bias CE, 7 p.m., Virtual via Zoom Contact: Curtis Smith (CAPApharm@gmail.com)
Western Michigan Pharmacy Association April 21, 2022 Board Meeting 7 p.m. (all members welcome) Ted’s (restaurant) 14977 Cleveland St., Spring Lake Contact: Bill Overkamp (bill_overkamp@att.net)
Kent County Pharmacists Association (KCPA) April 20, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Virtual via Zoom May 18, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Location TBD Contact: kcpapharmacists@gmail.com
Macomb County Pharmacists Association (MCPA) April 21, 2022 Monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom
May 19, 2022 Monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom
June 16, 2022 Monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom
Contact: John Brubaker (jackandjohn@comcast.net)
Oakland County Pharmacists Association (OCPA)
Wayne County Pharmacists Association (WCPA)
April 14, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Virtual via Zoom
April 19, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom
May 12, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Virtual via Zoom June 25, 2022 9th Annual Baseball Fund Raiser for FAWN (Fighting AIDS with Nutrition) At Jimmy Johns Field Utica, MI, 7:05 p.m.
May 17, 2022 Monthly Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom Contact: Dan Lobb (gandalf480@aol.com)
Contact: Hanadi Thomas (HanadiThomas@yahoo.com)
2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET
Pharmacy Management Partners (PMP) is a team of member pharmacies and vendors, partnered to maximize revenue and improve efficiencies to increase profitability for independent pharmacy members.
Exclusive Buying Group endorsed by PSI, subsidiary of
TO LEARN MORE CALL 844-767-9467 or VISIT pharmacymangementpartners.com Shelly Wolverton Account Manager 616-485-6753 swolverton@rxpmp.com
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Heather Meyers Account Manager 517-214-6778 hmeyers@rxpmp.com
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE ANNUAL MPF GOLF CLASSIC Wednesday, July 20, 2022 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eldorado Golf Course 3750 W. Howell Rd., Mason
The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to start thinking about golf—specifically the Michigan Pharmacy Foundations (MPF) Golf Classic on July 20. The MPF Board of Trustees is excited to continue the tradition of this annual fundraising event, which supports Student Pharmacist Scholarships, Innovative Pilot Projects, and a Health Professional Leadership Academy. The event will be an 18-hole, four-person scramble with men’s, women’s, and mixed team flights permitted. Whether you are a professional golfer or have never golfed before, you are sure to enjoy the day with colleagues, family and friends in this format of play. Discounted registration is available through June 20 and can be found online at Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Golf Outing 2022 at www.MichiganPharmacists.org/Education-Events/Events-Calendar/ Michigan-Pharmacy-Foundation-Golf-Classic. For more details about this year’s event, please email MPF Executive Director Rick Drabek at rdrabek@MichiganPharmacists.org.
MPA Past President Ed Szandzik, MPA Chair Heather Christensen, MPA President-Elect Hope Broxterman and Jayson Zebari made up the winning first place team at the 2021 MPF Annual Golf Classic.
2021 second place team members Todd Raehtz, Kevin Johnson, Steven Craig and Chris Maksym.
Chad Day makes the winning putt at the 2021 MPF Golf Classic Putting Contest.
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— COVER YOUR ASSETS —
PROTECTING YOU is Our Business As we begin the second quarter of 2022, I’m struck by how quickly time is flying. 2021 seems like a blur and was over before we recognized it was gone. PSI Insurance Agency had an eventful year. As many know, we acquired another agency and brought on two new staff members, Scott Harris and Dave Spoelman. With the many years they bring and the new companies we’ve added, we’re in a great position to continue to serve the membership of MPA now and in the future. BY RON DEVERS,
CIC, CPIA, director of operations, PSI Insurance Agency
Another highlight of our year means a great deal to me personally and professionally. I am honored to be recognized by Auto Owners Life Insurance Company as qualifying for their President’s Club. This recognizes the top 25 agents for their production of life insurance sales from more than 22,000 agents in 30 states. PSI Insurance Agency finished seventh in the state of Michigan and 34th nationally from over 6,000 agencies. I am so proud of this accomplishment and for our agency to get this recognition.
February of every year is Insure Your Love month. September of each year is Life Insurance Awareness month. Both are very important as we want to get people thinking about their life insurance needs and what goals they have for their families in planning for the future. Our goal is to have the insurance discussion every day and every month, not just on the special recognition months. Why? Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Our goal is to protect and serve our customers’ needs, regardless of the type of insurance being discussed. Let us know how we can assist in working with you to protect your family and their financial futures. We’re here to serve and help. Protecting your family and your business is our business.
I have a sign on my door that reads: “My job is to ask you about Life Insurance. Please don’t make it my job to tell your family that you didn’t have any.” 32
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— COVER YOUR ASSETS —
“It is a high honor to be recognized among the top 25 Auto-Owners agents in the country,” Devers said. “My aim is always to protect the assets of my clients and to provide exceptional, personalized customer service along the way. I am grateful for the support from account manager Ellen Rodriguez, without whom this achievement wouldn’t have been possible, as well as the outstanding support from MPA members and staff, and my own wife and family.”
PSI Insurance Agency Director Ron Devers Earns Auto-Owners President’s Club Award Ron Devers, director of the PSI Insurance Agency, an affiliate of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), has achieved the President’s Club distinction with Auto-Owners Life Insurance Company for 2021. The President’s Club honors the top 25 Life, Health and Annuity agents nationwide for Auto-Owners Life Insurance Company in a calendar year. Auto-Owners, a Fortune 500 Company, currently has over 22,000 authorized agents in 30 states. The PSI Insurance Agency has represented Auto-Owners Insurance Company for more than 29 years.
the PSI Insurance Agency team, maintaining their existing clientele, while also expanding services to include Auto-Owners Insurance and Michigan Insurance Company.
About PSI Insurance Agency
“It is a high honor to be recognized among the top 25 Auto-Owners agents in the country,” Devers said. “My aim is always to protect the assets of my clients and to provide exceptional, personalized customer service along the way. I am grateful for the support from account manager Ellen Rodriguez, without whom this achievement wouldn’t have been possible, as well as the outstanding support from MPA members and staff, and my own wife and family.”
PSI Insurance Agency was formed in 1993, initially to offer a full range of competitive, cost-saving business and personal insurance products to MPA members, independent pharmacy owners and their employees. Over the years, PSI Insurance has expanded to serve a broad range of clientele. They offer a full line of personal insurance products, including home, auto, health, life, disability and professional liability. Business insurance products include worker’s compensation, property and casualty, commercial auto, professional liability, cyber liability and liquor liability. The PSI Insurance Agency team is committed to growth through acquisitions and mergers that will support customers’ expanding insurance needs and help clients protect their assets. For more information, visit www.PSIInsurance.net.
The Agency in December finalized the acquisition of Lansing-based Mid Michigan Insurance Group (MMIG), which has relocated to PSI Insurance Agency’s office at MPA headquarters. Scott Harris, CPIA, LUTCF, and Dave Spoelman, sales manager, are excellent additions to
MPA strives to serve members by providing support, advocacy and resources that ultimately improve patient care, safety, health and the practice of pharmacy. For more information, visit www. MichiganPharmacists.org.
This is Devers’ second time earning the President’s Club award. PSI Insurance Agency finished seventh in the state of Michigan and 34th nationally for its life insurance production.
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— PAAS NATIONAL —
BEST PRACTICES FOR
VACCINE DOCUMENTATION
W
ithout question, vaccine claims are on the rise! Consequently, PAAS National® analysts have recently seen an increased number of PBM audits for these claims. Consider a few best practices to reduce your risk of audit recoupments:
Billing
Quantity - Submit the correct National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) billing unit of each (EA) or milliliter (mL) based on vaccine product. Day Supply - NCPDP recommends that all vaccine claims be submitted as a one-day supply.
Origin Code
BY TRENTON THIEDE,
Pharm.D., MBA, president, PAAS National®, expert third party audit assistance and FWA/HIPAA compliance
Submit the origin code in accordance with how you received the prescription 1. Written, prescription obtained via paper. 2. T elephone, prescription obtained via oral instructions or interactive voice response using a phone. 3. E lectronic, prescription obtained via SCRIPT or HL7 Standard transactions, or electronically within closed systems. 4. F acsimile, prescription obtained via transmission use of a fax machine. 5. P harmacy, this value is used to cover any situation where a new Rx number needs to be created from an existing valid prescription such as traditional transfers, intrachain transfers, file buys, software upgrades/migrations and any reason necessary
Item
to “give it a new number.” This value is also the appropriate value for “Pharmacy dispensing” when applicable such as BTC (behind the counter), Plan B, established protocols, pharmacists’ authority to prescribe, etc. Note that codes 1-4 represent patient-specific prescriptions while code 5 covers various other situations.
Prescriber ID • Submit the NPI of the prescriber. • This would be the prescriber of a patient-specific prescription or standing protocol. • This would be the pharmacist Type 1 NPI (individual) as per state law where pharmacists have prescribing authority or when ordered under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act declaration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PAAS Tips: • Common errors found during audits are wrong quantity billed and missing VAR documentation. • See CDC website or immunize.org for sample forms and additional resources.
Comments
Requested in audits
Authority to Administer • You may have a patient-specific prescription with all elements required by state law. • Prescription • You may have a standing protocol or collaborative practice agreement. • Standing Protocol • For situations where you are administering pursuant to a protocol, CPA or PREP Act declaration, PAAS • Collaborative Practice recommends creating a “placeholder prescription” with all normal prescription elements for your files. Agreement (CPA) • PREP Act Declaration
Yes
Screening Checklist
Not requested by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), however should retain for your records.
No
Vaccine Administration Record (VAR)
Must document every administration (required by law).
Yes
VIS or EUA Fact Sheet
Most current version must be provided prior to each administration (required by law).
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Include at least the following: 1. Date of administration 2. Vaccine manufacturer 3. Vaccine lot number and expiration date 4. Site of injection 5. Name and title of the person who administered the vaccine 6. Vaccine information statement (VIS) or emergency use authorization (EUA) fact sheet • Date printed on the VIS •D ate the VIS was given to the patient or parent/guardian
MichiganPharmacists.org
No
— FEATURE —
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS Student Pharmacist Finds Professional Development on World Stage
I
have acted in various roles in my past three years as a student pharmacist at Ferris State University, including leadership roles on various student organizations. One such organization has been the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), where my involvement has grown from communications committee member to international vice president and now to serving on the International Standing Committee (ISC) as the student exchange officer-elect. BY MARIA GONZALEZ CHAVEZ, BA, Pharm.D.-
MPH candidate, 2023, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, APhA-ASP/IPSF student exchange officer-elect, IPSF PARO regional media and publications officer
The ISC, one of the five national standing committees of APhA-ASP, acts as a bridge between APhA-ASP and the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF). It is composed of the national project coordinator, the national contact person, the student exchange officer/chair, and the student exchange officer-elect. The ISC helps local chapters coordinate projects that align with both APhAASP national patient care projects and IPSF campaigns. In addition, the ISC and the student exchange officer coordinate the Student Exchange Program (SEP). This past October, I had the pleasure of moderating a live panel of APhA-ASP students to discuss the different careers within the profession of pharmacy. This event was part of APhA-ASP Virtual SEP, hosted by the ISC in the place of inperson exchanges. The purpose was to expose international students to pharmacy practice in the United States, which was accomplished through videos, short presentations, interactive quizzes and a student panel. To support the program, I had the chance to conduct and record video interviews with pharmacy school faculty and alumni shown during the program. This was a successful endeavor with over 500 responses of interest and daily attendance of 50-75 students. This experience highlights the work and opportunities provided through my involvement in the APhA-ASP National Standing Committee. The SEP is a program that allows students to travel and experience pharmacy practice in a foreign country. The SEO officer and SEO officer-elect coordinate the placement of outgoing APhA-ASP students and the placement of
incoming IPSF students. Although the program was mainly held virtually in the last couple of years due to COVID-19, it will be resuming in person this year. We are currently working arduously to ensure student placements in the U.S. and abroad. This past year working in the ISC, I have had the opportunity to participate in various events that have tremendously contributed to my leadership and professional development. During the summer, I participated in the IPSF Pan American Regional Office (PARO) Regional Assembly, which gave me a first-hand look at the parliamentary process and the election process of the Regional Working Group for PARO. This experience has also allowed me to become more involved with IPSF PARO as regional media and publications officer. In addition to attending the regional assembly, I also attended several sessions of the world congress hosted virtually by South Korea. I also participated in the APhAASP Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), both as moderator and presenter. The purpose of the SLI was to provide local APhA-ASP chapter leaders with the resources needed to conduct a successful and engaging year. Students participated in breakout rooms moderated by members of the National Standing Committee, including a FRIENDSthemed room that I ran. It was a wonderful experience connecting with other students across the country. It is not difficult for students to feel deprived of valuable lessons and experiences because of the COVID-19 epidemic. As students, many of us have had to grapple with online learning and most recently, a transition from a virtual platform back to in-person learning. Not only has this been a challenge to student learning, but it has also been a hindrance to the engagement and involvement in extracurricular and professional development activities. I have been fortunate to have found an area that engages me. The APhA-ASP National Standing Committee has also provided me with the space to interact with students and grow daily as a professional. 2022 Apr./May/June | Vol. 60, Issue 2
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