OUTLOOK
Staying connected Networking opportunities are important to many community pharmacy owners. Through the events and meetings held by state pharmacy associations, members get the chance to mingle with peers and find out what others are doing in their practices. “A lot of times after meetings, they’ll sit off in a corner and talk about issues that they might be facing,” Fitzwater said. “It’s that collective mentality, to know that others are addressing the same issues you are, that’s so helpful. Our members are pretty good about sharing information because their service areas don’t always overlap, so they’re willing to assist their friends and colleagues.” It’s not just about business either. “In many cases they have an opportunity to meet with old friends and former classmates from pharmacy school,” said Larkin of the Kansas Pharmacists Association (KPhA). “That’s one of the things that our members say they enjoy most about KPhA. They get an opportunity to go back and renew acquaintances they made years ago. And, there’s just a host of opportunities to do that.” The Florida Pharmacy Association offers their members an online network so they can collaborate and chat with other members whenever they want. “Our long term care pharmacists can form a group. Our independent pharmacists can form a group. And they can message each other to get answers to questions they might run into,” Jackson said. “It allows for greater connectivity among our members who share common interests.”
association is the best way for independent pharmacists to find out what’s going on in their state,” Larkin said. Many state pharmacy associations regularly provide members with information on hot topics and important issues in pharmacy. “So, if an inspector walks into their pharmacy and says, ‘Let me see your policies and procedures on fraud and abuse,’ our members don’t have to say, ‘What are you talking about?’ They already know about it,” Jackson said. “We can’t monitor everything that’s out there, but we can get our hands on the majority of things they need to be aware of.” Right now the Kansas Pharmacists Association is putting together a law book for its members that organizes all of the state pharmacy laws into one convenient tabbed book. This is just one example of how state pharmacy associations keep their members up to date on information they might not know about otherwise. State pharmacy associations are also willing to help their members with questions as needed. “I’m often on the phone talking to members about interpretations of various laws and rules that affect their practice and their business. We help close some of that gap for them,” Jackson said.
“In many cases they have an opportunity to meet with old friends and former classmates from pharmacy school,” said Larkin of the Kansas Pharmacists Association or KPhA. “That’s one of the things that our members say they enjoy most about KPhA. They get an opportunity to go back and renew acquaintances they made years ago. And, there’s just a host of opportunities to do that.”
Information you need As a community pharmacy owner, you know that it’s tough to stay on top of all of the regulations, requirements and laws you have to keep up with. But you know if you don’t, it can cost you money. That’s where state pharmacy associations can help. “The state pharmacy
Helping your business Your state association offers support with anything that affects your ability to provide services to your patients. It works as an advocate and a resource for you and for your business—if you choose to use and support it. “In order for the business of pharmacy to be successful, the profession of pharmacy has to have a role within health care,” said Snead, of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. “If independent pharmacies aren’t involved in shaping the role of the profession, they’re not going to have a viable business model for the future.”
Elements | pbahealth.com
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