Pharmacy Journal of New England • Fall 2018
From the CPA’s Desk… Dear Readers: As the new CEO at the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA), I wear many hats. Editor-in-Chief of PJNE is one of these hats, and I’m excited to share in this venture with MPhA. Before going any further, though, I want to give a huge huge thank you to Marghie Giuliano, for her 19 years leading CPA! She has left a legacy that will be hard to equal-and a strong, effective and active association. As we all know, change can be difficult, but over the past few weeks, Marghie has been a mentor, guide, and partner in transitioning the organization. Both CPA and I are in her debt, and we wish her all the best in her next adventure. Since assuming my new role on October 1, it has been a bit of a whirlwind. On October 4, I appeared before the state Insurance Department to testify against the proposed CVS-Aetna merger. Just one week later, the Department of Justice (DOJ) conditionally approved the $69 billion vertical integration deal. Now that the Connecticut state Insurance Department has approved the merger, CPA hopes Connecticut will enact strong legislation that allows the Insurance Department to regularly and aggressively regulate the new entity. Any savings generated by negotiated drug prices should be directly passed on to consumers. We will continue to keep a close watch on the long-term impact of this merger. On a different note, you may have noticed that we are completely redesigning PJNE. As we continue to do so, I want to invite you to help us make this publication useful, insightful, informative, and relevant. Your knowledge and insight can be a great asset, and I invite you to contribute to PJNE as a writer. Whether your expertise is patient care, immunization or diabetes, the business of pharmacy, whatever—we can use your experience. Write about something you’re passionate about and send it to us. The New England pharmacy community is exactly that—a vital, active, community—and I am excited to join it.
Nathan Tinker CEO
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