November 2015 Florida Pharmacy Journal by Florida Pharmacy Today

The Official Publication Of The Florida Pharmacy Association NOV. 2015

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

2016 FPA ELECTION INFORMATION INSIDE

Buying, Selling or Starting a Pharmacy? We can help you practice pharmacy your way. Our dedicated and experienced ownership consultants can help you achieve your goals. From planning and financing to site selection and product mix, we deliver answers you can trust. Set your pharmacy-ownership goals and point your future in the right direction with the help of RxOwnership. Visit RxOwnership.com or call 800.266.6781 today!

RxOwnership.com

florida PHARMACY TODAY Departments 4 Calendar 4 Advertisers 5 President’s Viewpoint 7 Executive Insight 29 Buyer’s Guide

VOL. 78 | NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2015 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

Features

11 14 16 18 20

AMA Calls for Ban on Direct to Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices Talking to Patients About Adherence

FDA Takes Action to Protect Consumers from Potentially Dangerous Dietary Supplements Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays

2016 FPA Election Ballot Information

NOVEMBER 2015

Mission Statements:

FPA Calendar 2015-16

DECEMBER 5-6

FPA Regulatory and Law Conference Sarasota

24-25 Christmas Holidays (FPA Office Closed) JANUARY 1 12

New Year’s Day (FPA Office Closed) 2016 Legislative Session Begins

19-20 Florida Pharmacist Legislative Days Event

of the Florida Pharmacy Today Journal MARCH

4 - 7

APhA Annual Meeting Baltimore, MD

Legislative Session ends

19-20 FPA Committee and Council Meetings Orlando APRIL 16 - 17 FPA Clinical Conference Tampa MAY 1 - 3

NASPA Leadership Retreat

Deadline for FPA Resolutions

23-24 Law Conference Sandestin

Deadline for Vice Speaker and Director nominations

21-22 FPA CE Conference Jacksonville

23 - 24 FPA Law and Regulatory Conference

Last day to submit election ballots FEBRUARY

28 - Awards Nomination Due

For a complete calendar of events go to www.pharmview.com Events calendar subject to change CE CREDITS (CE cycle) The Florida Board of Pharmacy requires 10 hours’ LIVE Continuing Education as part of the required 30 hours’ general education needed every license renewal period. Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this biennial period by September 30, 2017 or prior to licensure renewal. Consultant pharmacists and technicians will need to review their licenses and registrations by December 31, 2016. For Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Application, Exam Information and Study materials, please contact the FPA office. For more information on CE programs or events, please contact the Florida Pharmacy Association at (850) 222-2400 or visit our website at www.pharmview.com CONTACTS FPA — Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400 FSHP — Tamekia Bennett (850) 906-9333 U/F — Art Wharton (352) 273-6240 FAMU — Leola Cleveland (850) 599-3301 NSU — Carsten Evans (954) 262-1300

The Florida Pharmacy Today Journal is a peer-reviewed journal which serves as a medium through which the Florida Pharmacy Association can communicate with the profession on advances in the sciences of pharmacy, socio-economic issues bearing on pharmacy and newsworthy items of interest to the profession. As a self-supported journal, it solicits and accepts advertising congruent with its expressed mission.

of the Florida Pharmacy Today Board of Directors

The mission of the Florida Pharmacy Today Board of Directors is to serve in an advisory capacity to the managing editor and executive editor of the Florida Pharmacy Today Journal in the establishment and interpretation of the Journal’s policies and the management of the Journal’s fiscal responsibilities. The Board of Directors also serves to motivate the Florida Pharmacy Association members to secure appropriate advertising to assist the Journal in its goal of self-support.

Advertisers BOWL OF HYGEIA............................................ 15 THE HEALTH LAW FIRM............................... 27 KAHAN HEIMBERG, PLC................................. 9 PHARMACISTS MUTUAL.............................. 11 PPSC....................................................................... 9 Rx OWNERSHIP.................................................. 2

DISCLAIMER Articles in this publication are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that neither Florida Pharmacy Today nor the Florida Pharmacy Association is engaged in rendering legal or other professional services through this publication. If expert assistance or legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The use of all medications or other pharmaceutical products should be used according to the recommendations of the manufacturers. Information provided by the maker of the product should always be consulted before use.

4 |

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

E-MAIL YOUR SUGGESTIONS/IDEAS TO dave@fiorecommunications.com

The President’s Viewpoint BY GUEST COLUMNIST BOB PARRADO, BPHARM., R.PH.

Resolving Red Flags

Allowing Patients To Obtain Their Lawfully Prescribed Medications

hat is a “red flag?” What do pharmacists do with a “red flag?” Can we resolve a “red flag?” Can a “red flag” be nonresolvable? The big question is: Why are we calling them “red flags?” A red flag gives the perception that we have to stop. What would happen if we referred to them as “yellow flags?” This would indicate we should slow down and evaluate the prescription instead of arriving at a hard stop and automatically denying a patient their lawfully prescribed medication. If a prescription has one or more “red flags,” are we stopping the dispensing process at that point and denying the patient their medication? There has been much media attention paid to this issue due to patients and physicians complaining about the barriers pain patients have to face to access their lawfully prescribed medication. Why is this happening? Is it fear of sanctioning by the state boards of pharmacy? Is it fear of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) “taking your license?” Are you having difficulty obtaining medications from your wholesaler and are unable to provide your patient with sufficient medication? I have served on the Florida Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacist member and as chairman of the board. I have never seen or heard of anyone having their pharmacist license sanctioned by a state board of pharmacy for filling a valid prescription. The DEA cannot take your license to practice as a pharmacist. The DEA issues permits to pharmacies, not pharmacists. They cannot take something they did not issue to you. So why are pharmacists in fear of potential sanctioning?

There have been several well-publicized actions by the DEA against large pharmacy chains and wholesale distributors resulting in doubledigit million dollar fines and suspensions. Pharmacists and physicians have been convicted of trafficking of con-

If a prescription has one or more “red flags,” are we stopping the dispensing process at that point and denying the patient their medication? trolled substances and penalized with long prison sentences. Why did these fines, suspensions and prison sentences happen? It is because the individuals involved in these cases did not do the due diligence required to verify the validity of the prescriptions presented to them with “red flags.” They subsequently provided the patient with controlled substances anyway. Sometimes pharmacists struggle to determine what a valid physician-patient relationship is supposed to be. DEA rules are very vague in describing that relationship. The problems that

By Bob Parrado, BPharm., R.Ph.

pharmacists may have when attempting to balance diversion avoidance and removing barriers to accessing medications are a legitimate concern. Let’s consider what is required of a pharmacist before they can dispense a controlled substance prescription. Federal law CFR 1306.04(a) sets the standard for determining the validity of a prescription and the corresponding responsibility of the pharmacist to verify that the order is valid. This law says that for a prescription to be valid: 1) it must have been issued by a practitioner in the course of their professional practice; and 2) it must be for a legitimate medical purpose. Those two points are what a pharmacist must verify. Did the practitioner issue the prescription in the course of their professional practice? How do you know? Calling the office using a phone number on file in your computer database, and not what is printNOVEMBER 2015

2015-16 FPA Board of Directors The Florida Pharmacy Association gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the following members of the FPA leadership who work diligently all year long on behalf of our members.

Suzanne Kelley..................................................................................................Board Chair Timothy Rogers..........................................................................................FPA President Alexander Pytlarz.................................................................................... FPA Treasurer Scott Tomerlin...........................................................................................President-Elect Jackie Donovan........................................................................Speaker of the House Carol Motycka................................................................Vice Speaker of the House Thomas Johns......................................................................................... FSHP President Jennifer Raquipo................................................................................. Region 1 Director Michael Hebb.........................................................................................Region 2 Director Tom Cuomo.............................................................................................Region 3 Director Linda Lazuka.........................................................................................Region 4 Director Robert Parrado...................................................................................Region 5 Director Luther Laite IV.....................................................................................Region 6 Director David Mackarey.................................................................................. Region 7 Director Humberto Martinez..........................................................................Region 8 Director Mitchell Fingerhut.............................................................................Region 9 Director

Florida Pharmacy Today Journal Board Chair.............................................................. Carol Motycka, motycka@cop.ufl.edu Vice Chair....................................................Cristina Medina, cmmedina@cvs.com Treasurer....................Stephen Grabowski, sgrabowski@seniormmc.com Secretary.............. Verender Gail Brown, brownvgrx4304@hotmail.com Member.................................................Joseph Koptowsky, docjik1215@aol.com Member.............................. Rebecca Poston, Rebecca.Poston@flhealth.gov Member.................................................Patricia Nguebo, notablep@hotmail.com Member................................................................Norman Tomaka, FLRX9@aol.com Member........................................................................Stuart Ulrich, Stuarx@aol.com Member............................................................. Don Bergemann, don@bceinfo.com Executive Editor................Michael Jackson, mjackson@pharmview.com Managing Editor...................Dave Fiore, dave@fiorecommunications.com Journal Reviewer....................... Dr. Melissa Ruble, mruble@health.usf.edu Journal Reviewer....................................Dr. Angela Hill, ahill2@health.usf.edu

ed on the prescription, is the first step. A forged prescription will often have the forger’s phone number printed on it. Personally speaking with the prescribing practitioner who issued the prescription should be your standard of practice. Occasionally, office staff personnel with access to prescription blanks are known to be involved in the diversion of controlled substances. Verify with the prescriber that there is a valid patient-practitioner relationship and the medication and dose prescribed is consistent with the medical condition of the patient. How do you know that there is a legitimate medical purpose for this medication? The “red flags” that are often referred to are indications that the prescription may not have been issued for a legitimate medical purpose. A red flag is anything that causes a pharmacist to be concerned and is common with situations that have been historically linked to the diversion of controlled substances. Examples of red flags (not all-inclusive): ■■ Known drugs of abuse (oxycodone, hydromorphone, alprazolam, fentanyl, carisoprodol) ■■ Cocktails (trinity: hyrocodone-alprazolam-carisoprodol and holy trinity: oxycodone-alprazolam-carisoprodol) ■■ Unusual behavior of patient (nervous, overly friendly, aggressive, threatening) ■■ Geography (distance between patient home, physician office and pharmacy) ■■ Cannot afford insurance (financial hardship) but pay cash (large sums of cash enough to purchase insurance) ■■ Has insurance but do not want to use insurance for CS ■■ Street names (blues, oxys, zanny bars, dans for Soma) ■■ Multiple prescribers (doctor shopping) ■■ Only controlled substances on profile ■■ One person presenting prescriptions for CS for multiple patients ■■ Multiple patients presenting from See Viewpoint continued on p. 8

6 |

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

Executive Insight BY MICHAEL RPH BY GUEST COLUMNIST MUSA DARWISH, FPA JACKSON, INTERN ATTENDING FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

Pharmacy Benefit Managers:

How the Middleman is Affecting the Healthcare System

s a pharmacy student, I was asked to write a paper on trends in pharmacy that matter for the future of the pharmacy profession. As a pharmacist who is entering the beginning stages of his career, I sometimes feel that I can relate to the movie “The Last Samurai,” in that I am the last samurai fighting the good fight against abandoning the old ways and refusing to embrace the modernization of my nation. I am sure many of you can relate; that we, as pharmacists, are trying to resist the “modernization of our profession.” With another presidential election right around the corner, one subject continues to be a polarizing topic in every election, for as long as I can remember: healthcare costs. While we may not agree on who should have access to care, how healthcare should be paid for or when the federal government should or should not intervene on behalf of the American people, there is one thing that both sides of the aisle should be in unison about: the role that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) play and their business practices in the healthcare sector. For those who have heard this term but are unfamiliar with it, PBMs are, in layman’s terms, the “middleman” of prescription drug medications. If we know one thing about middlemen, it is that claims of lowering the cost of a product are worth exploring and validating. An example of this would be going to shop at wholesale club versus a traditional grocery store or pharmacy. Going to a wholesale club allows you to buy items in bulk, therefore allow-

ing you to save in the long term. It only makes sense if the buyer has the capital to make bulk purchases in the hopes of longer-term savings. How does this relate back to pharmacy and healthcare costs? Well, in the scheme of things, we must understand how a pharmacy is paid. The pharmacy acquires a drug, which sits on a shelf,

With another presidential election right around the corner, one subject continues to be a polarizing topic in every election, for as long as I can remember: healthcare costs. costing the pharmacy money for it to remain on the shelf. This is the reason we have dispensing fees. The national average cost in 2015 to dispense a medication was $10.50.1 That means, in order to be compensated, the pharmacy would have to be reimbursed $10.50 to cover the cost of holding the medication on the shelf and dispensing the medication. In theory, insurance companies should pay the cost of the medication plus this $10.50, and this would ultimately help to keep pharmacy businesses viable.3 Nationally, Medicaid re-

Musa Darwish,FPA Intern Attending Florida A&M University

imbursed at an average rate of $4.50 per prescription in 2007.3 Reimbursement for pharmacy Medicaid services is very likely much lower than $4.50. Because PBM activity has been steadily on the rise for a number of years, PBMs have been amounting massive volumes of revenue. They have been able to do this by promising their clients (the insurance companies) ways to save money. Their function is to review the medications of a patient and make sure that the patient needs a medication or that they are not duplicating medications. If the medication is not seen as therapeutically necessary or included on the PBM’s formulary drug list, the PBM will flag it in the system, not allowing the prescription to be covered by the patient’s insurance plan. When this occurs, the patient is

See Executive Insight continued on p. 9 NOVEMBER 2015 |

FPA STAFF Executive Vice President/CEO Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400, ext. 200

Director of Continuing Education Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120 Controller Wanda Hall, ext. 211

Educational Services Office Assistant Stacey Brooks, ext. 210 Coordinator of Membership Christopher Heil, ext. 110

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY BOARD Chair..................................... Carol Motycka, St. Augustine Vice Chair................................Cristina Medina, Hollywood Treasurer...............................Stephen Grabowski, Tampa Secretary.........................Verender Gail Brown, Orlando Member..................................... Joseph Koptowsky, Miami Member..............................Rebecca Poston, Tallahassee Member.............................................. Patricia Nguebo, Ocala Member................................. Norman Tomaka, Melbourne Member..............................Stuart Ulrich, Boynton Beach Member.......................Don Bergemann, Tarpon Springs Executive Editor.........Michael Jackson, Tallahassee Managing Editor.........................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee

This is a peer-reviewed publication. ©2015, FLORIDA PHARMACY JOURNAL, INC. ARTICLE ACCEPTANCE: The Florida Pharmacy Today is a publication that welcomes articles that have a direct pertinence to the current practice of pharmacy. All articles are subject to review by the Publication Review Committee, editors and other outside referees. Submitted articles are received with the understanding that they are not being considered by another publication. All articles become the property of the Florida Pharmacy Today and may not be published without written permission from both the author and the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Florida Pharmacy Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions made by the authors to the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Journal of the Florida Pharmacy Association does not accept for publication articles or letters concerning religion, politics or any other subject the editors/ publishers deem unsuitable for the readership of this journal. In addition, The Journal does not accept advertising material from persons who are running for office in the association. The editors reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Letters and materials submitted for consideration for publication may be subject to review by the Editorial Review Board. FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY, Annual subscription - United States and foreign, Individual $36; Institution $70/year; $5.00 single copies. Florida residents add 7% sales tax. FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

610 N. Adams St. • Tallahassee, FL 32301 850/222-2400 • FAX 850/561-6758 Web Address: http://www.pharmview.com 8 | FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

Viewpoint continued from p. 6

same prescriber for same or like prescriptions The pharmacist has a responsibility to resolve any “red flag” that presents on a prescription. Is it possible for a person or persons to travel long distances to see a physician and then travel to your pharmacy? Of course. A simple conversation with the patient will help you understand why the patient chose to travel these long distances. Are they coming to a large cancer center or other reputable medical facility to be diagnosed and treated by a boarded and well-known practitioner? That is a resolvable red flag. Several people traveling together from another state with the same or similar prescriptions for an opioid, a benzodiazepine and carisoprodol written by the same physician may be a non-resolvable red flag. Seeing dozens and dozens of prescriptions written in this manner on a daily basis becomes a non-resolvable red flag. A pharmacist has to use their professional judgment, experience and, at times, pure common sense to evaluate the many different scenarios that may present in a pharmacy. Once you have resolved the “red flag,” document your efforts in a readily retrievable place, such as on the back of the prescription or in an electronic database. If the prescription is ever questioned, you will be able to explain the due diligence you performed in arriving at your decision to dispense the prescription. Not being able to access sufficient quantities of controlled substances to serve your patients is a conversation you should have with your wholesaler. Wholesale distributors are required by the DEA and the State of Florida to evaluate orders for controlled substances that rise to certain levels or show a pattern, which may cause the wholesaler to have concern about the legitimate need of that medication by the ordering pharmacy. There are many valid reasons your pharmacy requires you to order larger quantities of controlled substances. The pharma-

cy must be prepared to explain the increase in prescription volume that requires an increase in the quota imposed on your business. We as healthcare providers have allowed our fear of regulatory sanctioning to create a culture of denial in not acting in the best interests of our patients. There are many pain patients who are having their legal prescriptions denied due to the issues discussed above. Let’s look at the flags as “yellow flags,” slow down and evaluate the situation professionally. Pharmacists must remember that we are responsible for dispensing valid, legal and appropriate medications for our patients. We must work with legislators and enforcement officials to ensure that doctors and pharmacists can safely and effectively provide patients with necessary controlled substances in a way that is sensible, efficient and mitigates overall risk. Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (EFORCSE) has been highly effective in reducing drug diversion. More physicians and pharmacists accessing this database on a regular basis will further lower the rate of diversion of controlled substances. Once, in your professional opinion, you have done your due diligence, verified the validity of a prescription and documented your efforts, you are now ready to dispense the prescription. Pharmacists are health care providers. You are now ready to be a true provider of pharmacist services. You are now ready to provide!

Executive Insight continued on p. 9

forced to either pay out of pocket, elect to not have their prescription filled, or the PBM’s preferred drug product filled instead. This could create some medical issues by disrupting the patient’s drug therapy, possibly resulting in more hospital stays and more burdens on the American taxpayer. Essentially, one could argue that the PBM is doing a very tough job to manage medication use and is questioning skilled healthcare professionals’ decisions to determine what medication should and should not be given to patients. Now the only issue that arises is: Are they doing what they were hired to do? The sole function was that the client (the insurance company), by choosing to purchase the service, would save money, therefore lowering the burden of cost on patients and our tax dollars. Unfortunately, the system in which the PBMs work is imperfect. This article will try to shed light on the issues that challenge our practices as healthcare professionals. The insurance company may not always save money, because the PBMs use practices that are not very transparent. How can savings be determined when the basis of cost is unknown to the payer? They first offer pharmacies that are contracted with them to accept less than favorable terms, such as rates that reimburse the pharmacy for pennies on the dollar, often not allowing them to sustain their business practices. PBMs use something called Average Wholesale Price (AWP), Wholesale Acquisition Costs (WAC) or Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) to determine how much the pharmacy is reimbursed. To give an example, imagine the pharmacy purchases a thousand count bottle of drug A for $100. When a prescription is dispensed and billed, the PBM can reimburse the pharmacy with a contracted reimbursement price instead of what the pharmacy actually paid for the drug. This can cause the pharmacy to lose money on the drug they just purchased for $100. There is no problem with MAC if the numbers are updated frequently, keep-

ing pace with the market. The problem arises when cost prices are not updated frequently, which could create reimbursement issues for the pharmacy. When the pharmacy purchases a bottle of a particular medication for $100, and six months ago the contracted price was $50, the pharmacy is already at a loss of $50 on that bottle. Where it gets tricky is that the PBM does not just use the AWP to determine reimbursement; rather, they use a formula which may bring the compensation for the pharmacy down. The reimbursement formula that

The insurance company may not always save money, because the PBMs use practices that are not very transparent. Florida Medicaid uses in fee-for-service patients is the lowest average wholesale price (AWP) minus 16.4 percent (AHCA has begun rule making to remove reference to AWP from the reimbursement formula), the wholesaler acquisition cost (WAC) plus 1.5 percent, the federal upper limit (FUL), the state maximum allowable cost (SMAC) or the usual and customary (UAC) charge billed by the provider1. This process could cause the pharmacy to lose money. But it does not end there. The PBM then charges the insurance company to pay for the prescription, which may be an entirely different calculation. Without transparency, there is no way to determine what this “spread” pricing may be. On the insurance side, MAC may be used by PBMs to control costs, improve PBM profits or both. So, to give an example of this process, the phar-

macy bills the insurance company for a prescription of $92.53 using the AWP, WAC or MAC. The PBM flags that prescription and says that the MAC for that drug is $26.91 and that is what they will pay the pharmacy to dispense that prescription, then the pharmacy takes the loss. The issue is that these PBMs are not transparent as to how they determine the MAC. It could be a date at random from a time where the prescription was in fact $26.91, but it does not reflect current market cost. The PBM may claim to the client (the insurance company) that it paid $92.53 for the medication, the original price the pharmacy charged, but in actuality it paid $26.91. This gives the PBM a $65.62 profit, or, as it is known in the PBM world, a spread.2 In all fairness, the spread can vary, so there may be times where it is not a wide spread, but it is still disingenuous to have that much markup and continue to say that the function of a PBM is to lower the cost burden on the insurance plan and save the patients money as well. The good news is that insurance companies are catching on to this spread tactic and are now being more assertive in their PBM contracting. This ensures that the PBM is truly doing what it was designed to do, which is to save money for the insurance company and eliminate cost. The other issue with PBMs is that they usually only want to deal with pharmacies that are in-network. This forces network pharmacies to still comply with low reimbursements and also compels the patient to stay within network pharmacies. When a pharmacy is not contracted with the PBM, the patient is usually told to go to a pharmacy that is in the network of their insurance plan. This attitude is problematic for consumers and pharmacy businesses because it eliminates freedom to choose and inhibits the free market. This could unintentionally result in increased cost of medications. Consumers should be able to select their provider of choice. A pharmacy that can show evidence of quality of care and the ability to deliver affordable health NOVEMBER 2015

JOIN TODAY! Florida Pharmacy Association

Representing Health Care Professionals

• DOH Investigations • Licensure Discipline • Medicare/Medicaid Defense • Administrative Hearings • Contract Litigation George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M.

1101 Douglas Avenue Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Telephone: (407) 331-6620 www.TheHealthLawFirm.com

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

and wellness success should not be excluded from networks. There is sunshine on the horizon, which is that two states are leading the fight and have recently initiated legislation that holds PBMs more accountable for reimbursement by making the PBM adhere to disclosure requirements of MAC pricing methodology. This may mean that the system used to determine a MAC price will have to be made available. The legislation for increased transparency has resulted in a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas by the PCMA (the association that represents PBMs.) A similar lawsuit has also been filed by the PCMA in Iowa but has been dismissed by a federal judge, whose opinion was that “the state has a legitimate interest in regulating PBMs in order to preserve the health of its citizens.” According to the National Community Pharmacists Association, “the court’s dismissal of PCMA’s entire case should serve as an extremely helpful precedent against PCMA’s claims challenging the legality of similar transparency laws throughout the country and in support of states’ ability to regulate PBMs.”4 This situation bears good and bad news. The good news is that PBMs may have to become more transparent in their business practices. The bad news is this is only peeling back the top layer of the onion. There is more that needs to be done. The goal of every pharmacist should be to enhance our profession by turning it back into a healthcare profession instead of accepting the current status quo of “pill counters” and health plan facilitators. I got into pharmacy five and a half years ago because of the impact a pharmacist could truly have on a patient’s life. As I have come to realize, there is an underlying problem within our profession: We want easy money. Pharmacists nationwide must make a stand and advocate for more recognition of the value of the services that we provide. We can deliver quality of care, which should never be marginalized and compensation for those services should be outcome based. We have an opportunity as new practitioners to disrupt the status quo, and I ask my colleagues to join with me. Although we are not samurai, we are the last of our kind in that we have the power to control the enhancement of the pharmacy profession, and I believe that the voice of change should come from within the pharmacy nation. References:

“Medicaid Covered Outpatient Prescription Drug Reimbursement Information by State Quarter Ending June 2015.” Medicaid. N.p., 30 June 2015. Web. 03 Nov. 2015. Eban, Katherine. ““Painful Prescription: Pharmacy Benefit Managers Make out Better than Their Customers,” Fortune Magazine.” Katherine Eban. FORBES, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2015 Thornton, Grant. “Cost of Dispensing an Independent Comparative Analysis of U.S Prescription Dispensing Costs.” Commissioned By:N ATIONAL C OST OF D ISPENSING (COD) S TUDY (n.d.): n. pag. Jan. 2007. Web. 4 Nov. 2015. “News Releases - 2015.” Federal Court Dismisses PBM Lawsuit Against Drug Pricing Transparency Law. NCPA, 09 Sept. 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.

AMA Calls for Ban on Direct to Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices Responding to the billions of advertising dollars being spent to promote prescription products, physicians at the Interim Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) have adopted new policy aimed at driving solutions to make prescription drugs more affordable. Physicians cited concerns that a growing proliferation of ads is driving demand for expensive treatments despite the clinical effectiveness of less costly alternatives. “This vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially-driven promotions, and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” said AMA Board Chair-elect Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. “Directto-consumer advertising also inflates demand for new and more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be appropriate.” The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Advertising dollars spent by drug makers have increased by 30 percent in the last two years to $4.5 billion, according to the market research firm Kantar Media. New AMA policy also calls for convening a physician task force and launching an advocacy campaign to promote prescription drug affordability by demanding choice and competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and greater transparency in prescription drug prices and costs. “Physicians strive to provide the

best possible care to their patients, but increases in drug prices can impact the ability of physicians to offer their patients the best drug treatments,” said Dr. Harris. “Patient care can be compromised and delayed when prescription drugs are unaffordable and subject to coverage limitations by the patient’s health

plan. In a worst-case scenario, patients forego necessary treatments when drugs are too expensive.” New AMA policy responds to deepened concerns that anticompetitive behavior in a consolidated pharmaceutical marketplace has the potential to increase drug prices. The AMA will encourage actions by federal regulators to limit anticompetitive behavior by pharmaceutical companies attempting to reduce competition from generic manufacturers through manipulation

of patent protections and abuse of regulatory exclusivity incentives. The AMA will also monitor pharmaceutical company mergers and acquisitions, as well as the impact of such actions on drug prices. Patent reform is a key area for encouraging greater market-based competition and new AMA policy will support an appropriate balance between incentives for innovation on the one hand and efforts to reduce regulatory and statutory barriers to competition as part of the patent system. Last month, the Kaiser Family Foundation released a report saying that a high cost of prescription drugs remains the public’s top health care priority. In the past few years, prices on generic and brand-name prescription drugs have steadily risen and experienced a 4.7 percent spike in 2015, according to the Altarum Institute Center for Sustainable Health Spending. The AMA’s new policy recognizes that the promotion of transparency in prescription drug pricing and costs will help patients, physicians and other stakeholders understand how drug manufacturers set prices. If there is greater understanding of the factors that contribute to prescription drug pricing, including the research, development, manufacturing, marketing and advertising costs borne by pharmaceutical companies, then the marketplace can react appropriately.

NOVEMBER 2015 |

CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE 2016 HOUSE OF DELEGATES The House of Delegates Board of Directors will meet in May 2016 to review and approve resolutions for the Annual Meeting. The deadline for submitting resolutions is May 6, 2016! PLEASE NOTE THIS DEADLINE. The following information will be needed when submitting resolutions: 1. Name of organization: The name of the organization submitting the resolutions(s); 2. Name and telephone number of individuals: A contact in the event clarification or further information is needed; 3. Problem: A statement of the problem addressed by the resolution; 4. Intent: A statement of what passage of the resolution will accomplish; 5. Resolution Format: Please type and use double spacing. TITLE OF RESOLUTION NAME OF ORGANIZATION WHEREAS , AND

WHEREAS :

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED (THAT THE FPA OR SUBDIVISION OF FPA)

CONTACT NAME AND PHONE #: PROBLEM: INTENT:

Return this form to: Membership Coordinator, Florida Pharmacy Association, 610 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 or fax (850) 561-6758

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

Endorsed* by:

Introducing Our Newest Florida Sales Team Member

Sarrah Sheppard

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, THE national pharmacy leader in providing insurance and risk management solutions, is pleased to introduce our newest Florida sales team member – Sarrah Sheppard. Sarrah joins Chuck Neyland in serving Florida pharmacists insurance needs.

Sarrah Sheppard Serves Central Florida

813.486.7427

sarrah.sheppard@phmic.com

Why insure with Pharmacists Mutual Companies: • Competitive rates • Dedicated to pharmacists and the pharmacy profession since 1909! • Endorsed by over 40 state and national pharmacy associations* • Dividends paid annually for 105 years** • A (Excellent) rating by AM Best for over 75 years

Contact Sarrah or Chuck for a no obligation proposal for your insurance needs.

Chuck Neyland Serves the Florida Panhandle

251.656.7219

chuck.neyland@phmic.com *Compensated endorsement. ** Dividends cannot be guaranteed; however, they have been returned uninterrupted since 1909.

Find us on Social Media:

www.phmic.com 800.247.5930 Commercial Auto Professional Liability | Business Protection Umbrella Liability | Workers Compensation Not licensed to sell all products in all states.

NOVEMBER 2015

Talking to Patients about Adherence

By Aakash Patel Increasing medication adherence improves the quality and length of life; for example, it is estimated that better adherence to antihypertensive treatment could prevent 89,000 premature deaths in the United States annually. Providing more information to patients on their conditions and medications may increase adherence. Research by Harvard University showed a decrease in emergency room visits by 20 percent as more information was provided to the patients. Pharmacists can explain the outcomes of the medication, motivate patients by explaining how the medication improves quality of life, and determine barriers that might exist for non‐adherence. Take time to remind patients when their refills are due and ask them about their thoughts on pros and cons of the medication when they pick up their refills. Many times patients do not receive any information about their medications from their doctor, and often do not even know the reason for taking it. The lack of understanding and information regarding their medication is a major cause of low adherence. Pharmacists are the most accessible and qualified health care providers who can increase patients’ understanding of their medications. Community pharmacists can monitor adherence based on when patients pick up their prescriptions. In addition, we can ask patients if they are satisfied with the medication they are taking, if they understand the reason for taking it, and encourage them to continue to take it. Patients often do not adhere to their medication because of their belief about adverse outcomes and consequences of long‐term use. Pharmacists can explain the benefit of taking their medications,

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

possibility of an adverse effect, and what they can do in case of an adverse event. Spending quality time with patients and educating them about their medications will increase adherence. Through a medication therapy management project sponsored by NCPA, I have been able to spend time with patients to talk about their medications. I remember one particular instance where a patient informed me that she discontinued her statin because she was experiencing leg pain. She did not inform her doctor because she did not like the medication. After getting to know her a bit, I was able to convince her to talk to her doctor about an alternative medication. Taking a minute to talk with patients about their concerns and beliefs can truly improve their quality of life.

Reprinted with permission from National Community Pharmacists Association in the September 2011 issue of America’s Pharmacist. For more information about NCPA, visit www.ncpanet.org.

2014 Recipients of the “Bowl of Hygeia” Award

Mike Mikell Alabama

Scott Watts Alaska

Crane Davis Arizona

Eric Shoffner Arkansas

Walter Cathey California

Wendy Anderson Colorado

Philip Bunick Connecticut

Donald Holst Delaware

Norman Tomaka Florida

Robert Bowles Georgia

Jeani Jow Hawaii

Susan Cornell Illinois

Sean McAlister Indiana

Craig Clark Iowa

Richard Bieber Kansas

Jerrold White Kentucky

Robert Hollier Louisiana

Mark Polli Maine

Donald Taylor Maryland

Erasmo Mitrano Massachusetts

Joseph Leonard Michigan

Brent Thompson Minnesota

Carter Haines Mississippi

Kenneth Michel Missouri

Mark Donaldson Montana

Christopher Shea Nevada

Lawrence Routhier New Hampshire

Maria Leibfried New Jersey

Stephen Burgess New Mexico

Karl Fiebelkorn New York

Ronald Maddox North Carolina

Charles Peterson North Dakota

James Liebetrau Ohio

Henry Roberts Oklahoma

Larry Cartier Oregon

Julie Gerhart-Rothholz Pennsylvania

Blanca Delgado-Rodriguez Puerto Rico

Katherine Kelly Orr Rhode Island

Gene Reeder South Carolina

Earl Hinricher South Dakota

Robert Shutt Tennessee

May Jean Woo Texas

Brent Olsen Utah

Cynthia Warriner Virginia

Patricia Slagle Washington

Wallene Bullard Washington D.C.

Arlie Winters West Virginia*

Nicole McNamee West Virginia

Terry Maves Wisconsin

Ardis Meier Wyoming

The “Bowl of Hygeia”

The Bowl of Hygeia award program was originally developed by the A. H. Robins Company to recognize pharmacists across the nation for outstanding service to their communities. Selected through their respective professional pharmacy associations, each of these dedicated individuals has made uniquely personal contributions to a strong, healthy community. We offer our congratulations and thanks for their high example. The American Pharmacists Association Foundation, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and the state pharmacy associations have assumed responsibility for continuing this prestigious recognition program. All former recipients are encouraged to maintain their linkage to the Bowl of Hygeia by emailing current contact information to awards@naspa.us. The Bowl of Hygeia is on display in the APhA Awards Gallery located in Washington, DC. Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to be the Premier Supporter of the Bowl of Hygeia program.

* 2013 recipient not previously pictured.

NOVEMBER 2015

FDA Takes Action to Protect Consumers from Potentially Dangerous Dietary Supplements Joint government agency sweep culminates with announcement of criminal charges against USPlabs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in partnership with other government agencies, has announced the results of a yearlong sweep of dietary supplements to identify potentially unsafe or tainted supplements. The sweep resulted in civil injunctions and criminal actions against 117 various manufacturers and/or distributors of dietary supplements and tainted products falsely marketed as dietary supplements. Among the cases announced today is a criminal case charging USPlabs LLC and several of its corporate officers. USPlabs was known for its widely popular workout and weight loss supplements, which it sold under names such as Jack3d and OxyElite Pro. Led by the U.S. Department of Justice, the sweep included the FDA, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. An 11-count indictment was unsealed earlier today against USPlabs, a Dallas, Texas company that formerly manufactured highly popular workout and weight loss supplements. The indictment charges USPlabs, S.K. Laboratories Inc. and their operators with a variety of charges related to the sale of those products. The defendants were arrested/surrendered to the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Along with the arrests, FDA and IRS special agents seized assets in dozens of investment accounts, real estate in Texas, and a number of luxury and sports cars. The indictment alleges that USPlabs engaged in a conspiracy to import ingredients from China using false certificates of analysis and false labeling and then lied about the source and nature of those ingredients after it put them in its products. According to the indict16

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

ment, USPlabs told some of its retailers and wholesalers that it used natural plant extracts in products called Jack3d and OxyElite Pro, when in fact it was using a synthetic stimulant manufactured in a Chinese chemical factory. The indictment also alleges that the defendants sold some of their products without determining whether they would be safe to use. To the contrary, as the indictment notes, the defendants knew of studies that linked the products to liver toxicity.

The indictment also alleges that USPlabs and its principals told the FDA in October 2013 that it would stop distribution of OxyElite Pro, once the product had been implicated in an outbreak of liver injuries. The indictment alleges that, despite this promise, USPLabs engaged in a surreptitious, all-hands-ondeck effort to sell as much OxyElite Pro as it could as quickly as possible. It was sold at dietary supplement stores across the nation. “This joint agency effort is a testament to our commitment to protecting consumers from potentially unsafe dietary supplements and products falsely marketed as dietary supplements,” said Howard Sklamberg, FDA’s deputy commissioner for global regulatory operations and policy. “The criminal charges against USPlabs should serve as notice to industry that if products

are a threat to public health, the FDA will exercise its full authority under the law to protect Americans and bring justice.” In November 2013, the FDA warned consumers not to use certain USPlabs products that were found to contain a new dietary ingredient that had not been shown to be safe for use by consumers. The ingredient, aegeline, is a synthetic version of an alkaloid (a chemical compound) that exists, in natural form, in a tree that grows in parts of Asia. In addition, the products had adverse events linked to acute liver failure or non-viral hepatitis so severe that several patients needed liver transplants, and one resulted in death. “The Justice Department and its federal partners have joined forces to bringing to justice companies and individuals who profit from products that threaten consumer health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The USPlabs case and others brought as part of this sweep illustrate alarming practices the Department found—practices that must be brought to the public’s attention so consumers know the serious health risks of untested products.” Also as part of the sweep, the DOJ announced it filed a complaint in federal court in the District of New Jersey, on behalf of the FDA, against Bethel Nutritional Consulting Inc. of New York and New Jersey and the company’s president and vice-president. According to the complaint, Bethel and its officers distributed adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements and unapproved new drugs throughout the United States. The defendants have agreed to be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction that orders them to cease operations until the FDA determines that they are in compliance

with laws applicable to dietary supplement manufacturing, labeling, and distribution. FDA inspections of Bethel’s operations have revealed deviations from current good manufacturing practice regulations, resulting in adulterated dietary supplements, and deviations from labeling requirements, causing the dietary supplements to be misbranded. The FDA has also determined that Bethel distributed unapproved new drugs, because the company made medical claims that certain dietary supplement products were intended to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases, or to affect the structure or function of the body. Additionally, certain tainted products falsely marketed as dietary supplements by Bethel contained potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients, including sibutramine and lorcaserin. Sibutramine was an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Meridia, a drug approved by the FDA in 1997 for prescription treatment of obesity.

Meridia was removed from the market in 2010 because of risks of serious adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Lorcaserin is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Belviq, a drug approved by the FDA in 2012 for chronic weight management in some overweight or obese adults. Lorcaserin may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors. These include, but are not limited to, drugs commonly used to treat depression and migraine. Lorcaserin may also cause disturbances in attention or memory. The FDA continues to warn consumers about the risks associated with some over-the-counter products, falsely marketed as dietary supplements, which contain hidden active ingredients that could be harmful. In the last year, the agency has warned of more than 100 products found to contain hidden active ingredients. These products are most frequently marketed for sexu-

al enhancement, weight loss and body building. Within the last year, the FDA also sent warning letters to manufacturers selling dietary supplements that contain BMPEA and DMBA, two ingredients that do not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient as well as to several companies selling pure powdered caffeine products that the agency determined to be dangerous and present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury to consumers. The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

NOVEMBER 2015

Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

■■

Prepare to manage your diabetes during the holidays. Stay on track by taking medications on schedule and choosing healthy versions of favorite dishes. Remember to plan daily physical activities like walking after meals and dancing at festivities. Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little preparation, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family. Preparation is the most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re ready to celebrate! Feasts and Parties Before you go, take these steps to ensure you stick to your healthy meal plan. ■■ Eat a healthy snack early to avoid overeating at the party. ■■ Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your 18

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

■■

meal plan. Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.

Focus on friends, family, and activities instead of food. You don’t have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods. ■■ If you’re at a buffet, fix your plate and move to another room away from the food, if possible. Choose smaller portions. ■■ Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount, and have it with food. Talk with your health care team about whether alcohol is safe for you. Limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal. ■■ Watch out for heavy holiday favorites such as hams with a honey glaze, turkey swimming in gravy and side dishes loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, or mayonnaise.

Instead, choose skinless turkey without gravy, or other lean meats. Look for side dishes and vegetables that are light on butter, dressing, and other extra fats and sugars, such as marshmallows or fried vegetable toppings. Watch the salt. Some holiday dishes are made with prepared foods high in sodium. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables with no sauce to keep your sodium intake down. Select fruit instead of pies, cakes and other desserts high in fat, cholesterol, and sugar. Focus on friends, family, and activities instead of food. Take a walk after a meal, or join in the dancing at a party.

Traveling for the Holidays Leaving home to visit friends and family means changing routines. Take care of your diabetes while traveling. Check your blood glucose (sugar) more often than usual, because changing your schedule can affect levels. Remember Your Medication ■■ Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you expect to need in your carry-on bag, in case of travel delays. ■■ Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops. ■■ Make sure you keep your health insurance card and emergency phone numbers handy, including your doctor’s name and phone number. ■■ Carry medical identification that says you have diabetes and wear medical identification jewelry. ■■ Keep time zone changes in mind so you’ll know when to take medication. ■■ If you use insulin, make sure you also pack a glucagon emergency kit. ■■ Keep your insulin cool by packing

■■

it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs. Get an influenza vaccination before traveling, unless your medical provider instructs otherwise.

Know how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan.

Healthy Routines ■■ Wash your hands often with soap and water. Try to avoid contact with sick people. ■■ Reduce your risk for blood clots by moving around every hour or two. ■■ Pack a small cooler of foods that may be difficult to find while traveling, such as fresh fruit and sliced raw vegetables. Pack dried fruit, nuts, and seeds as snacks. Since these foods can be high in calories, measure out small portions (¼ cup) in advance. ■■ If you’re driving, bring a few bottles of water instead of sweetened soda or juice. If you’re flying, choose unsweetened beverages on-board. ■■ If you’re flying and don’t want to walk through the metal detector with your insulin pump, tell a security officer that you’re wearing an insulin pump and ask them to visually inspect the pump and do a fullbody pat-down. ■■ Place all diabetes supplies in carry-

A Pharmacist And A Lawyer Board of Pharmacy Licensure Disciplinary Proceedings Compounding Violations, DEA Investigations Mergers and Acquisitions Pharmacy Risk Assessment/Management Evaluations KAHAN ◆ HEIMBERG, PLC

Pharmacist Attorney Brian A. Kahan, R.Ph., J.D. Licensed Florida Pharmacist and Attorney

STATEWIDE REPRESENTATION 561-392-9000 bkahan@kahanlaw.com 2300 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Suite 123 Boca Raton, FL 33431

■■

on luggage. Keep medications and snacks at your seat for easy access. Don’t store them in overhead bins. Have all syringes and insulin delivery systems (including vials of insulin) clearly marked with the pharmaceutical preprinted label that identifies the medications, in the original pharmacy labeled packaging. If a meal will be served during your flight, call ahead for a diabetic, low fat, or low cholesterol meal. If the airline doesn’t offer a meal, bring a nutritious meal yourself. Wait until your food is about to be served before you take your insulin. When drawing up your dose of insulin, don’t inject air into the bottle (the air on your plane will probably be pressurized). Stick with your routine for staying active. Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Ten minutes at a time is fine.

SAVE THE DATE 126TH ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVENTION OF THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION Marriott Harbor Beach 3030 Holiday Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 June 30 - July 3, 2016

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

NOVEMBER 2015

2016 FPA CANDIDATES

2016 Election Ballot Information The election for FPA president elect and regional directors will be done by computer again this year. A postcard containing instructions on how to cast your ballot will be mailed to FPA members. You will need to sign in with your username and password to cast your vote. If you live in regions 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 you will not be voting for a regional director. Those regions will have their election next year. You will however have an opportunity to select the next president elect as well as vote on a proposed constitution change. If you live in regions 2, 4, 6 or 8, make your selection for your regional director. Remember that the system will allow you to vote only one time. The results will be tallied by the canvassing committee appointed by the president of the Florida Pharmacy Association in accordance with FPA bylaws. The last day to vote will be Jan. 31, 2016. Please visit www.pharmview.com to cast your vote. Below is candidate information for you to review prior to voting.

CANDIDATE FOR FPA PRESIDENT ELECT

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Suzy Wise FPA Member Since 2007 Suzy earned her PharmD and MBA from the University of Florida in 2009. She has been an active member of the Florida Pharmacist Association since 2004. She has held various leadership positions in both the FPA and APhA. First student to be appointed and serve as a member of the APhA Governmental Affairs Committee. APhA, Good Government Student Pharmacist of the Year Award 2008-2009. FPA Chair of the Professional Affairs Committee, 20092010 Florida delegate to the APhA House of Delegates 2010 FPA Vice Chair for the Professional Affairs Committee, 2008-2009 Member of the FPA Legislative Committee, 2006-2008. Member of the FPA Budget and Finance Committee 2009-2012. FPA Vice Speaker of the House 2010-2011 FPA Speaker of the House 2011-2012 Chair, FPA House of Delegates, Board of Directors 20122013 Suzy also serves as a mentor and preceptor for pharmacy

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

students as a University of Florida College of Pharmacy adjunct faculty member. In 2010, she was awarded the FPA Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year. In 2012, Suzy was recognized with an Outstanding Young Alumni Award for the University of Florida. Suzy’s professional pharmacy experience includes hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy and multi-district community pharmacy leadership. She is a certified trainer for the APhA Immunization classes and NACDS Point of Care training. Position Statement: The profession of pharmacy is ever changing, which provides Florida pharmacists an opportunity to shape the future of the profession and healthcare in Florida. The key to continuing to drive positive change in the profession is the involvement of the members of the Florida Pharmacy Association. As your president-elect I will work to increase not only FPA membership, but member engagement. Together we can increase the involvement of pharmacists, student pharmacists and technicians in defining the future of Pharmacy. As President of the FPA my primary focus areas will be: ■■ Increasing membership and involvement of Pharmacists in the first 3 years of practice ■■ Enhancing public perceptions of Pharmacy ■■ Working closely with the Board of Pharmacy/DEA to balance caring for patients and protecting our communities ■■ Achieving provider status for Pharmacists I am extremely proud of what the FPA has accomplished and will work to continue the momentum in advancing Healthcare and Pharmacy Practice in Florida. I look forward to discussing these goals and my plans in greater detail with you in the coming months.

CANDIDATES FOR REGION 2 (NASSAU, DUVAL, MARION, VOLUSIA, FLAGLER, PUTNAM, ST. JOHNS, CLAY COUNTIES)

Neil Barnett FPA Member Since 2013 I sought membership with Duval County Pharmacy Association in 2003 upon moving to Jacksonville after attaining my PharmD from Nova Southeastern University. After 5 years in practice, I took up residency in Nashville and transferred to the VA hospital

2016 FPA CANDIDATES

at Vanderbilt in 2008 then returned to Jacksonville in 2010. I have practiced in all facets of pharmacy, from retail to hospital and ambulatory care. I am currently living in Ponte Vedra Beach with my wife and four children, working in the anticoagulation clinic with the North Florida/South Georgia VA division and have been actively involved with DCPA as past board of directors member, vice president, and president for the year 2016. I have represented DCPA as a delegate at the FPA annual convention for the past three years and am excited about my pursuit of FPA Region 2 representative. I am committed to facilitating further advancement of the practice of pharmacy and broadening the roles of pharmacists as providers in healthcare. I have acted as an ambassador to NSU College of Pharmacy and my practice since my passion for pharmacy began 17 years ago, which I feel qualifies me most to act as a communication liaison to my FPA region and pharmacists in my community. I am motivated to represent FPA and support Florida pharmacistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goals for our practice. Melissa Chruscinski FPA Member since 2010 Melissa is a Florida native, growing up in the Pinellas County area. She attended University of Florida College of Pharmacy, St. Petersburg Campus, graduating in 2010 with her Doctor of Pharmacy. Melissa moved to the Palatka area after graduating to complete her residency at Azalea Health (formerly Family Medical and Dental Centers). Melissa went on to receive her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in 2012. Melissa has continued to work for Azalea Health since her residency, serving as a Clinical Pharmacist/Pharmacy Manager in the Hawthorn, Palatka and St. Augustine centers. In her current position, Melissa is assisting the pharmacy residents to continue or start up new pharmacy managed services, including Anticoagulation Clinic, Diabetes Clinic and Medication Therapy Management with Outcomes. Melissa is now a resident of St. Augustine with her husband of 2 years. While in pharmacy school Melissa was an active member of American Pharmacist Association, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and Kappa Epsilon. Melissa held numerous positions within these college level organizations to promote pharmacy as a profession. Melissa is currently a preceptor for pharmacy residents at Azalea Health, APPE students for multiple colleges of pharmacy and a Career Coach for students from the University of Florida. Melissa is continuously reaching out to more students in hopes to share her passion for pharmacy with the next generation of pharmacists. Position Statement: I would like to take a more active role

in the profession by being on the Region 2 Board of Directors. I would like to use this position to continue to promote pharmacy as a profession and bring about provider status for pharmacists. I am passionate about helping the underserved individuals in this part of the state and hope that this position will allow me to better serve my patients. Joseph Scuro FPA Member since 2014 I grew up the son of Italian immigrants under the sunshine of the central Florida coast. Over the years, I learned from all the diverse experiences and all the amazing people I have encountered as my work opportunities have taken me from one coast to the other of this

great Nation. I am blessed to have received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Whittier School of Law, a Doctor of Holistic Chiropractic Medicine from Northwestern College of Medicine and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. I am a member of the Duval County pharmacy association and serve as a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association Governmental Affairs Committee. I currently serve as a healthcare consultant working in the areas of pharmacy law and quality assurance, healthcare regulation and policy, risk management, improving patient outcomes and entrepreneurial design. I continue to serve as a bench pharmacist and an independent Medication Therapy Management Service provider. I believe that maintaining this direct patient contact is the most important key to understanding the daily pressures that affect pharmacists. I maintain a law practice and serve as a Florida court certified arbitrator specializing in the area of pharmacy practice, healthcare business design and practice, and underserved client clinic services. As an educator, I have held the honor to serve at many amazing institutions such as the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy - Pharmacy law and ethics lab, University of Kentucky - Anatomy and physiology lab, Spencerian College - Corporate and business law, Southern College - Vice-Chairman, Curriculum and design committee - Corporate and business law and the Florida Criminal Justice Department - Constitutional law. As an author, I have been honored to be published twice this year in the Florida Pharmacy Association Journal, addressing the real pressures of filling controlled medications, as well as the balance between patient safety and pharmacy performance metrics. Position statement: I believe that we are a profession of humble servants striving to enrich every person that we counsel. We are drawn into this profession not to meet metNOVEMBER 2015

2016 FPA CANDIDATES

rics, but to educate and positively impact our patient’s health care. I began my pharmacy career like many of you a little afraid, nervous and with many lofty goals. I found a pharmacy profession plagued by struggle and bent on strangling my passions. Sadly, many of us have become convinced that we have been stamped as “labor” and can no longer improve our declining work conditions. I believe that all the ingredients we need to realize our professional passions already exists beneath our feet, and mixed together with the courage held within our numbers, we can influence and bring about meaningful change. How do I define change? We need to focus on getting the message and the work done by the Florida Pharmacy Association to all pharmacists, which is why the Association exists and what the Association does for all pharmacists. I have met too many pharmacists that have no idea what the Association does for them, or worse, they harbor the belief that the Association only reflects the interests of corporate retail pharmacy. We need to work to enact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) resolution to assist the state boards of pharmacy to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use in pharmacies of performance metrics or quotas that are proven to cause distractions and unsafe environments for pharmacists and technicians. This would provide the Florida Board of Pharmacy the teeth to enforce dangerous pharmacist working conditions. We need to energize interest in our Association conventions, focusing on presentation topics that are relevant and impactful to today’s pharmacist and reducing repetitive presentations. We need to provide more open forum discussions and pharmacist work groups. We need to destroy the belief that we have been stamped as “labor” replaceable by technology and the growing number of new graduates. We have a powerful voice and with some determination, unconventional thinking and your financial support for the Florida Pharmacy Association lobbying efforts, our voices will be heard loud and clear. I dedicate this servant opportunity to the memory of my first patient, my mother, as she underwent chemotherapy. She was the first person to believe in my healthcare provider dreams at 10 years old and challenged me to live a life of adventure and service. I ask that you let me be your voice within our Florida Pharmacy Association speaking out for our passions. My wish is that we always remember that pharmacists are amazing health care providers and that everyday no matter the weight of our circumstances we have the opportunity to positively touch our patient’s lives with our knowledge and compassion. Book of Proverbs (23:7) proclaims, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

CANDIDATE FOR REGION 4 (SEMINOLE, ORANGE, OSCEOLA, LAKE, SUMTER COUNTIES)

Linda Lazuka Member since 2012 I am a native Tennessean raised in Greenbriar, Tennessee; a rural area 30 miles north of Nashville. I have lived in various states, and several foreign countries including New Zealand, Germany, and Mexico. I am married to Vincent Lazuka and we live in Oviedo with our 4 rascally, rescued cats. We are both active members of Oviedo First Baptist Church and serve in several ministries. As a graduate of Mercer University, where I received my Doctor of Pharmacy degree, I had the opportunity to serve as the ambassador to New Zealand to study and observe a form of socialized medicine; a path this country does not want to travel. Also, I interned at the C.R.I.T Indian Reservation in Parker Arizona under the auspice of Indian Health Services (IHS). I am the recipient of the Roche Pharmacy Communication Award, was the 3rd runner up in the National Patient Counseling Competition (1990), and served as President of Phi Lamda Sigma 1990-1991. Pharmacy Related Activities: Currently, I am the owner, along with my husband, of Hometown Old Country Pharmacy, in Winter Park. This is a closed door pharmacy, not open to the public that serves group homes, ALF’s; ICF’s -DD. We currently have a staff of 7, all of whom are members of the Central Florida Pharmacy Association and 3 of which are members of FPA. I have served as the Secretary and C.E. Coordinator of the CFPA since 2010. I hold a Florida pharmacy license and consultant license. I have served on the Pre-Med Advisory Board for UNF, and currently partner with Fortis and Concord Colleges to guide pharmacy technicians into the field of pharmacy by providing an intern location for their internship hours. I have enjoyed 2 stints of employment with Walgreens Corporation as a staff pharmacist and pharmacy manager in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Daytona. With Eli Lilly and Company, as a sales rep I covered the Jacksonville division for neuroscience, from St. Simons Island, Georgia to Green Cove Springs, Fl. Position Statement: I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve the Florida Pharmacy Association in the capacity as Director of Region 4, as I consider it a privilege to be a pharmacist and to serve our profession.

2016 FPA CANDIDATES

CANDIDATES FOR REGION 6 (BREVARD, MANATEE, HARDEE, OKEECHOBEE, HIGHLANDS, DESOTO, SARASOTA, CHARLOTTE, GLADES, MARTIN, ST. LUCIE, INDIAN RIVER COUNTIES)

Luther Laite IV Member since 2015 Luther V Laite IV is a registered Florida pharmacist. He obtained his doctor of pharmacy degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2007. Luther began his career in pharmacy at Walgreens where he held the position of pharmacy manager for five years. After eleven years with Walgreens, Luther decided to expand his pharmacy expertise by obtaining a position in hospital pharmacy. He is currently employed by Health First at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. Additionally, he obtained his consultant license in 2010 and serves as consultant pharmacist for surgery centers on the east coast of Florida. With regards to his other professional affiliations, Luther served as the 2012 president-elect of the Brevard County Pharmacy Association (BCPA) and is currently serving as president. He is actively involved with his local peers and other health care professionals in the county. Position Statement: Pharmacy is in a tough position as a profession. We are struggling every day to find our place in the medical field. You may personally feel that as an individual pharmacist you help people and are an important person on the healthcare team. And, I would agree with you. Unfortunately, not everyone in our society and in the healthcare profession feels this way. Although they may comprehend that we are capable, important, and influential, their own personal gain and money-saving desires keep them from publicly acknowledging these feelings. Only through a large organization such as the Florida Pharmacy Association, is it possible for us to effectively raise public and peer awareness as to the importance of our profession. This organization is the voice of pharmacy for Florida. We are the organization that pharmacists rely on to protect the vitality and success of our profession. It is my hope that as the regional 6 director of this organization, I can help influence the growth needed to have more impact in this state.

Carlette Norwood-Williams Member since 2015 Carlette grew up in Galveston, Texas and graduated from Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy. She relocated to Melbourne, Florida to accept a pharmacy leadership position with Health First Health System. Along with her husband Craig, she is the proud grandmother of one and a half grandsons (premiering in December), three children, ages 25 to 31, and a very spoiled Chow-Labrador. Since moving to Florida in 2013, she has been active in the Brevard County Pharmacy Association, FPA, FSHP, in addition to ASHP. The most exciting day in her career was being able to participate and witness the real difference front line pharmacists can make by speaking truth to power at the Florida Pharmacy Association Legislative Days in March of this year. She has a fierce commitment to serve and desires undeniable recognition of the pharmacist as the most accessible and committed advocate for the patient and partner to the physician. Prior to relocating to Florida, Carlette had been active in various communities in working with the elderly and participating in indigent outreach efforts through her church membership. Position Statement: I seek to engage in a more active role in FPA in order to represent the concerns of Brevard county pharmacists and positively impact Florida pharmacy practice. My primary goal is to support a stronger healthcare and community alliance that supports pharmacy as the primary connector for transitional care of the patient from hospital to home, relative to safety in medication management. Though my most recent experience in pharmacy has been specific to hospital and system pharmacy management, I also have a background in independent and chain pharmacy, and enjoy professional and academic mentorship. I will use my background in these areas to represent all pharmacists to further our professional goals and improve patient care. I could not be more honored than to be nominated for a position of service with the Florida Pharmacy Association Region 6 Board of Directors.

NOVEMBER 2015

2016 FPA CANDIDATES

CANDIDATES FOR REGION 8 (COLLIER, MONROE, AND DADE COUNTIES)

Humberto Martinez Member since 1991 Humberto “Bert” Martinez is an alumnus of Florida A&M University, School of Pharmacy and has been a pharmacist for over 35 years. He is currently a practicing pharmacist for the Navarro Discount Pharmacy Chain in Miami, Florida. In the past, he has been an owner of his own independent pharmacy for over 15 years and has experience in working with a national chain pharmacy for another 12 years. He has received certifications in Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery, Mass Antibiotic Dispensing, Disaster Behavioral Health Training(R-FAST) (BFAST+SN), and Mass Radiological event training. Also, he has received certifications as a First Responder in Disaster Response and training as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member in Miami. He is trained as a Technical Specialist in Pharmacy for the Florida Department of Health (ESF8) and is a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer for the Miami-Dade County Department of Health. Local Association Activities: In the past, he has served as the FPA President for 2010-2011 and has been the Chair for the FPA Governmental Affairs Committee, Public Affairs Council, Professional Affairs Council, and the Organizational Affairs Council. He has been the Region 7 representative on the FPA Executive Committee. Also, he has been the Vice-Speaker and Speaker of the FPA House of Delegates and served as a member of several FPA councils and committees. Currently, he is a member of the FPA Organizational Affairs Council and on the coordinating committee for the Tallahassee Health Fair. He is also the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Miami-Dade Health Fair and the FPA liaison to the Florida Department of Health in Emergency Preparedness. On the local level, he is currently the Chairman of Interamerican Pharmacists Association (IPA) and a member of the Dade County Pharmacy Association (DCPA) Executive Committee. He has been a two time past President for both Associations and serves as the C.E. Program Director for IPA for the past 20 years. In the past, he has chaired several committees in both associations and has been an active member on several of them. Position statement: I believe very much in community involvement and letting our community know what pharmacists can do as healthcare providers. I am dedicated to do all that I can to help pharmacists to be recognized as healthcare 24

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

providers. My record speaks for itself and I am here to serve, to the best of my abilities, as your Director for Region 8. Mark Kepner Member since 2012 I grew up in Clarence, New York and obtained my pharmacy degree from Oregon State University in 1980. I am happily married and a proud father of four children. I am actively involved with the American Cancer Society in Relay for Live Naples and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I am a member of the American Hungarian Club of South West Florida and have served on the board as Vice President. My passion is training and helping people on all levels to realize their full potential in pharmacy. For years I have trained Technicians, Students, Pharmacists, and Pharmacy Managers. I have been a preceptor for the University of Florida and University of Pittsburgh and interviewed potential Pharmacy Students at Palm Beach Atlantic University. My experience in pharmacy includes: Hospital and Independent Pharmacy, VA Pharmacy Supervisor, and Wegman’s Pharmacy Manager. Currently, I am a Pharmacy Manager for Walgreens and have been for the Past 21 years. Position statement: I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve the Florida Pharmacists, Students, and Technicians as their voice through the Florida Pharmacy Association representing Region 8. I believe together we can make some positive changes in our Profession. I encourage you to reach out to me with your ideas, questions, and concerns at mmkepner@gmail.com.

Proposed Change to the FPA Constitution Below are proposed changes to the FPA Constitution reviewed and approved by the members of the FPA attending the 125th Annual Meeting and Convention in St. Augustine. These changes require the membership voting in this election to make final approval by election ballot as prescribed in Article XII of the constitution and published in Florida Pharmacy Today. The revision adds a pharmacy student FPA member and a pharmacy technician FPA member to the roster of the FPA Board of Directors. Under Article XII, the FPA Constitution can be amended upon three-fourths (3/4) of the voting members returning their ballots in favor of the change. This proposed change to Article V of the Constitution that revises the makeup of the FPA Board of Directors was presented by the Chair of the Organizational Affairs Council during the 125th annual meeting of the FPA in St. Augustine and approved by the members present for presentation on this ballot. Revisions to the constitution are below. Article V Board of Directors Section 1 - Membership. There shall be a Board of Directors of which the Immediate Past President of the Association shall be chairman. The Board of Directors will consist of the following 17 (19) members: The elected officers of the Association ■■ Immediate Past-President, as chair ■■ President ■■ President-elect ■■ Treasurer ■■ Speaker of the House ■■ Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates ■■ The Executive Vice-President of the Association, as secretary ■■ The President of FSHP ■■ Nine (9) elected directors who will serve staggered terms ■■ One (1) elected student director (addition) ■■ One (1) elected technician (addition)

NOVEMBER 2015

C A L L

F O R

APhA Foundation and NASPA Bowl of Hygeia Awarded to a pharmacist for outstanding community service above and beyond professional duties. The use of the following selection criteria is required: ■■ The recipient must be a Florida licensed pharmacist and a member of FPA. ■■           ■■ T recipient has not previously received the award. ■■               two  on its award committee or an officer of the association in other than an ex officio capacity. ■■   has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his/her specific identification as a pharmacist, reflects well on the profession. James H. Beal Award Awarded to the "Pharmacist of the Year." The criteria established for this award is that the recipient be a Florida registered pharmacist and a member of FPA, who has rendered outstanding service to pharmacy within the past five years. Criteria: ■■   must be a Florida registered pharmacist and a member of the FPA. ■■   has rendered outstanding service to pharmacy within the past five years. Technician of the Year Award Awarded annually to a Florida pharmacy technician who is recognized for his/her outstanding performance and achievement during his/her career. Criteria: ■■ Candidate must be a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association for at least two years. ■■ Candidate must have demonstrated contributions and dedication to the advancement of pharmacy technician practice.

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

N O M I N A T I O N S ■■ Candidate must have demonstrated

contributions to the Florida Pharmacy Association and/or other pharmacy organizations. ■■ Candidate must have demonstrated commitment to community service. ■■ Candidate is not a past recipient of this award. R.Q. Richards Award This award is based on outstanding achievement in the field of pharmaceutical public relations in Florida. Criteria: ■■  recipient must be a Florida registered pharmacist and a member of the FPA. ■■   has displayed outstanding achievement in the field of pharmaceutical public relations in Florida. Frank Toback/AZO Consultant Pharmacist Award Criteria: ■■ Candidate must be an FPA member, registered with the Florida Board of Pharmacy as a consultant pharmacist in good standing. ■■ Candidate should be selected based on their outstanding achievements in the field of consultant pharmacy. DCPA Sidney Simkowitz Pharmacy Involvement Award Presented annually to a Florida pharmacist who has been active at the local and state pharmacy association level in advancement of the profession of pharmacy in Florida. Criteria: ■■ A minimum of five years of active involvement in and contributions to the local association and FPA. ■■ Candidate must have held office at local level pharmacy association. ■■ Member in good standing for a period of at least five years in the FPA and must have served as a member or chairman of a committee of the association. ■■ Candidate must have been actively involved in a project that has or could potentially be of benefit to members of the profession.

F P A

Pharmacists Mutual Companies Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award Awarded to a young pharmacist for their involvement and dedication to the practice of pharmacy. Criteria: ■■ Licensed to practice for nine years or fewer. ■■ Licensed to practice in the state in which selected. ■■ Participation in national pharmacy association, professional programs, and/or community service. IPA Roman Maximo Corrons Inspiration & Motivation Award Interamerican Pharmacists Association created this award to honor the memory of Roman M. Corrons who inspired and motivated countless pharmacists to participate actively and aspire to take on leadership roles in their profession. Roman was always there with guidance and support that motivated pharmacists and encouraged visionary leadership, approachable active membership and succession planning. This award recognizes the motivators among us who inspire others to continue to advance the profession. Criteria: ■■ The recipient must be a Florida Licensed Pharmacist and a member of the FPA. ■■ Candidate should motivate others to excel within the profession by encouraging them to be leaders. ■■ Candidate is not necessarily an association officer, but guides, supports and/or inspires others. A brief description on the candidate’s motivational/inspirational skills must accompany the nomination. The Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award The Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award was established in 1998 to honor those pharmacists who have taken time to share their knowledge and experience with pharmacist candidates. The award is named in honor of long time FPA member Jean Lamberti for her effort in working with pharmacy students.

A W A R D S

2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

Criteria: ■■ The recipient must be an FPA member. ■■ The recipient must serve as a role model for the profession of pharmacy. Upsher Smith Excellence in Innovation Award Awarded to honor practicing pharmacists who have demonstrated innovation in pharmacy practice that has resulted in improved patient care. Criteria: ■■ The recipient has demonstrated innovative pharmacy practice resulting in improved patient care. ■■ The recipient should be a practicing pharmacist within the geographic area represented by the presenting Association.

Qualified Nominee: A pharmacist practicing within the geographic area represented by the presenting Association. Cardinal Generation Rx Award The Cardinal Health Generation Rx Champions Award recognizes a pharmacist who has demonstrated excellence in community-based prescription drug abuse prevention. The award is intended to recognize outstanding efforts within the pharmacy community to raise awareness of this serious public health problem. It is also intended to encourage educational prevention efforts aimed at patients, youth and other members of the community. The nominee must be a pharmacist who is a member of the state association. Self-nominations are allowed. Applica-

tions will be evaluated based upon the following criteria: ■■ Commitment to community-based educational prevention efforts aimed at prescription drug abuse ■■ Involvement of other community groups in the planning and implementation of prevention programs ■■ Innovation and creativity in the creation and implementation of prevention activities ■■ Scope/magnitude of prescription drug abuse efforts ■■ Demonstrated impact of prescription drug abuse prevention efforts

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: FEBRUARY 28, 2016 FPA AWARDS NOMINATION FORM I AM PLEASED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING NOMINATION:

NOMINATED BY:

Name:

Address:

Date Submitted: Signature:

FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARD: (Nomination Deadline February 28, 2016)  APhA Foundation and NASPA Bowl of Hygeia  James H. Beal Award

Please describe briefly below the nominee's accomplishments, indicating why you feel he or she should receive this award. (Attach additional sheets if necessary.)

 R.Q. Richards Award  Frank Toback/AZO Consultant Pharmacist Award  DCPA Sydney Simkowitz Award  Pharmacists Mutual Co. Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award  IPA Roman Maximo Corrons Inspiration & Motivation Award  The Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award  Upsher Smith Excellence in Innovation Award  Cardinal Generation Rx Award

MAIL NOMINATONS TO: Annual Awards, Florida Pharmacy Association, 610 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 222-2400 FAX (850) 561-6758 DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOVEMBER 2015

florida BUYER’S GUIDE PHARMACY TODAY

ADVERTISERS: This is a special section designed to give your company more exposure and to act as an easy reference for the pharmacist.

PHARMACY RESOURCES PPSC Retail Pharmacy Purchasing Program (888) 778-9909

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Kahan ◆ Heimberg, PLC Brian A. Kahan, R.Ph., Attorney at Law (561) 392-9000 The Health Law Firm George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M. (407) 331-6620

PHARMACEUTICAL WHOLESALER McKesson Drug Company Jim Springer (800) 804-4590 FAX: (863) 616-2953

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS AHCA MEDICAID PHARMACY SERVICES 2727 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 412-4166 www.fdhc.state.fl.us/medicaid/ pharmacy AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION (APhA) Washington, D.C. (800) 237-2742 www.pharmacist.com AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH SYSTEM PHARMACISTS Bethesda, MD (301) 657-3000 www.ashp.com/main.htm DRUG INFORMATION CENTER Palm Beach Atlantic University (561) 803-2728 druginfocenter@pba.edu FLORIDA BOARD OF PHARMACY 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin #C04 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3254 (850) 245-4292 www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa FLORIDA POISON INFORMATION CENTER NETWORK (800) 222-1222 www.fpicn.org NATIONAL COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION 100 Daingerfield Road Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-8200 (703) 683-3619 fax info@ncpanet.org

Advertising in Florida Pharmacy Today Display Advertising: please call (850) 264-5111 for a media kit and rate sheet. Buyers’ Guide: A signed insertion of at least 3X per year, 1/3 page or larger display ad, earns a placement in the Buyers’ Guide. A screened ad is furnished at additional cost to the advertiser. Professional Referral Ads: FPA Members: $50 per 50 words; Non‑members: $100 per 50 words; No discounts for advertising agencies. All Professional Referral ads must be paid in advance, at the time of ad receipt. 28

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

RECOVERING PHARMACISTS NETWORK OF FLORIDA (407) 257-6606 “Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists”