The Official Publication Of The Florida Pharmacy Association DEC. 2018
EMBRACING THE GENERATION GAP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE COUNTER
florida PHARMACY TODAY Departments 4 Calendar 4 Advertisers 5 President’s Viewpoint
7 Executive Insight
24 FPA Association Updates 28 College of Pharmacy Updates 36 FPA Award Nominations
VOL. 81 | NO. 12 DECEMBER 2018 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION
Features
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Embracing the Generation Gap on Both Sides of the Counter Association Involvement and Influence on My Journey into Managed Care Pharmacy Practice PSAOs, PBMs and Independent Pharmacy
2019 Election Ballot Information
Correction: ■■ Athena Colon Perez, Ian Floresta and Lindsey Sinnett were contributing authors for the article, University of Florida APhaA-ASP Chapter Engagement Report in the October 2018 issue of Florida Pharmacy Today. ■■ Additionally, a photo from the same article incorrectly identified a UF COP student Thuyen Van as Thigpen Van.
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Mission Statements:
FPA Calendar 2019
JANUARY
Florida Pharmacy Today Journal
3
Board of Directors Conference Call First Day of the Legislative Session
1
New Years Day - FPA Office Closed
5
19
Alachua County Association of Pharmacists Leadership Development Conference
12-13 FPA Legislative Days and Health Fair Tallahassee
21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day FPA Office Closed
22-25 APhA Annual Meeting Seattle, Wash.
26-27 FPA Clinical Conference Sandestin 31
FPA Election Ballots Due FEBRUARY
4-6
FPA Awards Nominations Due MARCH
1
2-3
Board of Pharmacy Meeting Gainesville
6
Regulatory and Law Conference Tampa
Florida Board of Pharmacy Meeting Tallahassee
23-24 FPA Council and Committee meetings - TBD 28
APRIL
Budget and Finance Committee Conference Call
MAY 3
Last Day of Legislative Session
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. There is a new 2 hour CE requirement for pharmacists on the dispensing of controlled substances effective this biennial renewal period. Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this biennial period by September 30, 2019 or prior to licensure renewal. Consultant pharmacists and technicians will need to renew their licenses and registrations by December 31, 2018. 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 UF — Kristin Weitzel (352) 273-5114
FAMU — Leola Cleveland (850) 599-3301 NSU — Carsten Evans (954) 262-1300
Note: The views of the authors do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Florida Pharmacy Association, Florida Pharmacy Today or any related entities.
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.
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 EPIC................................................................. 2, 13 FTCB..................................................................... 27 KAHAN & ASSOCIATES................................. 13 PQC........................................................................ 9 PHARMACISTS MUTUAL.............................. 33 SHARP’S INC..................................................... 11
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.
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E-MAIL YOUR SUGGESTIONS/IDEAS TO dave@fiorecommunications.com
The President’s Viewpoint ANGELA S. GARCIA, PHARMD/MPH, CPH
A
Reflections and Projections on The Power of WE
s we bring 2018 to an end, I reflect on what we set out to accomplish this year through the Power of WE. This was the first year of our new five-year strategic plan, which always brings immense challenges, but also paves the path for exceptional growth. The diversity of the leadership – especially that of the Councils and Committees – is helping weave the spirit of change that is so desperately needed in our Association. For some of us, taking a hard look inward on what is and isn’t working is the essence that builds strong character, integrity and strength. Yet for some, change at the core that overhauls the way it has been for five, 10 or even 15 years is not a welcome feeling and we are trying to navigate barriers in order to function at the level our membership is calling for us as an Association. We have such a short time – one year – to try to identify what the priorities are for the operations side through the strategic plan, and the advocacy side through our legislative agenda. I have learned the most important thing is giving a voice to members of our leadership and our ambassadors within the profession – to hold us accountable, to ask for transparency and to openly communicate so there is a sense of relationship among the membership. This relationship is what will continue to bring us the greatest successes and without it, the most devastating failures. The talents contained within our officers, reginal directors, council and committee members, as well as the staff, have surfaced through the past six months. What we have achieved brings utter excitement to me about what is coming with the new year, and
the last six months of my term of service as the president. We have a very proactive legislative agenda led by the Governmental Affairs Council. We have a core five, Eric Larson (Chair), Bill Mincy, James
We have a very proactive legislative agenda led by the Governmental Affairs Council. We have a core five, Eric Larson (Chair), Bill Mincy, James Wright, Aneesh Lakhani, and Joe Scuro, who have continued to educate other members, liaise with other organizations and build a new approach to how we use our voice and muscle in the legislature. Wright, Aneesh Lakhani, and Joe Scuro, who have continued to educate other members, liaise with other organizations and build a new approach to how we use our voice and muscle in the legislature. What has been built foundationally is shifting things in a very good way –
Angela S. Garcia, PharmD, MPH, CPh
it’s time to show some muscle and not be afraid to disagree. We are keeping one eye and ear fixed on the pulse of practice issues and one on the hill. We are focused on transparency and accountability, which is speaking volumes to our colleagues. In the years I have worked in organizational leadership, I can honestly say this legislative powerhouse has shaped our approach into something we are very proud of, and plan to activate during the upcoming legislative session. Their forward thinking, high stakes investment of time and unbelievable contributions have helped me not only learn more about advocacy and the legislative process, they have set a new bar for what the GAC must maintain in terms of energy, hard work and discernment. We have taken a stance that we are not sitting back to see what is handed to us and how we feel about it as a profession. We are making decisions, we DECEMBER 2018
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2018-19 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 Wise.....................................................................................................Board Chair Angela Garcia...............................................................................................FPA President Ashley Huff.................................................................................................... FPA Treasurer David Mackarey.......................................................................................President-Elect Jeanette Connelly...................................................................Speaker of the House Gary Koesten..................................................................Vice Speaker of the House Sandy Estrada......................................................................................... FSHP President Joyanna Wright................................................................................... Region 1 Director Neil Barnett............................................................................................Region 2 Director Dean Pedalino.......................................................................................Region 3 Director Cheryl Rouse.........................................................................................Region 4 Director Melissa Ruble........................................................................................Region 5 Director Barbara Beadle...................................................................................Region 6 Director Paul Delisser.......................................................................................... Region 7 Director Ramy Gabriel.........................................................................................Region 8 Director Mitchell Fingerhut.............................................................................Region 9 Director Julie Burger........................................................................................Technician Member
Florida Pharmacy Today Journal Board Chair.............................................................. Carol Motycka, motycka@cop.ufl.edu Vice Chair....................................................Cristina Medina, cmmedina@cvs.com Treasurer.........................................................Eric Jakab, ericjakab@hotmail.com Secretary................................................................... Stuart Ulrich, stuarx@aol.com Member.................................................. Michael Finnick, michaelfinnick@ufl.edu Member.......................................................Matt Schneller, schnem18@gmail.com Member..........................................Teresa Tomerlin, teresapharmd@cfl.rr.com Member............................................Greta Pelegrin, gretapelegrin@yahoo.com Technician Member........................Julie Burger, julieburger133@gmail.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
are setting limits, we are vocal and visible across the state with key legislators with transparency about our intentions. Looking into our policy and procedures, we are leaning very heavy on organizational affairs, professional affairs and educational affairs to identify where our gaps and opportunities are, where the push back is coming from, and strengthening the process to raise the stakes for growing in new directions.
Our strategic plan has identified major changes that we need to address, is inclusive of our legacy and has many innovative areas that will increase the perception of value for the question that many members of leadership are uncomfortable hearing, “What has the FPA done for me?” Our strategic plan has identified major changes that we need to address, is inclusive of our legacy and has many innovative areas that will increase the perception of value for the question that many members of leadership are uncomfortable hearing, “What has the FPA done for me?” I love this question! Too often, we sit together and acknowledge in our smaller groups what we have achieved, but equally too often, we have remained in those silos rather than expanding out toward the collaborative partnership we need in public health, rural health, and non-pharmacy clinical providers. We still have a major deficit of education about who we are, what we are doSee President’s Viewpoint, continued on page 8
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Executive Insight BY MICHAEL JACKSON, RPH MICHAEL JACKSON, BPHARM, EVP & CEO, FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION
H
The Election is Over. Now What?
ow ironic that the ballot issues related to the 2000 presidential election find their way again in Florida politics. One thing that is perfectly clear is that the political diversity within our state’s society is significant. Every other person you meet will have an opinion or a position on a variety of issues. I have discovered in over 20 years of advocacy that getting elected in this state takes a lot of work, resources and manpower. Candidates must raise obscene amounts of money and shake a lot of hands in order to get serious consideration as a viable candidate. Lately, the campaign trail seems to be more about who can make points about the qualifications of their opponent rather than what they will do to improve society, protect the public and make a difference in the services provided by government. One day a politician will ask me what voters want to know and they may be surprised at what my answer will be. So our 2018 election is over and as you are aware, some very close races were in dispute. We have a new batch of legislators eager to get to work. This creates an educational opportunity for our members to prepare and inform these new members on pharmacy issues before they come to Tallahassee to hear from entities that do not have your interests at heart. The most effective conversation that you can have with a member of the Florida House or Senate is the first one prior to their initial tour of duty here in our state’s Capitol. You have an opportunity to make a difference in how our profession and our business is perceived by initiating that conversation between now and March 5, 2019. The FPA has been hard at work dur-
ing this election cycle. The Florida Pharmacist Political Committee (FPPC) worked hard to build a war chest and invested in a number of campaigns and political committees so that we can be at the table on policy decisions. All but one of the races that we supported during the midterm election was successful which, according to FPPC Chair Mark Hobbs, means that over 95
I have discovered in over 20 years of advocacy that getting elected in this state takes a lot of work, resources and manpower. percent of the candidates we supported won their respective races. We believe that we have a formula for a good relationship with the incoming leadership and need to continue to take advantage of this new clout. Much will depend on the engagement of our membership. There are no shortages of issues that need our attention (see November issue of Florida Pharmacy Today). Our resolution for
Michael Jackson, B.Pharm
2019 as we close out this year should be to get on this advocacy train and with the Power of We, lay a foundation for the future of pharmacy. n
SAVE THE DATE 129th Annual Meeting and Convention of the Florida Pharmacy Association July 11 - July 14, 2019 Marriott Resort Harbor Beach Resort and Spa
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FPA STAFF Executive Vice President/CEO Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400, ext. 200
Director of Continuing Education Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120
Educational Services Office Assistant Stacey Brooks, ext. 210 Coordinator of Membership Christopher Heil, ext. 110 Accounting Coordinator Ashley Gandy ext. 211
FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY BOARD Chair..................................... Carol Motycka, St. Augustine Vice Chair................................Cristina Medina, Hollywood Treasurer...........................................Eric Jakab, Gainesville Secretary.........................Stuart Ulrich, Boynton Beach Member............................... Michael Finnick, Jacksonville Member...............................................Matt Schneller, Tampa Member...................................Teresa Tomerlin, Rockledge Member..............................................Greta Pelegrin, Hialeah Technician Member.................Julie Burger, Pensacola Executive Editor.........Michael Jackson, Tallahassee Managing Editor.........................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee
This is a peer-reviewed publication. ©2018 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
President’s Viewpoint, continued from page 6
ing, what we need and what we need protection from. These Councils have been working tirelessly on getting our Association governance documents reconciled and now it’s time for education to begin. We will be showing a new face with the website under the direction of the Public Affairs Council and we know this will be a major draw for our membership to access the amazing resources that have been built over time, as well as create educational resources, tools and information to help leverage our voice in the community with our legislators. Membership, Student Affairs and Educational Affairs Councils have been working to grow and meet the members’ expectations and we are excited to see what they are bring forward with the coming year. From new topics and approaches, to increased transitions opportunities, to identifying with all the members of our Association – technicians, student pharmacists and pharmacists alike. We see break out groups, projects and collaborations all moving simultaneously to make progress on the charges of the strategic plan. Despite challenges and road blocks, we are making steps toward improving the benefits and value, roles and leadership pipeline, and opportunities to listen and be held accountable to our members. There’s so many opportunities for our Association regarding growth and innovative thinking, that having the diversity of these Councils has provided us the foundation of experience, talent and passion to drive forward to achieve new goals. My challenge to the leadership and members alike is this: Where do we need to be as an Association, and what can I do differently to help get us there? I reflect after every meeting, after I read the minutes of the Council and Committee meetings, and after conversations I have, either solicited from members or when called upon to be accountable to members wanting information. Have I done enough? What else can I do? How much more can I fight? The answers are simple: I can always do more; if I ask, someone will tell me what they need help with; and yes, I have a lot of fight left in me. I want to be held accountable to the members and I am investing my time not in what was or how it’s always been, but rather in what the members want and deserve, and what the profession requires. I have leaned very heavily on my mentor and friends and without support, this battle would be unbearable. For that, I give absolute gratitude and appreciation. In projecting what is coming… well, what I can say is now that we are seeing momentum on all fronts, what’s coming will be unstoppable, exciting and telling of what lies within our hearts. WE are ready to step out into new roles as leaders, partners and members of a health community. WE are ready to use our voices with confidence to speak life into what we want for ourselves, our patients and our profession. WE are okay with differences of opinion, but not a lack of respect. WE are increasing the accountability we have and the awareness of our expectations by fulfilling the duties of our positions, embracing our roles in leadership, improving communication and transparency to our leadership and membership. WE are learning that together we are powerful. n
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Embracing the Generation Gap on Both Sides of the Counter Christopher Lynch, PharmD, MEd, CPh
In pharmacies, we interact across the counter with patients from all generations. They are generations of people with different experiences, perspectives and expectations of pharmacy. Ironically, we also interact behind the counter with our fellow pharmacy technicians and pharmacists who are also from all generations. However, it seems for some time now that the most unsettling of these encounters are with the millennial generation, which makes up the largest generation in the workforce and will soon be the largest generation in the adult population. What do you think of when you hear the word, millennial? Regardless of what generation you may be from, and for very different reasons, the word can often elicit a rolling of the eyes, shaking of the head, possibly a heavy sigh and sometimes even the use of expletives! For those us from the older generations it may stir up feelings of disbelief and disappointment with all that we perceive to be lacking from this younger generation. For a millennial, it may conjure up thoughts of frustration and resentment from 10
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Commander, MSC, U.S. Navy (Retired)
being misunderstood and negatively stereotyped by older generations. Regardless of whichever generation you belong to, it is fair to say that there has been much ado with the integration of the millennial generation into the pharmacy workforce, as well as the patient population it serves. My first experience working with millennials was while working at a Navy hospital as an active-duty pharmacist around the turn of the millennium (pun intended!). I noticed that the newer technicians coming out of training were markedly different from the ones I had been working with. Specifically, I thought they were a bit lazy and self-centered as they were always grumbling over the long working hours and lack of recognition for their perceived contributions to the pharmacy. They often wanted to know “why� they were doing a task before doing it, which was both irritating and surprising as we were in the military and giving and taking orders without question was expected. Not to mention that a pharmacy is a very busy place where there is much work to be done with little time for explaining the bigger meaning behind menial tasks.
I initially attributed their behavior to just being young and unfamiliar with hard work. However, as this behavior continued, I remember getting frustrated and thinking to myself, “Who the hell do these kids think they are? They just need to do what they’re told to do and stop asking so many questions.” My fellow officers and senior technicians would frequently commiserate with one another about our dismay with what we perceived as sense of entitlement and lack of professionalism from this younger generation. This frustration sometimes led to them being the butt of jokes, or worse, being reprimanded or humiliated when seniors became overly frustrated and perplexed with the issue. Does any of this sound familiar? Years later, I had the opportunity to precept pharmacist students from several different pharmacy schools. It was in this role that I once again found myself interacting with millennials, but different than before because I was in a more formal role as their teacher. I was surprised when I began to not only love the “why” from my students, but also started to noticing how much better they responded when I provide them with frequent feedback. Even though it required more of my time, I started seeing it as an opportunity for me to share and contribute to their body of knowledge and ultimately influence their practice. Additionally, I started realizing that they were having an impact on me as well. Sure, they kept me on my toes clinically, but they were also the first ones to encourage me to continue
my formal education. They also kept me up-to-date with new technology that influenced my practice, as well as showing me the power and influence of social media. I also began to understand and appreciate why this generation values work-life balance so much, as many of them had parents who suffered health and/or relational problems from making work the priority in their lives. I had struggled as well throughout my career with regards to this, but it was the millennials in-part that helped influence me to rethink my priorities and want to change. So if you’re feeling frustrated with other generations, know that you’re not alone. Throughout time, every generation has struggled to fully understand and appreciate the one before, and after it. It is no different now, other than maybe it is more difficult since times are changing faster than ever, and so generations are as well. You also don’t have to be in a formal coaching and mentoring role like I was to have an influence on other generations. With a positive attitude and willingness to influence and learn from one another, we can begin to embrace the generational gaps that seem to make us so different and work together to bring out the best in those we serve with. When we blend generations, don’t we all have opportunity to learn better ways to live our lives and serve one another? The knowledge, understanding and hopefully, appreciation of the different generations that is gained will be beneficial to the profession of pharmacy now and in the generations to come.
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Association Involvement and Influence on My Journey into Managed Care Pharmacy Practice By Indira Dupotey-Rubi, PharmD I know that my path in managed care pharmacy practice was greatly impacted by my involvement and networking through the FPA. I joined the Florida Pharmacy Association during my first year of pharmacy school and had a basic understanding of the importance of being involved in my state associations from very early on. For me, joining the Association was a no brainer. Literally, being involved in your state pharmacy association was just simply what you did if you were in leadership as a student or planned to be in some level of leadership out in practice. Some of my most memorable projects, mentors and professional experiences during my years as a student were a direct result of my involvement with the Association. I remember attending the FPA Annual Convention for the first time and feeling so fortunate to have been sponsored as a student as part of the Adopt-A-Student Program. Keeping diligent with my goal to engage and grow in leadership within the FPA, I volunteered one summer at the FPA Office (in Tallahassee) and was an active member of various Student Seats on the FPA Leadership Councils. The most shaping of all experiences with the Association, was when a group of student leaders from Nova Southeastern University (myself included) decided to submit a Resolution to the House of Delegates to advocate for pharmacist intern involvement in the immunization process I wasn’t aware of how loud my voice as a student could be for legislative change until then, but it is something that I know is critical in how I practice today. The need for pharmacists to be involved in advocacy and the legislative process is critical – whether I am focused on managed care-specific issues or not, I recognize this as my duty as a pharmacist. I remember attending a conference event during school – in of all places Washington, D.C. Maybe it was sleep deprivation, maybe the nostalgia of D.C. – but regardless, there we were sitting up late one night filled with passion for our profession and the desire to impact patients’ lives. We were going to change history. We piled in a room and sat and drafted the resolution for student interns and immunization privilege. It was an exercise in passion, in will and in interest. The process opened our eyes to the spirit of pharmacy advocacy and it has never left those of us sitting around that circle. Shortly after graduation, I had the privilege of becoming a member of the Florida Pharmacist Political Committee (FPPC), an advocacy group within the Association with a key responsibility for raising financial support to help push our legislative agenda. These experiences increased my capacity in managed care leadership, and I continue to grow year after year. 12
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This year, I had the honor to be a member of FPA’s Professional Affairs Council and discuss how to increase the accountability and expectations of the leadership. This leadership includes the staff, officers, regional directors and members of the councils and committees. My experiences as a student and in my post-student years within the FPA have allowed me to get a clear understanding of how the Association is structured, what is working and what needs improvements and change to be relevant and meet our current practice needs. I am aware of the impact that mentoring has on student
THE MOST SHAPING OF ALL EXPERIENCES WITH THE ASSOCIATION, WAS WHEN A GROUP OF STUDENT LEADERS FROM NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (MYSELF INCLUDED) DECIDED TO SUBMIT A RESOLUTION TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES TO ADVOCATE FOR PHARMACIST INTERN INVOLVEMENT IN THE IMMUNIZATION PROCESS pharmacists, technicians and young practitioners. I have seen colleagues change practice areas, specialties and innovate to create the care and services our patients need. I have seen successes, failures and changes in our approach that have given me a lot of perspective for what needs to improve in the Professional Affairs Council regarding our leadership, our members and our Association as a whole. I have gained confidence in myself and in my colleagues to achieve our goals as members of the FPA Councils and as individuals in pharmacy practice. I have carried my growth in association leadership into practice and leadership in managed care and health care teams. The Professional Affairs Council has opportunities to look at big-picture landscapes for pharmacists as professionals and for the Association and where we need to grow our leadership, so we can provide the mentorship to the Association members. With these opportunities, I would like to see the Professional Affairs Council work toward elevating the pro-
fession of pharmacy through our strategic plan priorities and raise awareness of the impact of membership in our Association. There is such an opportunity to educate pharmacists, providers and patients about concepts and practices of managed care pharmacy. Networking within FPA provides a great platform for education and conversations about advocacy for managed care initiatives. For the past six years I have worked as a pharmacist in a managed care organization in South Florida. I have educated former classmates, physicians and even students about what managed care pharmacy practice is, and the diversity in managed care for pharmacists in Florida. I spent time dispelling myths, educating about programs and services and demonstrating the clinical services and impacts on patient care outcomes. I have held two different positions within the organization and built a significant amount of knowledge of how legislation and programming impacts what we do in managed care as a component of overall patient care. Furthermore, I have spent time educating about how significant the role is for managed care in the teambased concepts and approaches to evidenced-based practices that are changing patient quality of life, utilization of health services and approaches to medical neighborhoods. I started out as a pharmacist clinician performing medication reviews and counseling our plan members about their medication adherence, treatment plans, personal goals and
PHARMACISTS, STUDENT PHARMACISTS AND TECHNICIANS, AS WELL AS OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, GREATLY BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICES OF MANAGED CARE PHARMACY. progress in disease state management. I had a great deal of education and exposure to reimbursement issues and quality measures, specifically learning the intricacies of quality initiatives in support of STAR measures, CMS regulatory requirements and overall quality of care initiatives for the patients under our care. Over time, I transitioned into a more administrative role serving as a pharmacy benefits subject matter expert for Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) and integrated (Medicare/Medicaid) plans for the organization. Pharmacists, student pharmacists and technicians, as well as other health care providers, greatly benefit from the services of managed care pharmacy. I continue to educate others about the positive impacts on patient care outcomes, which is crucial in maintaining our role and creating additional opportunities in the face of the changing health care landscape. Being connected to the FPA allows me the opportunity to
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WE NEED OUR MEMBERS TO BECOME ACTIVE IN ADVOCACY AND PATIENT OUTREACH.
continue to network, interact with colleagues, educate and mentor others. In addition, I am able to be an ambassador for our niche in pharmacy, bringing issues from managed care to the forefront of the leadership. The importance of being active in legislation and advocacy is that it affords me the opportunity to voice my message, the message of my patients, the intentions of my health care team and where I want the profession to develop - first hand. It’s my responsibility to be active in my profession, and I know that it is important not only for the sustainability of the pharmacy profession, but also in the success of companies like mine to provide the highest quality of care available to patients across the state through managed care approaches. A strong message that I think everyone in the profession of pharmacy needs to hear is that the involvement and work of the FPA leadership (staff, officers, regionals and members of the councils and committees) is not going to be enough to make our Association flourish. It takes everyone in this profession to be active at some level. We need to be constantly thinking creatively about how we are going to increase involvement in the Association from pharmacists, student pharmacists and technicians who are members, but only on paper (passive membership). We need our members to become active in advocacy and patient outreach. Just as we use evidenced-based literature to support care and treatment in managed care pharmacy, we know we have to be diligent in basing our decisions on what has worked best in organizational leadership. We need more members to 14
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recruit friends and colleagues and share issues and needs so the leadership can work to meet those and support our strategic plan priorities. More importantly, we need to enhance our advocacy awareness efforts so that every pharmacist understands the legislative process and the importance of engaging with and supporting our political voice, the Governmental Affairs Committee and the FPPC. Our goals for the 2018-2023 FPA Strategic Plan are ambitious, but they reflect the voice of the membership, and we need continuous support to achieve our goals and objectives. The diversity, impact and responsibility of managed care practice on the health care system is very similar to our roles in the Association – we need to increase our clinical services, collect and disseminate strong data for the impacts we make and strengthen our voice in efficient, high-quality care to change the outcomes of patient health. By bringing some of these principles of managed care to the leadership and approaches of our leadership in advocacy efforts, it’s easy to see how my journey with the FPA and my journey in managed care have blended beautifully to create amazing opportunities in practice and leadership. I believe in the Power of WE – I have experienced it and know that it’s the right path for where we need to be as an Association.
PSAOs, PBMs and Independent Pharmacy By James Wright
Various pharmacists in Florida and across the country might be unfamiliar with the different entities involved with independent pha r mac y. Wh i le government advocacy efforts have raised awareness of the middlemen or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), little attention has been placed on pharmacy service administrative organizations (PSAOs). Independent pharmacy owners face a constant barrage of regulatory burdens and anti-competitive business practices. Included are below-cost reimbursement, targeted audits, restricted networks and direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees. DIR fees are assessed on prescription claims after the point of sale transaction. Akin to a surcharge or tax placed on pharmacies by the PBM, this business environment is very frustrating and makes future planning difficult if not impossible. For example, in 2017 I had $18,000 in DIR fees taken. In 2018, I will have approximately $100,000 in DIR fees. Most of the ire is directed toward PBMs. There is growing awareness of their unscrupulous behavior at the state and federal level. Considered herein are the entities signing contracts with PBMs, pharmacy service administrative organizations. PSAOs provide contract negotiation, communication and help-desk services. PSAOs will negotiate and enter into contracts with third-party payers or PBMs on behalf of member pharmacies. Smaller pharmacy owners participate in PSAOs to leverage influence in contract negotiations with PBMs and gain administrative efficacies. Large pharmacies can negotiate directly. PSAOs act as financial intermediaries between PBMs and member pharmacies. They collect money paid from
claims and then batch-release to the individual pharmacies through a central pay. The PSAO relationship is key for independent pharmacies, and pharmacies generally interact with a PBM through one PSAO. Pharmaceutical wholesalers typically own PSAOs. Examples include: Leadernet (owned by Cardinal), Elevate (owned by AmerisourceBergen Corporation) and Access Health (owned by McKesson). Of note, the contracts wholesalers sign with PBMs do not list the PSAO entity in the agreement. For example: the administrator contract “Elevate” has with Caremark lists AmerisourceBergen. To summarize: PSAOs are supposed to be the big brother negotiating with PBMs for smaller independently owned pharmacies. Recently, the wholesaler-owned PSAO business relationship has started to come under greater scrutiny. A lawsuit filed in a California state court by several independent pharmacies takes direct aim at PSAOs, namely, Leadernet, Elevate and Arete pharmacy network along with Optumrx Inc. The three causes of action in the suit are: Unfair Trade Practices (OptumRx and all three PSAOs) Plaintiffs allege that OptumRx’s basic business practices (negative reimbursements, spread pricing, etc) constitute unfair trade practices. “OptumRx forces plaintiffs to sell prescription drug products below their cost by colluding with the PSAOs. Breach of Fiduciary Duty (Against PSAOs only) PSAOs have a fiduciary duty to pharmacies because of the agency relationship between the pharmacies and the PSAO defendants. Constructive Fraud - (Against PSAOs only) PSAOs know or should have known that the contracts they entered into with PBMs cause pharmacies harm.
The crux of the matter is that pharmaceutical wholesalers are negotiating reimbursement rates for the same medications they sell to member pharmacies. Akin to the property appraiser listing houses for sale, it would be in the appraiser’s best interest to appraise the properties as high a value as possible. This begs the question, are PBM reimbursements too low or are wholesalers charging too much? As independent owners, we act shocked that this and other practices are occurring. We should not be. All of the practices we love to hate are spelled out in the contracts PSAOs signed on our behalf. These contracts allow belowcost reimbursement, unfair audits and DIR fees. References:
https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO13-176 Case # 56-2018-00515296-CU-AT-VTA filed in Ventura County Ca
About James Wright graduated from University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 2008 and started Five Points Pharmacy and Wellness in 2012 after several years staffing in a hospital. He has been a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association Government Affairs Council since 2016. He presently acts as an advocate for issues facing independent pharmacy owners by meeting and corresponding with state and federal representatives, working on specific legislation in Tallahassee and Washington D.C.
DECEMBER 2018
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2019 Election Ballot Information The election for FPA president elect, treasurer and regional directors will be done by computer again this year. An email containing instructions on how to cast your vote was sent to your email address of record in the current FPA database on December 17, 2018. You will need to sign in with your username and password to cast your vote. If you live in regions 2, 4, 6 or 8 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 and treasurer. If you live in regions 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, 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, 2019. Please visit www.pharmview.com after you receive the instructional postcard to cast your vote. Below is candidate information for you to review prior to voting.
CANDIDATES FOR FPA PRESIDENT ELECT Joseph Scuro FPA Member Since 2014 Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to introduce myself and earn your support as your candidate for The Florida Pharmacy Association 2019 - 2020 President-Elect Position. I am Joseph “Animal” Scuro. Over the last 20 years or so, I have had the privilege to experience a rich and diverse body of opportunities throughout the healthcare service industry. I have most recently launched Magnificent Obsession Health and Wellness Services, LLC, a company committed to the design of tools, services and regulatory initiatives that enhance the roles and work environment shared by today’s pharmacists. I began my professional journey practicing health law specializing in system access and transparency. As my evolution continued, my interest in health issues grew, and so did my desire to explore a greater understanding of the human body and how it performs. Today, I balance an active pharmacy practice and an integrative health care law practice, serving as a continuing education speaker, health care motivational speaker, and as an adjunct professor with my alma mater. I graduated from Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. I also hold a Doctorate of Holistic Chiropractic Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Whittier School of Law and am currently seeking a Masters of Laws in Health Law and Policy from Hofstra College of Law. I hold advanced certifications as a Consultant Pharmacist, Pain Management Educator, Medication Therapy Management, State and Federal Regulatory Practice Specialist, Pharmacy Entrepreneurial Design, Project Manager and Arbitration. Currently, I am serving as a member of the Government Affairs Committee, where I function as the informational liaison between all standing FPA committees. My service 16
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experiences within the FPA includes time serving on the Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee, as a Delegate representing the Duval County Pharmacy Association and on the Legislative Days Committee. I also currently serve on the Florida Bar Government Affairs Committee. Locally, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Duval County Pharmacy Association and The Drug Epidemiology Network of Duval County. In the wake of national movements, I hope through our very own #PharmacistFirst movement to forge a legacy of healthcare inclusivity, fairness and growth for pharmacists. My mission is to continue the positive momentum of growth and to influence the group of new and highly motivated dreamers that will shape the future of the Florida Pharmacy Association. Initially, I plan to visit all regional associations during my campaign to provide an opportunity to meet as many pharmacists and technicians as possible. I plan to reach all current and future FPA members, from our newest graduates facing crushing debt and shrining employment opportunities, to our most experienced pharmacists aging out of the practice. There are many issues that face today’s pharmacists as this trusted profession continues to grow and evolve. As we balance our resources and attention among all the competing national, state, local and specialty initiatives, we must never forgot that each concern should be acknowledged and discussed openly. There are many concerns that we face to be sure but these are several of the issues that I believe would positively impact our association. 1. Addressing our pharmacist’s work conditions and the distractions resulting from the over reliance upon pharmacy production and customer service metrics. I plan to address this area of growing concern with the Board of Pharmacy. 2. Initiate social media outreach programs that focus on increasing FPA membership and engagement. I plan to continue and expand the FPA’s use of social media resources and outreach to all members and future members. I plan to provide monthly updates to membership and implement on-
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demand resources to provide practical information to help everyday practicing pharmacists. 3. Transform the meaning of FPA membership from inclusion to opportunity. I plan to develop a Leadership Academy program designed to prepare future pharmacy leaders. 4. Encourage and promote diversity and opportunity in all aspects of the Florida Pharmacy Association and the Pharmacy Profession. I plan to expand upon current FPA programs that promote diversity and eliminate gender bias by creating a special committee to develop more than a positional statement but a working tool kit. With a ever growing number of women and minorities entering pharmacy schools, this is the right time. 5. Acknowledge the mounting pressures and negative health effects of today’s pharmacy practice on the Mental Health and Wellness of our membership and their families and become a resource for information and outreach programs. Too many FPA members and future members lack the support they need in order to thrive professionally and personally. I plan to make it my call to action that the FPA address and implement a vast array of health and wellness programs. No pharmacist should ever again be afraid or to ashamed to ask for help. I believe that as the state pharmacy association, we have an obligation to take care of all our Pharmacists First. 6. Acknowledge the need for pharmacists to start managing their futures. I plan to work with the Educational Committee to expand continuing educational programs to include more offerings focusing on personal productivity, business profitability and entrepreneurship. I believe that everyone that currently holds or seeks to hold a leadership position with the Florida Pharmacy Association should be able to answer the most fundamental and simple question of all: “Why is the Florida Pharmacy Association here”? I believe that the Florida Pharmacy Association exists not just to sentinel policies that might influence the pharmacy profession, but to always be a steadfast champion for its membership! I believe that the Florida Pharmacy Association exists to be a vital resource for members and their families beyond providing continuing education as well as to expand and protect our position as valued providers throughout the healthcare delivery system. Thank you for your time, your partnership and your Vote. #PharmacistFirst
Joyanna “Joy” Wright FPA Member Since 2009 I am a licensed Florida Pharmacist in good standing, and have practiced since my graduation in 1993 from University of Toronto. I have practiced in both community and hospital practice and am currently employed by UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. I have also served for many years in both the local and state level associations by serving on the boards of the Pharmacist Association of the Niagara Peninsula, the Ontario Pharmacist Association, the Alachua County Association of Pharmacists and on the Board of the Florida Pharmacy Association. This experience has given me opportunities to work with a variety of pharmacists and technicians from a number of backgrounds and practice settings. I enjoy gathering a wide-variety of opinions on issues facing the pharmacy profession in order to make decisions on policy and legislative campaigns and to lead us into a bright future. The issues I feel that are the most important for the Florida Pharmacist Association to be addressing at this time are increasing membership and unity of the profession, billable services for pharmacists and visibility for the Florida Pharmacist Association and the profession itself. These issues are going to shape our profession and change our direction if we don’t address them immediately. I am excited to pursue this opportunity to represent my profession at the state level, if you have any questions about my history, experience or issues I would be happy to answer them. I look forward to hearing from you when I will be able to start my campaign. Thank you for considering me, Joyanna “Joy” Wright BIOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION:
Joy graduated with a B. Sc. Pharm from University of Toronto in 1993 and is licensed in both Ontario and Florida. She graduated with a Pharm.D. from Shenandoah University in Virginia in 2001. She obtained the Board Certification in Pharmaceutical Specialties in 2007 and has maintained her certification. She originally worked in independent community pharmacy and taught Pharmacy Technicians at Niagara College for almost 10 years before moving to Florida. In Florida she has worked as a Consultant Pharmacist for University of Florida at Tachachale and then became a pharmacist for UF Health Shands Pharmacy. During her 12 years at Shands she worked as a satellite pharmacist for 3 years before moving into the role of Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. In this position she practices as an ambulatory care pharmacist in the Care One Clinic, is a consultant pharmacist for 7 off-site hospital areas and is a student preceptor. She has been serving on local and state/provincial level asDECEMBER 2018
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sociations in both Ontario and Florida as well as on committees for national pharmacy association (ACCP, CPhA). She has been a delegate representing the Alachua County Association of Pharmacists for many years to the FPA House of Delegates. She is currently a Director and Parliamentarian for ACAP and the Region 1 Director for the Florida Pharmacy Association. These roles have given her much experience in working with pharmacists and technicians from a variety of backgrounds. She is active in promoting safe and effective use of medications to patients with her work at Shands, by the community presentations she has given and her active role in events related to Pharmacy Month. POSITION STATEMENT:
Pharmacy is a diverse profession and the Florida Pharmacy Association must be the leading voice that unifies pharmacy in the state of Florida. As President Elect, I would support initiatives that bring unity to our profession, increase FPA’s membership base, expand FPA’s continuing education offerings and bring visibility to not only the Association but also to the profession as a whole. FPA must be a networking hub for our members in a variety of settings, must add to our offering of continuing education by looking at certifications and other demonstrable skills for technicians and pharmacists to adapt to the changing healthcare environment. FPA must increase its membership to affect legislation in our state. FPA must work with Medicaid and other insurers in the state of Florida to expand cognitive services and billable services by pharmacists in the state of Florida. An example of this was the test and treat bill that FPA supported in the last legislative session which is a great start and more ideas like this need to be brought forward not only for community pharmacists but for pharmacists in other areas and I would look for and champion those ideas. Lastly, FPA must continue to be visible not only in legislative areas but in the media and promote the changing profession to the public. FPA can take the lead in healthcare issues and promote safe and effective use of pharmacists, technicians and medications in the years to come. As President Elect, I would seek opportunities where FPA can take the lead in news stories, on social media and be the voice for our profession in this state.
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CANDIDATES FOR FPA TREASURER Jeanette Connelly FPA Member Since 2010 My name is Jeanette Connelly and I am asking for your vote of confidence to be your next FPA Treasurer. I’ve been a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association since 2010 and I work as a managed care pharmacist in the Tampa area. During the last eight years, it has been a privilege to serve the FPA in numerous roles of leadership and advocacy. I take great pride in the contributions I made in service to the Association and I strive to continue to do so as your future Treasurer. I will rely on the skills I developed as a managed care pharmacist and mortgage underwriter to uphold the fiduciary responsibilities that keep the FPA moving forward and financially viable. I will collaborate with the Budget & Finance Committee and the Board of Directors to critically evaluate our Association’s financial state, evaluate investments, and support the needs that exist for us to thrive. I believe in our Association and I am confident I can lead us in responsible financial stewardship. Thank you for your consideration. BIOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION:
Jeanette Connelly, PharmD, is a managed care clinical pharmacist in Tampa. Jeanette supports a variety of clients by optimizing drug therapy via evaluation of evidencebased medicine, analyzing client claim movement, and providing education training on relevant emerging drug trends. Additionally, Jeanette is responsible for evaluating the financial impact and future directions of client’s intervention services. Prior to her career in pharmacy, Jeanette was a mortgage underwriter where she evaluated business profit and loss statements and critically reviewed financial data. Jeanette serves on numerous Association committees for the Florida Pharmacy Association and is the current Speaker of the House of Delegates. She is the immediate past president of the Pinellas County Pharmacy Association, where she was actively involved with advocacy and membership outreach. Jeanette has a longstanding passion for pharmacy policy and advocacy and she has received multiple awards and recognitions for her efforts. She has been involved in the Florida Pharmacists’ Legislative Day & Health Fair for the last eight years, holding various roles in this event ranging from student volunteer to Co-Coordinator of the Health Fair. Jeanette received her PharmD from the University of Florida and has experience in both the managed care and community retail pharmacy practice settings.
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Kim Jones FPA Member Since 2005 Kim Jones is a Florida licensed Pharmacist, practicing on the Treasure Coast for almost 20 years. She is a native of Mount Sterling, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Midwestern University in Illinois. Her background includes working within chain and mail order pharmacies as well as specialty and Independent community Pharmacy. Currently Kim is the owner of the Prescription Shop and Wellness Center of Stuart where she and her staff serve their community providing immunizations, medication therapeutic management services, compliance packaging, synchronization of medications, wellness consultations and much more. Kim is a licensed pharmacist in additional states and holds a Florida Consultant Pharmacist License. She also has professional training including certification in the Pharmacy Immunization Program, CPR Certified, and a certification in Medication Therapy Management from the University of Florida. Kim is committed to caring for our members of the community like they are family. CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS AND INVOLVEMENT: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■
FPA member Florida Luminary for the Florida CPESN Network Treasurer: Martin County Business Exchange Board Member: Floridians Fighting Falls NCPA member
PREVIOUSLY SERVED:
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Chair of the FPA Organizational Affairs Committee FPA Board for 8 years as a regional representative Palm Beach County Pharmacy Association (Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)
CANDIDATES FOR FPA REGION 1 (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Gilchrist, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Alachua and Levy Counties) Preston McDonald FPA Member Since 2001 While I was a student in pharmacy school in Louisiana I had always been a student member of pharmacy professional organizations – both state and national. I just thought it was the right thing to do, and I wanted to be a part of my future profession. Not long after I became a licensed pharmacist in Florida, I joined FPA as a member. Although a member of FPA, I didn’t get involved until after attending my first FPA Annual Convention at Gaylord Palms in Orlando when Glenn Boyles was inaugurated as incoming Preston of FPA. After that I was “recruited” to be a member of my first FPA committee – Budget and Finance. After that I decided to run to be elected as a Regional Director on the FPA Board of Directors. To my own amazement I was elected and served as Region 1 Director. I attended all Board of Directors meetings, making the 7 hour drive to and from Orlando numerous times. After that I became involved in several capacities within the FPA, and still serve on the GAC. I am not one that cannot be truthful, and must admit that our profession is “limping along” and is in need of “medication(s).” We are in need of help and support from not only those within our profession, but from those without. It is with this spirit that I have announced my candidacy to become the next Region 1 Director for FPA Board of Directors. Thank you for your support and vote. FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION INVOLVEMENT: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■
Region 1 Director/Board of Directors – 2008 - 2013 Budget & Finance Committee member – 2008-2012 Public Affairs Council member (2012-2013) and chair (2013-2014) Government Affairs Committee member/chair (20122014) House of Delegates Board of Director 2013
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CANDIDATES FOR FPA REGION 3 (Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas Counties) Larry C. Alaimo FPA Member Since 1999 Larry C. Alaimo graduated from the University of Florida and has been a licensed pharmacist in FL in good standing since 2003. He currently lives in Odessa, FL (Pasco County) along with his wife Lauren, 4 year old twins Francesca and Lucio and 15 year old step daughter Isabella. Larry is an active member of FPA since July 2003 and recently joined as council member for Organizational Affairs. Larry is currently a Health Mart Regional Operations Director in the South Region working with over 2,000 stores to support operational, financial and clinical performance. Larry has over 20 years’ experience working in or on behalf of community pharmacies ranging from day to day operations, program implementations, to working with providers and health systems managing transitions of care. POSITION STATEMENT:
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve been involved with multiunit management, team development efforts and management of business/service/clinical outcomes. For many of these roles I had to influence without authority which can only be successful if you can paint a vision, engage and motivate those for which you look to generate an action. It is my intention to provide leadership and support for local units within my Region and be an ambassador for the Association. During my two-year term as a Regional, I would look to make connectivity between the Association and local units a priority. This would start with establishing a routine cadence of communications to local unit leads and an alignment around meetings. Not only would information flow to local units from the Association, I would also look to establish a process for feedback to flow upstream. I would request minutes from each meeting and establish a process to track and archive feedback/responses. All communications will be circular and the “voice” of our local units need to be validated. We need to market our efforts and ensure members of the patient community and pharmacy community are connected and our local units will be positioned as ambassadors to the profession. Ultimately our success will be measured by membership retention and more importantly growth. Appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Larry C. Alaimo, PharmD 20
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Tom Cuomo FPA Member Since 1984 Licensed Florida Pharmacist & Consultant Pharmacist. Currently practicing community pharmacy and part-time consulting pharmacy. Past-President of the Florida Pharmacy Association and member of the # 1 club. Very involved with local political leaders keeping them informed of demanding issues affecting the profession of pharmacy. Would like to establish a regional political action group that will monitor all the legislators in Region 3 and inform the member of the FPA and non-member also, on how these legislators are responding to our needs. This will show the legislators the power we can have at elections and enable us to achieve our goal of provider status and other purposes that we as a profession would like to accomplish.
CANDIDATES FOR FPA REGION 5 (Hillsborough and Polk Counties) James Alcorn FPA Member Since 2013 James Alcorn, a lifelong Floridian born and raised in Lakeland, has a strong passion for advancing the profession and holds the unique experience of a longtime pharmacy technician turned pharmacist intern turned pharmacist. After completing his undergraduate work at the University of South Florida and Master of Pharmacy concentrating in Clinical Toxicology at the University of Florida, Dr. Alcorn completed his professional studies at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Saint Petersburg campus. Under the mentorship of several seasoned and highly persuasive student advocates, he dedicated himself to pharmacy policy and advocacy efforts. Through activities such as Legislative Days, he learned that the care we provide to our patients relies heavily on our involvement in the political process and recognized how the voice of an individual can change the trajectory of our profession. He was active in many student organizations, including service to APhA-ASP as Policy Vice President at the St. Pete Campus, and Executive Policy Liaison for UF Chapters of APhA-ASP. He also served as President of the Iota Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma. He continues to be actively involved in the FPA as well as FSHP while transitioning into new practitioner life. James completed his PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency
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at BayCare’s Winter Haven Hospital, where he now practices as a Clinical Pharmacist. His professional interests include emergency medicine and critical care, neurology, psychiatry, and HIV/AIDS. He maintains board certification as an HIV Pharmacist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. He lives in Lakeland with his wife Haili and son Elliott. POSITION STATEMENT:
Craving the active participation I once thrived on as a student pharmacist, I began seeking involvement opportunities as I transitioned from residency into new practitioner life. Seeing friends become involved in their local units, I sought out my own. Reaching out to a friend and mentor and fellow Polk County pharmacist, Ed Hamilton, I found our own local unit deserted. As I continued to talk to others, I realized that this was not an uncommon problem facing our state. Considering the Tampa Bay area is home to over one-tenth of our state’s population, having invested and informed pharmacists and technicians is crucial to ensuring our citizens receive the absolute best pharmaceutical care. My priority as Regional Director will be to bring a local voice back to the pharmacists of Hillsborough and Polk counties and working with other regions to find solutions that meet the needs of our members and those we care for. Having lived in the region for my entire life while working as a pharmacy technician, student pharmacist, and pharmacist in a number of areas across the region, I believe I bring a valuable perspective to the Board and truly understand the needs of the pharmacy professionals and patients in the area. Kwame Fosu FPA Member Since 2004 Once he was the journey man compounding medications from plants leaves, roots and bark. His mortar and pistol where familiar to tropical plants from Africa and South America. He was loved, appreciated and respected for being accessible until industry took over the manufacturing of drugs and insurance companies took over payment & services. One of such people was the inventor of Coca Cola, John Pemberton. This is the story of a Pharmacist.
POSITION STATION:
The pharmacy profession has taken a back seat to the extent that it is not recognized as a profession under Medicare Part B. Under State and Medicare Part B pharmacy services are not compensated. Prior to the Pew Commission in 2000, pharmacists considered themselves over educated but underutilized. Yet today in 2018, the state legislatures and PBMS have
not given pharmacists the necessary encouragement and opportunities to utilize their education and training to meet the optimum health needs of our society. To keep a reign on the PBMs and to ensure healthcare professionals and patientfriendly bills, it is very necessary to have healthcare professionals elected to the state and national legislative offices. My ultimate dream is to run for a legislative office here in Florida or the nation’s capital--- to make independent pharmacies “Great Again” VISION MISSION: ■■ ■■ ■■
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My mission is to uplift and strengthen the image of the profession of Pharmacy. To make a stronger alliance between pharmacists and other healthcare professional. To educate the public and the legislature about the tremendous knowledge about contribution that pharmacists could offer to improve the delivery and cost of healthcare. To encourage the creation of FPA in all the pharmacy schools in Florida. To be effective, FPA will need a wellinformed generation of student- Pharmacists.
CANDIDATES FOR FPA REGION 7 (Hendry, Lee and Palm Beach Counties) Paul Delisser FPA Member Since 2010 I graduated in 1994 from Northeastern University Bouve College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, Massachusetts over 20 years ago. My wife and family moved to south Florida 23 years ago. I have been a Retail Department Pharmacy Manager with the Walgreens Company for over 19 years. In addition, I have had the experience of working in the Pharmacy Department of Wellington Regional Hospital. As a community Pharmacist, I have had the broad exposure of working in various communities that gave me privy to diversified income groups, and cultures. This experience has contributed to my growth as an individual, as well as a community Pharmacist. I have developed an insight with the elderly by recognizing their fears of the unknown as it relates to their health, and the advantage counseling contributes to their peace of mind. In dealing with our communities that are faced with economic challenges, I have found fulfillment in the way these communities rely on their neighborhood Pharmacists to edDECEMBER 2018
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ucate and explain their prescriptions and their benefits with a fuller understanding to improve their health. As a certified immunizer, reaching out to our local schools, businesses, and churches immunizing their staff members is a way to bridge our profession with our community, resulting with a renewed appreciation for the service we provide. I am looking forward to working with our members to elevate the profession of Pharmacy because it is a vital component of the Health Care profession. Our knowledge, experience, and training, significantly contributes to the health and wellness of our patients, and our community as a whole. My commitment to the Pharmacy profession is quantified by the dedication I have made through mentoring our Pharmacy students, and Pharmacy technicians. Our Pharmacy students from Nova South Eastern University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and The University of Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy are part of our mentoring program. By sharing the knowledge of our profession and encouraging them to be members of their local and state Pharmacy Associations they will make a difference to the future of our profession. Serving on various posts of the Pharmacy Associations for the last 16 years, and as the current President of the Palm Beach County Pharmacy Association, further supports the dedication I have for our profession, and the improvement of our services. As the District 7 Regional Director, I will continue to energize our members through increased membership, dialogue and advocating for the Pharmacy profession. I am currently seeking re-election as the District 7 Regional Director, please give me your vote of support to continue working diligently in conjunction with our members to improve the quality of service to our community and the members of our association.
CANDIDATES FOR FPA REGION 9 (Broward County) Yesenia Prados FPA Member Since 2018 I’ve had the honor to serve on the Board of Directors for Broward County Pharmacist Association (BCPA) since 2017. I also have the privilege of serving as a committee member for APhA since 2016. As a longtime and current member of FPA, BCPA and APhA I recognize the need for membership involvement in the organization. I hope to bring a fair and open minded perspective to the board to help serve the membership collectively. As a Co-Chair for the Student Affairs Council, past employee of Nova Southeastern University and Larkin and NSU preceptor, I am a strong advocate of student involvement and membership. As a Regional Director, I hope to continue to help shape and develop ideas and discussions that promote strong principles. The continued education and valued experience that all members receive from FPA is due in large part to the Board of Directors. Finally, I hope to be in a position to serve the membership and improve the profession of pharmacy. I appreciate your consideration. BIOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION:
Yesenia Prados is a Miami native and a recent graduate from Nova Southeastern University where she received her Doctorates in Pharmacy. Yesenia, or as she likes to call herself Yesi, has always worked in community pharmacies until recently when she was hired at Nova Southeastern University to develop the first student based medication therapy management call center. During her time at Nova she served in several national, state and local associations such as APhA, FPA and BCPA and taught pharmacy students throughout her tenure. Yesi has interest in helping the geriatric population work through the healthcare system and holds a Consultant Pharmacist license and is a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. She is now the Pharmacist in Charge at Key Pharmacy and is delighted to be using all her knowledge and leadership experience to improve the profession of Pharmacy for the state of Florida. POSITION STATEMENT:
If I were elected to Regional Director for Region 9 I will continue to work with leaders from our standing committees to bring forth new ideas that will strengthen our organization and support its growing diverse membership. I plan 22
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2019 FPA CANDIDATES on supporting the existing policies that are currently working and collaboratively work to create new initiatives to better our profession. In my mission, local associations need to work together to support the profession at the state level. With my involvement in BCPA and the local universities I can help to gather their support and start promoting awareness to incoming pharmacists who are the forefront of our profession. Mitchell Levinson FPA Member Since 2014 Hello FPA members, my name is Mitchell Levinson, RPH. I have been a licensed pharmacist in the state of Florida for 32 years. I graduated from The University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1986. For most of my 32 years in pharmacy I have worked as a community pharmacist for the Publix Supermarket chain. I helped open the first Publix Pharmacy in Tamarac in November 1986 and I am currently pharmacy manger in one of the company’s Coconut Creek locations where I have worked for almost 20 years. As a community pharmacist I have had the opportunity to assist patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, I have had the opportunity of being able to help take care of the neighborhood families and their children from birth to young adulthood. That has been a very rewarding experience for me over the years. Also, I was one of the first Publix pharmacists to be certified in giving immunizations to our patients. That has been a very rewarding experience over the past several years. I am looking forward to working with our members to increase our influence in the medical community and toward better care for all of our patients. in addition, I want to increase awareness to pharmacists of what our organization has to offer the members of our profession. I have been involved with the FPA the past several years as a delegate for the Palm Beach County Pharmacy Association. In addition, I have also been a member of the Broward County Pharmacy Association for many years.
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POSITION STATEMENT:
I am currently seeking the post of Director of Region 9. My main goal in this position is to work with other members to increase membership and involvement of Pharmacists, Technicians and Students in the promotion of the profession of pharmacy. In addition, we must have better communication with other pharmacy organizations and other healthcare professionals to aid us in offering better healthcare for our patients and protecting the future of the profession of pharmacy. Also, we need to work diligently to increase pharmacy action with the local, state and national legislators in order to make our presence known. DECEMBER 2018
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Alachua County Association of Pharmacists – The First 50 Years Sandra E. Buck-Camp, BSP, RPh, CPh, FACA On May 16, 1968, a very small group of community pharmacists met to organize and establish a local association to elevate the stature and dignity of their profession of pharmacy. A constitution and set of bylaws were drawn on June 13, 1968, for Alachua and the surrounding counties of Bradford, Columbia, Levy, Marion, Suwannee and Union. (Our constitution and bylaws are reviewed annually and have been revised nine times since inception.) They named themselves The Alachua County Association of Pharmacists, abbreviated or otherwise known as “ACAP.” During the ensuing 50 years, the aims, purposes and membership criteria of ACAP evolved to include not only pharmacists, but also medical representatives, technicians and University of Florida College of Pharmacy (UF CoP) faculty and students. The purpose was to combine all practice areas to provide a united voice, however employed, for mutual aid, guidance and cooperation, to promote, improve, maintain and foster pharmacy as a learned profession, to develop and encourage friendly relationships among all practitioners and to cooperate and deliberate with state and national organizations in all matters affecting pharmacy and patient advocacy. Membership has grown from the organizing few to slightly fewer than 200. Naturally, as in our profession, women have become an active, integral part of all aspects of our association – officers and board members, as well as program developers, speakers and other leadership roles.
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ACAP is comprised of community, hospital – for profit, non-profit, federal, clinical and specialty health care facilities – medication therapy management (MTM), industry, forensic, home health care and academic – undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents, faculty and research- individuals and pharmacists. For the past several years, our board of directors (BoD) has included representatives of APhA-Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP), formerly Student APhA, to foster student participation to create/develop/stimulate interest for our future leaders of Pharmacy. ACAP emphasizes student involvement! We offer reduced membership fees and selected programs to enhance student enrichment. (Our Recording Secretary is a student.)
We have offered Mock Interviews for Residency Positions and “Speed Dating With a Pharmacist.” Currently we are developing a Mock Presentation to Legislators Event at Capitol on March 12-13, 2019. Annually ACAP awards one $1,000 or two $500 scholarships and The Albert & Pierre Vidal Award to a UF CoP Student, as determined by UF CoP Faculty. Our organization has the usual standing committees: budget and finance, scholarship, awards, education, membership and by-laws. Current ad hoc committees are public relations, legislative days, meeting sponsorship, resolutions and food. The budget and finance members assure the finances are intact to meet ACAP’s programs, file proper documents to the Internal Revenue Service and State of Florida. During the October meeting we had a 50-50 raffle. We will have another 50-50 raffle in 2019. In past years we raffled pharmacy-oriented or Audubon Wildlife prints that were donated to ACAP to increase our treasury. Both kinds of fundraisers are successful. We assess these types of fundraising for effectiveness and seek ideas for others to increase our treasury enhancement activities. In addition to local student scholarships previously cited,
ACAP annually designates and honors the Pharmacist of the Year and Pharmacy Technician of the Year. Further, The Charlie Brown Student Enhancement Fund awards 10 students with paid memberships for the following association year. ACAP’s BoD believes in challenging our meeting participants by our continuing education (CE) coordinators who engage speakers who are excited to present current updated information on a broad selection of topics. The presenters are the highlight of our second Tuesday monthly meetings from September through the following May, and on occasion, June. One of the coordinators practices in an academic/teaching setting, which expedites interactions with potential speakers for unique, diverse and informative programs. She plans the programs months in advance. Recruitment of new members and maintaining current members is always a challenge for any organization; ACAP is no different. We alter venues, vary clinical programs with general interest topics and innovative practices and concepts. The past several years, our presenters have held the participants’ interest to the point of being able to hear a pin drop. The experienced speakers held the interest of not only pharmacists but technicians AND students as well. Each April we offer “bring a guest” for one meeting. We offer all non-members CE and food without charge as stimulus to join. In past years we asked various members – pharmacists and technicians – to share the highlights of their practice site and the uniqueness of their practice, innovative and/or clinical programs and successful aspects and points to be refined. These local experiences further present diversity and encourage expansion, development and initiation of opportunities in pharmacy. This was called “Members Moment.” We enjoyed learning of differing practices, and attendees had opportunities to think outside their perceived niches of possibilities to pharmacy practice opportunities. These brief insights of our practitioners were scheduled just prior to announcements and the CE program for the evening. We include professional development programs – the mandatory med errors and controlled substances CE for license renewal during the pharmacist’s renewal cycle. We learned to present these programs in September or no later than October (the beginning of our meeting year) to set the precedent to attend monthly to acquire minimum CE hours for license renewal. (We usually offer two hours each meeting, or at least 18 hours CE per meeting year. Our corresponding secretary reports each attendee’s participation for each meeting directly to CE Broker as well as provides the (hard copy) “Certification of Pharmacist/Technician Continuing Education Participation” for individual auditing purposes. After regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturers’ budgets curtailed sponsorship of ACAP dinner meetings, the BoD decided to serve some “food” to reduce hunger pangs during our CE meetings rather than resume 9 p.m. meetings. We did adjust our ‘congregating’ time to 6:15 p.m. to allow for socialization with colleagues and some sustenance. We rotate the food selections of pizza, wraps or subs coupled with cookies and non-alcoholic drinks.
For our October meeting, we altered not only the venue but also the menu, which was well-received but considerably more costly. (Our association has difficulty in obtaining dinner meeting sponsors; some of us believe that the medical representatives prefer to provide dinner meetings to UF College of Medicine Physicians…) Our final meeting each year is usually a barbecue dinner with a congratulatory cake for newly installed officers and BoD participants. Often Michael Jackson, Executive Director of FPA, presents the annual legislative session update and installs our offices and board members. As part of this meeting, ACAP, in turn presents a $1,000 check for the FPA Adopt-AStudent Program for the FPA Annual Meeting. Our Public Relations Committee participants use their talents to contact and inform all members to disseminate ACAP information through social media via our website, www.alachuapharmacy.org/ and www.facebook.com/alachuacountypharmacyassociation/. Our corresponding secretary sends email notices for each meeting to all members who have provided an email address and to those who request meeting notice information. The notice concerns meeting time, place, CE program and speaker; the menu is also included with a reminder for reservations for attendees. (We request reservations for attendance in order to provide adequate food and drinks for attendees and guests.) In years past, ACAP offered ‘brown bag” medication reviews, participated in local area health fairs and met with seniors for consultations on medications. Our individual focus as ACAP members has shifted to participation and presentations to smaller groups as requested. Further, CoP students use those venues as part of their laboratory skills and patient interaction/consultation development classes. A multi-year concept became a reality for several ACAP members. The concept is to provide pharmacy services for truly economically disadvantaged persons who have no means to pay for medical or pharmacy services. All pharmacy barriers to this endeavor were overcome mid-October 2017. The project is known as “Grace Pharmacy.” For the past year, several ACAP BoD members and general members have routinely volunteered their services to Grace Pharmacy, which is located at Grace Market Place. Grace Market Place is a designated area in Gainesville at which homeDECEMBER 2018
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less individuals may reside without general harassment of/ by Gainesville residents. The physical location is in outer city limits. Law enforcement routinely monitors the site. Grace Pharmacy is open Tuesday through Saturday for four hours each day. This pharmacy meets the standards set by F.S. 465. It is the only community pharmacy of which we know that is allowed to be open for fewer than 40 hours each week. We are always seeking pharmacists willing to donate their time for these worthy patients. A diligent ACAP member provides training of the procedures and computer system as requested. The pharmacy carries no controlled substances nor collects any money for the pharmaceuticals or OTC items dispensed. The grant funded formulary includes generic pharmaceuticals for common conditions. ACAP members donate simple, useful health items to supplement the formulary. Examples are combs, one or two ounce OTCs and trial-sized products such as body soap, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, bandages, sunscreen and toothbrushes.
OUR MEMBERS PARTICIPATE AND ARE INTEGRAL TO THE SUCCESS OF FPA LEGISLATIVE AND HEALTH FAIR COMMITTEES. Recently, CoP students also began to volunteer; this activity presents opportunities to counsel patients as well as experience the realities of community and clinic/health system pharmacy basics. Of course the students are supervised by registered pharmacists. In October 2017, as part of National Pharmacists Month in Alachua and Columbia counties and the cities of Gainesville and Lake City, proclamations were made acknowledging National Pharmacist Month. The author made a 10- minute presentation to The Board of County Commissioners of Columbia County, which cited many of the activities, capabilities and services pharmacists provide. This meeting year, ACAP has had the opportunity to partner with a local (the regional branch) MTM company. The corporation has paid for ACAP membership for all employees who are pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians, a win-win for all. ACAP, an FPA unit affiliate, promotes FPA programs and FPA membership. Many ACAP members are also active FPA participant members. Region 1 Director Joy Wright is an active ACAP member also. Joy has developed the 2019 FPA Leadership Retreat Program to be held at a Gainesville setting January 19, 2019. ACAP members welcome interested persons and will assist Joy in this event in anticipation of this becoming the first of an FPA annual program. All interested individuals from 26
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FPA and any unit association are invited to attend. There is no registration fee or charge. Nourishment and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Our members participate and are integral to the success of FPA Legislative and Health Fair Committees. ACAP members include several past presidents, officers and leaders of FPA as well as general FPA supporters. We have dynamic FPA Legislative Committee members! One of our members is a former Pentagon lobbyist to Congress. He developed two sets of personalized packets for each legislator for our ACAP delegation to 2018 Legislative Days. One packet provided information about the legislator with talking points for 2018 pharmacy House and Senate Bills under consideration; the other packet was developed as a constituent presentation for her/his legislator, which highlighted the House or Senate Bills related to Pharmacy concerns to emphasize that pharmacists are patient advocates as we as educate legislators of the many clinical activities and services pharmacists routinely provide in addition to reducing overall health care costs. The talking points presented our position with appropriate positive arguments. The legislator packets were prepared in similar fashion as legal briefs, if the legislator has a strong legal influence or in a format better suited to the legislator’s background. ACAP members have spoken to UF faculty members of the Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research Department faculty meetings to encourage faculty participation in ACAP to continue the strong relationships/interactions between CoP UF Gainesville Campus and ACAP, the local grassroots pharmacy organization. Simply stated, ACAP’s underlying mission is to offer an open, welcoming environment to serve our members and stimulate association with University of Florida College of Pharmacy students, faculty and physicians. ACAP’s BoD goals for our monthly meetings are to keep members informed, to provide a network for our profession and to provide high-quality CE and to be assertive advocates for our patients. Our colleagues of Alachua County Association of Pharmacists eagerly await the challenges, progress, improvements and innovations of the next 50 years! The author gives thanks to ACAP BoD members who suggested information, activities and events to share as part of this article. Special gratitude to Emily Fourman, RPh, who spent the afternoon of November 13 correlating thoughts.
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ptcb.org DECEMBER 2018
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Nova Southeastern University APhA-ASP Chapter Engagement Report By Anh Le, Fort Lauderdale Chapter President; Jonathan Corporan, Puerto Rico Chapter President; and Luis Miguel, Palm Beach Chapter President-elect Working off the momentum of last year, the Fort Lauderdale executive team, consisting of the president, president elect and patient care vice president, met individually with all of the vice presidents and chairs over the summer to discuss
their goals for the year. The team spent countless hours in meetings in order to prepare for an engaged year ahead. Thus far, the planning has resulted in a 15 percent growth in membership from last year, increasing from 150 members to 177 members, and over 50 events focused on patient care, advocacy and professional development. Our Palm Beach and Puerto Rico chapters also achieved their chapter membership goals with 44 and 165 members, respectively. On October 23, our GenerationRx chair, Akilah Fuller, collaborated with student leaders from the Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing and Physical Therapy programs to host the inaugural interprofessional narcan training. The Florida Department of Children and Families was invited to educate students on the important role naloxone plays in overdose prevention. The event encompassed over 250 students from the different health professional programs and gave them the opportunity to practice proper administration of the medication with sample-like dispensers.
Puerto Rico chapter participated in a drug take back with the local police force.
questions and express their concerns about recreational drug use, abuse and the dangers it poses. The topic of proper medication use and adherence was also emphasized to the students, as abruptly stopping treatment can lead to poor health outcomes. As teenagers, they are gradually being exposed to recreational drug use, and the lack of experience and knowledge makes them a high-risk population for drug abuse. The chapter hopes this educational intervention bridges the gap of knowledge on appropriate medication therapy. Palm Beach chapter’s visit to a local high school to educate students on the topic of drug abuse and misuse.
October’s Narcan Training with over 250 student pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physical therapists at the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Keeping in theme, the San Juan and Fort Lauderdale chapter also joined forces with the local law enforcement and the DEA to organize drug-take-back events for Florida residents and throughout the island of Puerto Rico. As part of GenerationRx, the Palm Beach Chapter arranged a visit to a local high school to educate students regarding the use and misuse of medications. During the session, students had an opportunity to receive science-based information, ask 28
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The 10th Annual Glucose Games Flag Football Tournament took place at the Miami Dolphins practice facility on November 17. With 24 teams and over 300 participants from 10 colleges, Glucose Games is NSU’s largest interprofessional event of the year. Over the past decade, the event has fundraised over $30,000 for the nonprofit organization Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY) while bringing students together over an exciting, albeit competitive, game of flag football. Patient care is the heart of the pharmacy profession. As such, one of tthe Fort Lauderdale chapter’s goals is to contribute their services in at least one health fair each month. Led by Operation Heart Chair Grace Guihurt, our chapter held a point-of-care testing at a barbershop and a nail salon located in a medically underserved area in October. For the month of November, the chapter collaborated with the South Florida Caribbean Conference (SFCC) to offer health screening services at their annual expo. Operation Immunization Chair Jason McDaniel collaborated with the NSU Pharmacy Clinic to host seven immunization drives during the months of October and November, providing hundreds of vaccinations to NSU students and faculty. Patient Care Vice President Tanya Hajisalem, OTC Literacy Chair Manny Alfonso, and Operation Allergies Awareness Chair Jacob Johnson also arranged presentations on immunizations and fall prevention at several community pharmacies throughout the Miami Dade and Broward area.
Fort Lauderdale chapter member Jimmy Tu giving a flu shot to one of our faculty members, Dr. Wayne Schreier.
In commemoration of Pain Awareness Month, the San Juan Chapter hosted “Give a Squat for Pain Challenge” which educated students on pain relief medications, opioid addiction and raised awareness on the struggles of diabetic neuropathy. The San Juan Chapter visited a local elementary school to educate fourth and fifth grade students about OTC medications,
proper labeling and precautions about dosage measurements. In an effort to raise more awareness surrounding diabetes, the San Juan Chapter invited students and faculty to speak about their personal experience living with the condition. The event also incorporated a contest for the most original sock to educate on diabetic complications, such as deep vein thromboembolism.
Puerto Rico chapter’s visit to a local elementary school to educate children about OTC medications.
Throughout the months of October and November, the chapter has also dedicated time to fundraise for organizations in support of patient care advancement. Presently, the chapter has fundraised over $1,200 for Joe DiMaggio’s Children Hospital, the American Diabetes Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In terms of policy, the chapter has been working to prepare for this upcoming year’s legislative session since the summer. The Legislative Task Force is a collaboration between organizations of NSU College of Pharmacy and is charged with organizing the Legislative Days trip. There are currently nine APhA-ASP officers sitting on the board and 25 APhA-ASP members on the Task Force. The Task Force met regularly over the summer and throughout the semester to discuss Florida pharmacy legislation and detailed a plan for the upcoming legislative session. They are arranging meetings with representatives and reaching out to pharmacists and health systems around the area to recruit their support. During the second week of school, the chapter collaborated with the Legislative Task Force, SSHP and SNPhA to host “Camera, Light, Political Action” to introduce students to the policy process and Legislative Days. There were over 70 students in attendance and many expressed interests in participating in Legislative Days. In preparation for MRM, the Policy Vice President Pablo Lapetina, and Policy Vice President Elect Meagan Finucan, DECEMBER 2018
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Fort Lauderdale chapter being presented with the Pharmacist Month Proclamation at Fort Lauderdale City Hall on November 9th, 2018. Picture left to right: Anh Le, Fort Lauderdale Chapter Advisor Dr. Robert McGory, Fort Lauderdale Chapter Co-advisor Dr. Goar Alvarez, Balsam Elajouz, Breana Caturano, Analia Perdomo, Pablo Lapetina, Meagan Funican, Commissioner Heather Moraitis
THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER, THE CHAPTER HAS INVITED PHARMACY LEADERS TO HELP PROMOTE AND EDUCATE ON ISSUES IN THE PHARMACY PROFESSION. hosted the first ever MRM Mock Resolution. This event provided students the knowledge and experience on different scenarios that could occur during the House of Delegates session. The policy team also directed a meeting with MRM attendees to evaluate and discuss resolutions, giving students a chance to voice their concerns prior to voting during MRM. During October, the chapter was invited to the Fort Lauderdale City Town Hall to be presented with the Proclamation that officially recognized October as American Pharmacists Month (APM) in the city of Fort Lauderdale. In festive spirit, FPA Liaison Balsam Elajouz and APM Chair Analia Perdomo organized a banquet to celebrate the pharmacy profession. During the celebration, the Health Professional Division Chancellor, past Florida Speaker of the House, and Florida 30
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Pharmacy Association President Dr. Lippman, spoke to students about the evolving role of a pharmacist and the importance of staying involved with the profession. Throughout the semester, the chapter has invited pharmacy leaders to help promote and educate on issues in the pharmacy profession. Broward County Pharmacy Association (BCPA) President, Dr. Tenim Novoa, expanded on the topic of leadership and pharmacy involvement. BCPA Executive Director Dr. Aneesh Lakhani, provided a summary on the last legislative session and an update on current pharmacy legislation being proposed. Dr. Lakhani brilliantly explained each issue and the way they could impact the practice of pharmacy. In addition, despite a busy week filled with exams, the chapter also held the Annual Letter Writing Campaign in collaboration with JPSO and SNPhA. The Palm Beach Chapter invited Mr. Perry Davis, an investigator for the Board of Pharmacy, to give a unique insight on the pharmacy profession. His perspective provided students with a refreshing outlook on the reasons behind the rules that serve as the infrastructure of the profession, and also touched upon the consequences on their infringement.
CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE 2019 HOUSE OF DELEGATES The House of Delegates Board of Directors will meet in May 2019 to review and approve resolutions for the Annual Meeting. The deadline for submitting resolutions is May 10, 2019! PLEASE NOTE THIS DEADLINE. The last day to submit items of new business is June 7, 2019. 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
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SAVE THE DATE July 11 - July 14, 2019
Please join us for the 129th Annual Meeting and Convention of the Florida Pharmacy Association Marriott Resort Harbor Beach Resort and Spa 3030 Holiday Drive Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
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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 other than in 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.” 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. ■■ Candidate must have demonstrated contributions to the Florida Pharmacy Association and/or other pharmacy organizations. ■■ Candidate must have demonstrated
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N O M I N A T I O N S 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 8 - 2 0 1 9
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, 2019 FPA AWARDS NOMINATION FORM I AM PLEASED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING NOMINATION:
NOMINATED BY:
Name:
Name:
Address:
Date Submitted: Signature:
FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARD: APhA Foundation and NASPA Bowl of Hygeia James H. Beal Award R.Q. Richards 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.)
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, 2019
DECEMBER 2018
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florida PHARMACY TODAY
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS
BUYER’S GUIDE
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 & Associates, PLLC 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
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. 36
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RECOVERING PHARMACISTS NETWORK OF FLORIDA (407) 257-6606 “Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists”