The Official Publication Of The Florida Pharmacy Association NOV. 2019
HAP P Y HOLIDAYS
“I’M ALWAYS WATCHING OUT FOR MY PATIENTS, BUT WHO’S WATCHING OUT FOR ME?”
WE ARE. We are the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety (APMS), a federally listed Patient Safety Organization. Our Pharmacy Quality Commitment (PQC) program: • • • •
Helps you implement and maintain a continuous quality improvement program Offers federal protection for your patient safety data and your quality improvement work Assists with quality assurance requirements found in network contracts, Medicare Part D, and state regulations Provides tools, training and support to keep your pharmacy running efficiently and your patients safe
Call toll free (866) 365-7472 or visit www.pqc.net PQC IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR STATE PHARMACY ASSOCIATION
florida PHARMACY TODAY Departments 4 Calendar 4 Advertisers 5 President’s Viewpoint
7 Executive Insight
VOL. 82 | NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2019 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION
Features
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Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy Legislative Task Force
12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season
A Spark of Advocacy
FPA Regional Directors
NOVEMBER 2019
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FPA Calendar 2019
DECEMBER
Florida Pharmacy Today Journal
21-22 Pharmacy Days at the Capitol
3-4
Florida Board of Pharmacy Meeting Altamonte Springs
25-26 Clinical Meeting Destin
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FPA Law & Regulatory Conference Sarasota
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APhA Diabetes Certificate Program Sarasota
25-26 Christmas Holiday FPA Office Closed JANUARY 1
New Year's Day - FPA Office Closed
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Legislative Session Begins
20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day FPA Office Closed
Last Day for Election Ballots FEBRUARY
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Award Nominations Due MARCH
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Legislative Session Ends
20-23 APhA Annual Meeting Washington, D.C.
FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS GO TO WWW.FLORIDAPHARMACY.ORG
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 2 hour CE requirement for pharmacists on the dispensing of controlled substances effective this biennial renewal period. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must also complete a 1 hour Florida Board approved continuing education on human trafficking by January 1, 2021. Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this biennial period by September 30, 2021 or prior to licensure renewal. Consultant pharmacists and technicians will need to renew their licenses and registrations by December 31, 2020. 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.floridapharmacy.org CONTACTS FPA — Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400
FSHP — Tamekia Bennett (850) 906-9333 UF — Emely McKitrick (352) 273-5169
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.
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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Mission Statements: 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 BAILEY................................................................ 18 CE CORRESPONDENCE................................. 18 EPIC..................................................................... 16 KAHAN & ASSOCIATES................................. 16 PQC........................................................................ 2 PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFE MEDICINES......... 9 PHARMACISTS MUTUAL.............................. 20
E-MAIL YOUR SUGGESTIONS/IDEAS TO dave@fiorecommunications.com
The President’s Viewpoint DAVID "CHACHI" MACKERAY, RPH
I
What I'm Thankful For
t’s that time of the year when we are reminded of how truly blessed we are and what really matters most to each of us. It’s something that we all need to be reminded of every now and then, as it’s so easy to get lost in the day-to-day activities, that we should stop for a moment and tell ourselves that we’re so fortunate to have what we have, appreciate the joys that we’ve experienced and beautiful memories that were created. There is an old saying that “one doesn’t truly realize what they had until it no longer exists.” That saying can mean many different things to so many people, but one common feeling for everyone is that of thankfulness. Such a simple and easy act to show gratitude toward one another, learned at a very young age, but unfortunately the most forgotten and underutilized action by most humans. So, as I begin this article, I have many thoughts of what I’m so very thankful for… specifically toward the Florida Pharmacy Association, the pharmacy profession and most importantly you, the members of the FPA. I personally thank you all for electing me as your president, showing your trust, confidence and support in me to lead this great association. I’m also very thankful for my predecessors who paved the way, created and built such a wonderful foundation for this organization. In addition to being included into that special group of individuals, I’m most thankful to call them my good friends, who I know I can count on any time for anything and they are more than willing to help me. I’m very thankful for the FPA staff and executive VP, who go above and beyond the normal call of duty, working crazy hours behind the scenes that most members don’t even know about.
I most certainly am thankful for my fellow FPA Board of Directors, committee/council chairs and members who volunteer so many hours for the advancement of the pharmacy profession. Of course, I’m saving the best for last, that of which I’m so thankful for… YOU, our members, without whom we wouldn’t exist. You are the reason we do what we do.
I personally thank you all for electing me as your president, showing your trust, confidence and support in me to lead this great association. Another part of FPA that I’m thankful for is the countless opportunities that being a member and leader has created for me personally and professionally. I couldn’t even begin to count the number of people I have met through the FPA and have become good friends with, many becoming my very close friends for whom I’m extremely thankful. These special people have opened so
David Mackeray, RPh
many doors of opportunity for me both personally and professionally, and I’m so thankful to have worked with or for them, being able to gain so much knowledge from all my experiences with them. One such connection eventually led me to opening my own pharmacy management business. I’m currently discussing a business opportunity with someone a mutual friend introduced me to, believing that a collaboration between us could possibly lead to something worthwhile. Even at a national level, I’ve been very fortunate to have met some fantastic individuals who have been very influential and powerful in the advancement of the pharmacy profession. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have met them, as well as for them inspiring me to get involved, become active and assume leadership positions with pride at local, state and national levels for the improvement and advancement of the pharmacy profession. And I can See President’s Viewpoint, continued on page 6 NOVEMBER 2019
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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.
Angela Garcia.....................................................................................................Board Chair David Mackarey..........................................................................................FPA President Kimberly Jones.......................................................................................... FPA Treasurer Joseph Scuro............................................................................................ President Elect Gary Koesten..............................................................................Speaker of the House Eric Larson.......................................................................Vice Speaker of the House Bill Kernan................................................................................................... FSHP President Preston McDonald............................................................................. Region 1 Director Neil Barnett............................................................................................Region 2 Director Larry Alaimo..........................................................................................Region 3 Director Cheryl Rouse.........................................................................................Region 4 Director James Alcorn.......................................................................................Region 5 Director Barbara Beadle...................................................................................Region 6 Director Paul Delisser.......................................................................................... Region 7 Director Ramy Gabriel.........................................................................................Region 8 Director Mitchell Levinson...............................................................................Region 9 Director Julie Burger.......................................................................................Technician Director
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............................................. Julie Burger, julieburger133@gmail.com Member.................................................. Michael Finnick, michaelfinnick@ufl.edu Member.....................................................David Mackarey, dmackarey@aol.com 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
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President’s Viewpoint, from Page 5
honestly say how thankful I am for my participation at all levels at multiple positions. It would be remiss of me not to personally express my sincere appreciation and thankfulness to those whose help, support and guidance have allowed me to achieve and become what I am today. First, thanks to my wonderful parents who sacrificed so much and worked so hard to give me the opportunity to attend a private pharmacy school and support my financial obligations and needs so I could enjoy the nicer comforts of living. I couldn’t have survived without their help, support and love. Even to this day, when I feel a little down and out, my Italian mother still reminds me how lucky and fortunate I am to have such giving parents and that I have so much to be thankful for and stop feeling sorry for myself. She’s so right!!! (Aren’t all moms?) I’m also so very thankful to my wife and daughter who have been so supportive and understanding of all the meetings, conference calls and time away from them while attending to the needs of the FPA. They know and respect my dedication and passion to the association and the pharmacy profession, and for that, I’m extremely and sincerely thankful. So, as you can see, I have so much to be thankful for, as God has truly blessed me in so many different ways, and I always make sure to thank him daily!!! n
Executive Insight BY MICHAEL JACKSON, RPH MICHAEL JACKSON, BPHARM, EVP & CEO, FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION
Political Giving Can Be Effective, But…
Y
ou can’t pick up a newspaper, visit a social media site or watch the evening news without hearing about the political maneuvering on various issues. In Washington, D.C., it appears that Congress is in total gridlock on things that have little to do with pharmacy or health care. Well, here in Florida, we cannot wait for Congress to address the many issues that we are grappling with today. What we do know is that the practice of pharmacy is regulated within the states. This means that the primary efforts of the Florida Pharmacy Association are to get our message before the Florida House, Senate and the Governor’s office. We have been successful over the years with our advocacy campaigns including but not limited to the following: ■■ Advanced legislation allowing for collaborative practice through all House committees and passed the House floor ■■ Advanced House legislation allowing pharmacists to test and treat for influenza and strep as well as allowing all pharmacists to collaborate with Florida physicians on the care of the chronically ill ■■ Successfully fought back efforts to allow for automated pharmacy systems in Florida ■■ Included an exemption for pharmacists from having to query the PDMP database for patients in a licensed hospice ■■ Worked with House and Senate sponsors to limit the fiscal impact of mandatory electronic prescribing ■■ Added standards to the Pharmacy Practice Act to address aggressive auditing tactics by Medicaid and non-Medicaid plans ■■ Created the definition of pharmacy benefit manager and required them
■■ ■■
to register with the Office of Insurance Regulation Added a requirement for MAC pricing lists to be updated regularly Engaged heavily to fight against efforts to facilitate importation of prescription medications bypassing the pharmacist
What we do know is that the practice of pharmacy is regulated within the states. This means that the primary efforts of the Florida Pharmacy Association are to get our message before the Florida House, Senate and the Governor’s office. ■■ ■■
■■
Stopped efforts to require mandatory mail order for Medicaid patients Successfully defended against efforts to restrict pharmacist dispensing Advocated for support of revisions
Michael Jackson, B.Pharm
to laws to allow for payment of medication reconciliation ■■ Fought for changes to the Pharmacy Practice Act that allows pharmacists to administer all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to adults as well as to administer long acting antipsychotic medications and much more We are able to accomplish this because we have worked to build lasting relationships with key members of the House and Senate and also supported strategically special election committees. These relationships come from the review and distribution of funds from our political campaign accounts that many of you have supported over the years. We make it easy for you to donate to the Florida Pharmacist Political Committee and you can do that through your smart phone. Just go to the FPA website, and under the menu item “Advocacy & Legislation,” select the option “Political Donation.” NOVEMBER 2019 |
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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
Continuing Education Coordinator 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............................. Julie Burger, Pensacola Member.........................Michael Finnick, Jacksonville Member.............David Mackarey, Boynton Beach 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 Journal Reviewer........................... Dr. Melissa Ruble Journal Reviewer....................................Dr. Angela Hill This is a peer-reviewed publication. ©2019 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: www.floridapharmacy.org
Executive Insight, from Page 7
The Florida Pharmacist Political Committee (FPPC) is a means for us all to pool our resources and have a greater reach to candidates who have or will have an understanding of what’s best for the practice of pharmacy and each aspect of patient care. The vast majority of your contributions go directly to political candidates to support their campaigns. Your support of the Florida Pharmacist Political Committee can make a difference. So far this year we have reported $29,571 in donations to the FPPC from 107 contributors. We had one large contribution from American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc., to which we are very thankful. Just imagine if all of our members donated $50 to the Florida Pharmacist Political Committee. We would have $161,200 in our war chest and could change a lot of minds at the Florida Capitol on issues such as how metrics are being used and address the continuing abuses of PBMs on our industry. We need your help as members to support the FPPC. I personally gave $250 this year and have done so for the past several years. I even gave directly to legislators that are supportive of pharmacy issues. It really feels good to see them reach out to us when pharmacy related questions come up that they may be confused about. Make your contribution today and be an FPPC supporter. I’ll have a special FPPC ribbon for you at next year’s convention recognizing you as an advocate partner. n
JOIN TODAY!
Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy Legislative Task Force By: Isabel Jacobs, NSU Legislative Task Force Chair, SNPhA President and Emmanuel Escobar, NSU Legislative Task Force Board Member The Legislative Task Force (LTF) at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy is a group of highly dedicated students that serve as policy leaders in other organizations or have demonstrated extensive advocacy and legislation efforts as professional accomplishments. LTF is comprised of a task force chair, Isabel Jacobs, and eight executive board members— Emmanuel Escobar, Breana Caturano Meagan Finucan, Balsam Elajouz, Benjamin Lowry, Jacob Johnson, Jessie Phipps and Darren Logozzo. Members of the task force have diverse professional backgrounds and goals, and they serve as leaders in various organizations including the Student Society for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), APhA-ASP, Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP) and Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS). Though our interests are diverse, one goal among members remains the same: to advance the future of healthcare and the profession of pharmacy to better serve our patients and the healthcare team. This principle unites us as a unit to promote the importance of advocacy to evoke change in the future of our profession and create opportunities for the student body to be engaged in aspects of legislation. This year, we’ve accomplished bringing opportunities regarding the investment in the future of our profession to
Board Members Emmanuel Escobar and Isabel Jacobs standing with panelists from “Policy for Patient-Centered Care” (left to right: Dr. Eric Goldsmith, Dr. Joshua Lenchus, Dr. David Mackarey, and Dr. William Kernan) 10
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Faculty and students from NSU College of Pharmacy at 2019 Legislative Days in March
NSU through creating several college-wide events with guest speakers from various prestigious backgrounds from around the state. Our first event was an introduction to policy awareness, Advocacy and You with Dr. David “Chachi” Mackarey, where Dr. Mackarey provided students with an overview of important bills impacting the future of our profession, conveying the need to be involved in state level organizations. Our next event was with SSDP at the College of Pharmacy, created by SSDP President and Board Member Balsam Elajouz, Drug Policy with FL Representative Michael Gottlieb. Rep. Gottlieb highlighted the important considerations regarding illicit and recreational drug use among the patients we serve. He also addressed the stigmas/fallacies associated with illicit drug use, showcasing the need for proper education from both the healthcare provider and patient’s perspective, and the impacts lack of education have on patient health. This event was one of several interprofessional events with the osteopathic medical students at our school aimed at pro-
moting camaraderie between our proPanelists from fessions as our evolving roles as health“Policy for Patientcare professionals begin to integrate. Centered Care” Our next event, Policy for PatientCentered Care, was an interprofessional panel organized by LTF Board Members in collaboration with students from Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), along with College of Pharmacy organizations SNPhA, SSHP, SSDP, PLS, APhA-ASP. This interdisciplinary culmination of efforts was focused on uniting both professions to optimize patient health outcomes. Physicians and pharmacists were both represented with our highly esteemed guests Dr. David Mackerey, Dr. William Kernan, Dr. Joshua Lenchus and Dr. Eric Goldsmith. Following this event, LTF Board Members and APhA-ASP Policy Chairs Meagan Finucan and Benjamin Lowry, as well as APhA-ASP President Breana Caturano, presented and co-organized the event, Resolution Basics with our guest of honor, Dr. Angela Garcia. Presenters focused on the foundation of resolutions, putting ideas into legislation, and teaching students how they can write their own resolutions. Benjamin and Meagan insightfully advised students based on their work authoring current resolutions for APhA-ASP during this event.
Students listen as guest speaker Dr. David Mackarey presents during “Advocacy and You”
Finally, our last event of the semester, SSHP Halloween Extravaganza, was a PAC fundraiser promoted among the student body. Students were encouraged to purchase tickets to a night of fun Halloween and political action spirit including a costume contest, raffles and prizes for attending. The event was created by the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP) Policy Chair Jessie Phipps. At NSU, policy is more than just an act, it is part of our culture, and the individuals on our board are highly invested, knowledgeable and passionate leaders who innovate opportunities in order to educate and prepare our peers to meet with local legislators and attend Legislative Days in January. Our hopes are that this legislative session is the most accomplished yet for the pharmacy profession. We are willing to make this vision a reality now, as students, but one day in the near future as pharmacists, in a lifelong journey of advocacy for our profession.
Board Member Meagan Finucan presenting at “Resolution Basics”
Board Member Benjamin Lowry Presenting at “Resolution Basics”
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12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved
1.
WASH HANDS OFTEN TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
2.
BUNDLE UP TO STAY DRY AND WARM. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
3.
MANAGE STRESS. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
7.
8.
9.
GET EXAMS AND SCREENINGS. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
GET YOUR VACCINATIONS. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
MONITOR CHILDREN. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
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ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.
4.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR LET OTHERS DRINK AND DRIVE. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
5.
BE SMOKE-FREE. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
6.
FASTEN SEAT BELTS WHILE DRIVING OR RIDING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
10.
11.
12.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
PREPARE FOOD SAFELY. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid crosscontamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
EAT HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
Be inspired to stay in the spirit of good health! Listen to The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song or a holiday health podcast. NOVEMBER 2019
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A Spark of Advocacy By Taylor Harris, P2 Larkin University College of Pharmacy
When I began pharmacy school at Larkin University College of Pharmacy in August 2018, I thought that all I would have time to do is to study and prepare for endless exams. When I joined Larkin University’s student chapter of the American Pharmacists Association, APhA-ASP, at the beginning of my pharmacy school journey to meet extracurricular requirements, I never realized that joining APhA would ignite a spark Taylor Harris, APhA-ASP Policy in me to continuously use my Vice President, SSHP voice to advocate for our Advocacy Chair profession. I have been working in the community pharmacy setting since I first graduated high school in 2015. Since then, I have seen issues that affect pharmacist and patient wellbeing firsthand, and know that there needs to be change. During my Ethics and Law class last fall, I seized the opportunity to
Larkin students and faculty (Dr. Jordan Sedlacek) with House Representative Shevrin Jones
speak about lunch breaks for community pharmacists. This piqued the interests of my classmates, which led to my nomination and election to Larkin University’s APhA-ASP Policy Chair. After securing this position, I immediately got to work on how I could help other pharmacists, my classmates and my patients through advocacy. While planning for Legislative Days, I began to work with the Student Advocacy Outreach Team, which was an adhoc committee under the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) of the Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA) last legislative session. This outreach team kept me informed on where legislation was moving and the actions that needed to be taken. During the last legislation session, we focused on tracking bills regarding pharmacy benefit managers (HB271/SB906 for 2019), test and treat (HB389 for 2020), and collaborative practice (HB833/SB1050 for 2019). I forwarded this information to the rest of Larkin University so I could keep them updated with practice-changing bills that would impact their future. In July 2019, the Student Advocacy Outreach Team became an official committee under the GAC. I remain part of this new, yet vital, outreach committee because it is imperative that everyone is educated on what legislation is introduced, so we can help push it forward or advocate against it. Legislative Days in March 2019 was my first exposure to actively advocating for our profession. I never believed that my own voice mattered or could make a difference, but while meeting with state Rep. Shevrin Jones, I felt that as long as I put my mind to what I wanted to accomplish, it is possible to make change! Shortly after Legislative Days, Dr. Angela Garcia, invited me to the Dade County Pharmacy Association (DCPA) Resolution Writing Workshop to help create ideas for the next legislative session. While speaking about my ideas
I NEVER BELIEVED THAT MY OWN VOICE MATTERED OR COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BUT WHILE MEETING WITH STATE REP. SHEVRIN JONES, I FELT THAT AS LONG AS I PUT MY MIND TO WHAT I WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH, IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE CHANGE! 14
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Taylor Harris presenting Resolution 2019-9 No Pharmacist Left Alone at the FPA 129th Annual Convention, July 10-14, 2019
on the issues that need to be addressed, I found myself surrounded by local pharmacy leaders in the Miami-Dade community including Drs. Carla Luque, Humberto Martinez and Carmen Aceves to help fuel my spark of advocacy into a fire. In April 2019, I was elected to be Larkin University’s APhAASP Policy Vice President, and SSHP Advocacy Chair. During the FPA’s 129th Annual Convention in July 2019, as APhA Policy Vice President, I served as the Larkin University APhAASP Delegate in the FPA House of Delegates. I presented one resolution in collaboration with Brevard County Pharmacy Association, and one on behalf of Dade County Pharmacy Association: 2019-9: No Pharmacist Left Alone 2019-22: Metrics Used in Pharmacy Practice Both resolutions passed through the House of Delegates. This accomplishment kept the fire within me alive, and I am continuously working to make sure legislation is drafted to address these issues. In August 2019, Rep. Jones (District 101) hosted a bill writing workshop in South Florida. Jessica Bruno, Larkin Univer-
House Representative Shevrin Jones at Larkin University College of Pharmacy, Oct. 2, 2019
sity’s Student Society of Health System Pharmacy (SSHP) vice president and current APhA policy chair, and I were joined by 25 Larkin University students to attend this workshop. We discussed patient safety with Representative Jones, and he offered to come speak to Larkin University students and faculty about how to effectively advocate for our profession. With the tremendous help and support from my APhA Advisors, Dr. Christiane Chbib and Dr. Paul Boylan, and my SSHP Advisor, Dr. Jordan Sedlacek, we hosted Representative Jones at Larkin University. Students and faculty were educated on grassroots efforts in advocacy during the event, and continue to contact me on how they can help. As a profession, we need to embrace our voices. We need to continue to stand up and fight for what we want to change because the changes will happen regardless, but we must have a say in them. If we continue to stay silent on issues that impact our profession and careers, our profession will be at a standstill. We have to continue to turn sparks of advocacy into a fire to move our profession forward.
Larkin students at House Representative Shevrin Jones’ Bill Writing Workshop, Aug. 22, 2019 NOVEMBER 2019
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Pharmacist Attorney Brian A. Kahan, R.Ph., J.D. Licensed Florida Pharmacist and Attorney
STATEWIDE REPRESENTATION 561-392-9000 bkahan@kahanlaw.com 2300 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Suite 123 Boca Raton, FL 33431 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
We Deliver Solutions for a Healthier Bottom Line • Group volume purchasing power • Aggressive wholesaler pricing programs • Profits distributed to members at year-end • EPIC Pharmacy Network, Inc. (EPN) membership fee included at no cost – access to third-party contracts • Clinical services tools, including expert assistance from our in-house pharmacist and access to custom PrescribeWellness offerings and EQuIPPTM • – free third-party claims reconciliation program and automated reimbursements below cost system • – Web-based solution for pharmacy regulatory and compliance management
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FPA Regional Directors Do you know your Regional Director? Take a look at the map below and follow this link to reach out. https://www.floridapharmacy.org/general/custom.asp?page=FPAlRegionalDiectors
What issues do you see at your practice site? Reach out to work with others facing similar issues in your community.
Regional directors have the most up to date information related to pharmacy issues and legislation affecting your areas.
NOVEMBER 2019
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FPA Law Regulatory Conference JA N UR AY 2 5 -2 6 , 2 0 2 0 SA N DESTI N, FL
Florida Pharmacy Association Offers Online Correspondence Courses Too busy with life’s hectic schedule to fit in one of Florida Pharmacy Association’s (FPA) live continuing education conferences? We have a solution for you! FPA offers online correspondence continuing education courses. You can learn from wherever you are. Earn your pharmacy continuing education hours at your convenience. Online education just got a whole lot better with the FPA. The courses below are being offered for general and consultant recertification continuing education credits. Management of Asthma Management of Diabetes Management of Geriatric Disorders Management of Hepatitis Management of Hyperlipidemia Management of Hypertension Management of IBS and IBD Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
3 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours 6 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours 3 Contact Hours
In addition, we offer the following Florida Board approved courses: 2 hour Medication Errors, 2 hour Validation of Controlled Substances, 1 hour HIV/AIDS, 1 hour Human Trafficking for Pharmacy, 8 hour Pharmacy Errors, and 12 hour Pharmacy Laws and Rules. Please contact the FPA office (850) 222-2400 or visit our website www.floridapharmacy.org for details and pricing. The Florida Pharmacy Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing education.
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FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY
The Foundation supports the profession of pharmacy with student scholarships and awards, recognizing our colleagues who are doing great work.
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday is‌.
Our website is currently undergoing maintenance, but please register with your email at the link below to receive notifications when the site returns live. Your Privacy is Guaranteed.
https://www.flpharmfound.org/ NOVEMBER 2019
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Quick, Easy, and Secure REGISTER FOR OUR ONLINE SERVICES TODAY!
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! *Only Available for Commercial Accounts
*Not available in the state of Ohio
TO ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT ONLINE VISIT: https://www.phmic.com/memberportal You will need your customer number and email address.
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company 808 Highway 18 W | PO Box 370 | Algona, Iowa 50511 P. 800.247.5930, ext. 4050 | F. 515.295.9306 | E. member.services@phmic.com
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