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Celebrating 30 years of service to the Pharmacists of Georgia!
Let us be Your Insurance Resource Join us in celebrating 30 years of serving the members of the Georgia Pharmacy Association. To learn more visit www.gpha.org. Call or e-mail TODAY to schedule a time to discuss your health insurance needs.
Trevor Miller – Director of Insurance Services 404.419.8107 or email at tmiller@gpha.org Georgia Pharmacy Association Members Take Advantage of Premium Discounts Up to 30% on Individual Disability Insurance Have you protected your most valuable asset? Many people realize the need to insure personal belongings like cars and homes, but often they neglect to insure what provides their lifestyle and financial well-being - their income! The risk of disability exists and the financial impact of a long-term disability (90 days or more) can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and businesses. During the course of your career, you are 3½ times more likely to be injured and need disability coverage than you are to die. (Health Insurance Association of America, 2000) As a member of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, you can help protect your most valuable asset and receive premium discounts up to 30% on high-quality Individual Disability Income Insurance from Principal Life Insurance Company.
For more information visit www.gpha.org. * Association Program subject to state approval. Policy forms HH 750, HH 702, HH 703. This is a general summary only. Additional guidelines apply. Disability insurance has limitations and exclusions. For costs and details of coverage, contact your Principal Life financial representative.
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
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Departments
GPhA Moves to Online Voting Schedule & Details
8 11 11 12 22 31
Pharm PAC 2010-2011 VIP Day Information Immunization Program Information GPhA New Members GPhA Membership Hints GPhA Board of Directors
FEATURE ARTICLES
13 15 16 19 23 30
Advertisers
2011 Convention Registration Information An Adherence Message for Pharmacists Call for Award Nominations Can a Vitamin Be Harmful to Breast Cancer Patients? Continuing Education for Pharmacists: Understanding GPhA’s 2011 Legislative Agenda
2 2 6 7 9 9 9 10 12 14 17 18 20 21 32
The Insurance Trust Principal Financial Group GPhA Career Center PharmAssist Recovery Network Logix, Inc. Michael T. Tarrant Toliver & Gainer Pharmacists Mutual Companies Melvin Goldstein, P.C. GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar Caribbean CPE Cruise GPhA Workers Compensation AIP Pharmacy Quality Commitment The Insurance Trust
Georgia Drugs & Narcotics Agent Openings
COLUMNS
4 7
President’s Message
For an up-to-date calendar of events, log onto
www.gpha.org.
Editorial
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
3
February 2011
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dale M. Coker, R.Ph., FIACP GPhA President
What is your PA IQ? remember that about three years ago the leadership of GPhA decided that Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, which occurs in February each year, needed some revitalization. The thought process was to evaluate the name of the event… put some pizzazz in the name so everyone would remember. Well, I don’t know how well we succeeded in coming up with VIP (Very Involved Pharmacist) Day, but that is what it is, and we’re staying with it until some innovative mind comes up with a “sexier” name.
viability of your profession?
I
Do you contribute to Pharm PAC? Have you been to our Pharmacy Day at the Capitol (VIP Day) in the past 5 years? Do you plan being there on Feb. 23 this year? Fellow professionals, we need more “yes” answers to these questions to attain the goals and objectives of our five year strategic plan.
In today’s quick and easy society, you can’t escape the flood of acronyms, affectionately known by some as “alphabet soup.” Well, I’ll give you another one, PA IQ, which stands for Pharmacy Advocacy Involvement Quotient, since we are talking about Pharmacist Involvement at VIP Day. As you know, this is the first year of implementation or our five year strategic plan, focusing on membership and advocacy. Our association can’t have advocacy without membership. Both are critical to our long term survival, and all of us need to be a part of it. So, what is your PA IQ? To help you quantify your answer, here are some questions to ponder:
The next step in re-invigorating VIP Day was to take a look at the venue and the agenda, so this year we will be staging the event in a bigger and better location, the Georgia Train Depot downtown, and have modified the agenda to give better access to our elected officials. In the past, much of the emphasis at this event was to acquaint pharmacy students with the political process in regard to the pharmacy profession. This is still a major emphasis, but we will be focusing more now on our active membership participation, hence the change in the agenda.
Do you advocate for your profession by being a member of your local, state, and national pharmacy associations?
In order to gain better access to our elected representatives, we have invited them to have breakfast with us at the train depot this year. We will have tables set up so that pharmacists will be able to sit at the table with their representatives. We need a strong showing to convey to our representatives how serious we are about the future of our great profession. I know there are many good reasons why you may not be able to be there, but there are even more good reasons as to why you should. If you don’t advocate for your profession in any other way, can we count on you to be at the Georgia Train Depot on February 23 to represent your profession? Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. I look forward to seeing you there!
Do you advocate for your profession by speaking to groups in your community? Do you advocate for GPhA by helping recruit new members? Do you have a relationship with your elected representatives at the State Capitol? Have you made any phone calls or sent email messages to any of your elected representatives? Do you stay current on the issues that affect the future
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
GPHA NEWS
GPhA Changes its Election Process: Important Date Changes for 2011 Election
February 15, 2011 The Georgia Pharmacy Association Nominating Committee made up of the twelve Region Presidents and the GPhA President will meet to consider nominations from the membership.
May 4, 2011 On this day voting via the internet will open. All paper ballots must be returned to the special GPhA post office box and be post-marked no later than midnight June 10, 2011, in order to allow for pick up, ballot security and counting.
March 20, 2011 The Georgia Pharmacy Association Nominating Committee will submit their selections for candidates for GPhA First Vice President and Second Vice President to the GPhA membership. Any GPhA member who would like to be a candidate for First or Second Vice President and is not among those presented by the GPhA Nominating Committee, may petition to have their name included on the ballot or these offices. The petition requires the signature of at least twenty active members of the Georgia Pharmacy Association for the candidate to be certified by the GPhA Executive Vice President as a candidate via petition, and will allow candidates time to reach out to the membership during the Spring Region Meetings.
June 21, 2011 At noon on this date the electronic ballot via the internet will be closed and no other votes accepted. This will allow the candidates several days at the annual meeting to reach out to members who will be allowed to vote via the internet at the convention. An electronic tally will be provided to the Teller’s Committee at 3:00 p.m. on this day, and the results announced to the GPhA Board of Directors. The newly elected officers of GPhA will installed at the President’s Inaugural Banquet. We will be sending ballots via the email address we have on file at the GPhA office. If you do not wish to receive a digital ballot please call Tei Muhammad at 404-4198115, and provide her with the mailing address at which you wish to receive your paper ballot. For those without email addresses on file with GPhA you will receive a paper ballot.
April 19, 2011 Noon on this date is the last time in which a candidate not presented by the GPhA Nominating Committee, can petition GPhA to be on the ballot as a candidate for office. Any member of GPhA not wishing to vote via the internet may request from GPhA via phone, mail or email a paper ballot for voting by April 19, 2011.
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
If you have any questions about the election process please contact Maggie Patterson at mpatterson@gpha.org or 404-419-8120. 5
February 2011
SUPPORTING PHARMACISTS. ADVANCING CAREERS. Find the best jobs and highly qualified pharmacists Georgia has to offer.
Members Save 20% on Job Postings Use code MEMDIS001
Career Center
www.gpha.org/jobs
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S EDITORIAL Jim Bracewell Executive Vice President / CEO
Are you smarter than a P3? JOURNAL. These articles can be on any topic you choose, and upon submission they will be peer reviewed.
n 2009, GPhA notified our membership that we would no longer have access to the articles that had historically been furnished to us for almost 20 years. Over the past two years we are thankful for the articles furnished to us from the faculty and students at Mercer University. This month Eddie Madden, R.Ph., Sen. Buddy Carter, R.Ph., and Mandy Wilson Reece Pharm.D., BC-ADM, CDE, collaborated to produce a unique article on our legislative issues. We likely will make this type of article an annual program for January or February each year.
I
GPhA will continue to provide this great opportunity for our membership to use their association for publishing self-study programs. This will not only assist your fellow professionals while crediting your resume, but also provide recognition as a contributing professional to your association. So are you really smarter than a P3? Yes, and you have an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with your fellow professionals at GPhA.
In response to the lack of articles for use in the GEORGIA PHARMACY JOURNAL, the GPhA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee asked for a recommendation from the Continuing Professional Education Committee for a long-term solution as to how we should go about finding articles to fill the gap in the Journal CPEs. Upon the CPE Committee’s recommendation and the approval of the Executive Committee, GPhA will continue to seek the articles from our pharmacy schools and our membership to fill this gap, and when we do not have an article available from one of these sources we have found an alternative source.
If you have an article that you would like us to consider printing in the JOURNAL please contact Maggie Patterson at mpatterson@gpha.org or 404-419-8120.
PharmAssist Recovery Network The PharmAssist Network continues to provide advocacy, intervention and assistance to the impaired practitioners, students and technicians in the state. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please call the hotline number:
We have entered into an agreement with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to utilize their self-study programs. They will charge our members $5.00 per submitted program and will maintain your CPE records on those programs in their database. The downside is that GPhA will not be able to store, track, or furnish copies of your CPE certificates for the Ohio self-study ACPE programs. As practicing professionals, who have successfully completed their pharmacy degrees, have years of Continuing Pharmacy Education experience, and a vast range of professional field experience, each of you possess more knowledge of the practice of pharmacy than a P3 pharmacy school student. P3’s agree with this as well or they would not feel they could learn from you on their rotations.
PharmAssist Hotline Number (24 hours / 7 days a week) 404-362-8185 (All calls are confidential)
With your knowledge and experience, GPhA would like to, once again, ask you to consider submitting self-study articles for consideration to be published in the GEORGIA PHARMACY
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
Pharm PAC Enrollment Pledge Year 2010-2011
Titanium Level ($2400 minimum pledge)
Michael E. Farmer, R.Ph. David Graves, R.Ph. Jeffrey L. Lurey, R.Ph. Robert A. Ledbetter, R.Ph. Marvin O. McCord, III, R.Ph. Judson L. Mullican, R.Ph. W.A. (Bill) Murray, R.Ph. Mark L. Parris, Pharm.D. Fred F. Sharpe, R.Ph. Jeff Sikes, R.Ph.
Platinum Level ($1200 minimum pledge) Robert Bowles, Jr., R.Ph., CDM, Cfts
T.M. Bridges, R.Ph. Bruce L. Broadrick, Sr., R.Ph. Thomas E. Bryan, Jr., B.S. William G. Cagle, Jr., R.Ph. Keith Chapman, R.Ph. Hugh M. Chancy, R.Ph. Dale M. Coker, R.Ph., FIACP J. Ashley Dukes, R.Ph. Stewart Flanagin, Jr., R.Ph.
Ann Hansford, R.Ph. Robert M. Hatton, Pharm.D. Alan M. Jones, R.Ph. Ira Katz, R.Ph. Harold M. Kemp, Pharm.D. Brandall S. Lovvorn, Pharm.D. Eddie M. Madden, R.Ph.
Pam S. Marquess, Pharm.D. Kenneth A McCarthy, R.Ph. Scott Meeks, R.Ph. Drew Miller, R.Ph., CDM Laird Miller, R.Ph. Jay Mosley, R.Ph. Allen Partridge, Jr. Tim Short, R.Ph. Chris Thurmond, Pharm.D.
Gold Level ($600 minimum pledge) James Bartling, Pharm.D., ADA, CAC II Liza G. Chapman, Pharm.D. Patrick M. Cook, Pharm.D. Mahlon Davidson, R.Ph., CDM Jim Elrod, R.Ph. H. Neal Florence, R.Ph. J.Thomas Lindsey, R.Ph. Robert B. Moody, III, R.Ph. Sherri S. Moody, Pharm.D. Sharon M. Sherrer, Pharm.D. Michael T. Tarrant Jeffrey Richardson, R.Ph. Robert Anderson Rogers, R.Ph. Daniel C. Royal, R.Ph. Dean Stone, R.Ph., CDM Thomas H. Whitworth, R.Ph., CDM
F. Al Dixon, R.Ph. Jack Dunn, R.Ph. Marshall L. Frost, Pharm.D. Michael O. Iteogu, Pharm.D. Willie O. Latch, R.Ph. William J. McLeer, Sr., R.Ph. Kalen Beauchamp Porter, Pharm.D. Edward Franklin Reynolds, R.Ph. Houston L. Rogers, Jr., Pharm.D., CDM
Brandon Ullrich Alan M. Voges, Sr., R.Ph. Flynn W. Warren, M.S., R.Ph. Oliver C. Whipple, R.Ph. Walter Alan White, R.Ph.
Bronze Level ($150 minimum pledge) Monica M. Ali-Warren, R.Ph. James R. Brown, R.Ph. Mark C. Cooper, R.Ph. Michael A. Crooks, Pharm.D. Charles Alan Earnest, R.Ph. Amanda R. Gaddy, R.Ph. Amy S. Galloway, R.Ph. Johnathan Hamrick, R.Ph. William E. Lee, R.Ph. Earl Marbut, R.Ph. Richard Brian Smith, R.Ph. Sharon B. Zerillo, R.Ph.
Members (no minimum pledge)
Silver Level ($300 minimum pledge) Renee D. Adamson, Pharm.D. John L. Colvard, J. R.Ph. Chandler Conner, R.Ph.
Jonathan Marquess, Pharm.D., CDE, CPT
Jill Augustine Claude W. Bates, B.S. Chad J. Brown, R.Ph. Max C. Brown, R.Ph. Lucinda F. Burroughs, R.Ph. Waymon M. Cannon, R.Ph. Walter A. Clark, Jr., R.Ph.
If you made a gift or pledge to Pharm PAC and your name does not appear above please, contact Kelly J. McLendon at kmclendon@gpha.org or 404-419-8116. Donations made Pharm PAC are not considered charitable donations and are not tax deductible. The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
Pharm PAC Contributors’ List Continued Jean N. Courson, R.Ph. Carleton C. Crabill, R.Ph. Alton D. Greenway, R.Ph. J. Clarence Jackson, Jr., R.Ph. Gina R. Johnson, Pharm.D., BCPS, CDE Ashley S. London Tracie D. Lunde, Pharm.D. Randall Marett, R.Ph. Ralph K. Marett, M.S.
Whitney B. Pickett, Pharm.D. Rose Ann Pinkstaff, R.Ph. Michael Reagan, R.Ph. Leonard Franklin Reynolds, III, R.Ph. James Riggs, R.Ph. Victor Serafy, R.Ph. Harry A. Shurley, Jr., R.Ph. James Strickland, R.Ph. Leonard Templeton, R.Ph.
James. E. Stowe, Jr., R.Ph. William D. Whitaker, R.Ph. Jonathon A. Williams, Pharm.D. Michael R. Williams, R.Ph.
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The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
Trust T rust Leader tthe he L eader For the past ce century, entury, Pharmacists Mutual M Insurance Company ompany has been committed c to providing qua lity products and ser rvice with this mission: n: To help our customers mers attain quality service ÀQDQFLDO SHDF FH RI PLQG 2XU true mutual spirit RI SXWWL LQJ SROLF\RZQHUV ÀUV W UHPDLQV ÀQDQFLDO SHDFH RI PLQG 2XU true spirit RI SXWWLQJ SROLF\RZQHUV ÀUVW UHPDLQV VWHDGIDVW W GI W 3 KD U PDFL V WV 0X W X DO L V G HG L FDW HG W R VX S S RU WL Q J W K H S KD U PDF\ S U RIHV VL RQ , Q W K H 3KDUPDFLVWV 0XWXDO LV GHGLFDWHG WR VXSSRUWLQJ WKH SKDUPDF\ SURIHVVLRQ ,Q WKH llast ast d ecade, w eh ave c on tr i b u te d over over $1 $1 million mi l li o n toward t owar d pharmacy p ha r macy initiatives initiatives decade, we have contributed D Q G VX S S RU W 2X U NQ RZO H GJ H RI W KH L QG X V WU \ D QG RX U FRP PL W PHQ W W R W KH DQG VXSSRUW 2XU NQRZOHGJH RI WKH LQGXVWU\ DQG RXU FRPPLWPHQW WR WKH SKDUPDF\ SURIHVVLRQ KDV HDUQHG XV WKH HQGRUVHPHQW RI PDQ\ VWDWH DQG QDWLRQDO S KD UP DF\ S URI HV VL RQ KD V HD U QHG X V W KH H QG RU V HPHQ W RI PD Q\ V WD WH DQG Q DW LR Q DO D VVRFLDWLRQV * DVVRFLDWLRQV -RLQ WKH WKRXVD -RLQ WKH WKRXVDQGV RI SROLF\KROGHUV ZKR WUXVW 3KDUPDFLVWV 0XWXDO the DQGV RI SROLF\KROGH UV ZKR WUXVW 3KDUPDF FLVWV 0XWXDO the lea leader der in SURYLGLQJ LQVXUDQFH DQG ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV GHVLJQHG VSHFLÀFDOO\ IRU WKH SKDUPDF\ SURYLGLQJ LQVXU UDQFH DQG ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV GHVLJQHG V SHFLÀFDOO\ IRU WKH SK KDUPDF\ SURIHVVLRQ
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Register now by going to www.gpha.org or by calling (404) 231-5074.
GPHA MEMBER NEWS
Welcome to GPhA! The following is a list of new members who have joined Georgia’s premier professional pharmacy association! Pharmacy School Student Members Melissa G. Weaver, Augusta Anne Marie Jones, Tucker Bryan Green, Douglasville Matthew Tanner, Pearson Eddie Lee Williams, Ellenwood Erica Gray, Lawrenceville Giovanni Guierrez, Miami Lakes, FL
New Graduate Second Year Member Kristen Renee Ussery, Pharm.D., Pineview
Individual Pharmacist Members Samuel Mathen John, Pharm.D., Buford Charles Robert Lott, R.Ph., St. Simons Island Viola L. Brown, R.Ph., Atlanta Jessica W. Pipkin, Pharm.D., Cochran Leah A. Urben, R.Ph., Marietta Ben T. Ross, Pharm.D., Statesboro Rogers Wood, R.Ph., Hazelhurst
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Purvish Patel, Pharm.D., Lawrenceville Ebony Ferrell, R.Ph., Fairburn Nathan Ferrell, Pharm.D., Fairburn
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Associate Members Nancy T. Ta, Lawrenceville
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February 2011
June 18-22, 2011: GPhA Convention, Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida Join us on the beaches of Amelia Island to learn about new trends in our ever-changing world of pharmacy. Lock in the lowest rates when you register today! The Plantation highlights include: • 249 luxurious oceanfront rooms with patios & balconies overlooking the Atlantic ocean • Indoor and outdoor pools and fully equipped fitness center • Luxurious full-service spa and salon onsite • Golf & tennis shops onsite and numerous activities available • Several fine and casual dining options • More than 49,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space GPhA Registration Types: GPhA Member GPhA Potential Member GPhA Student Member
Early Bird $295 $470 $125
5/2 - 6/1 $320 $495 $150
6/1 - 6/17 $345 $520 $175
Onsite $400 $570 $175
To register for Convention go to www.gpha.org or call Kelly McLendon at 404-419-8116. If your company would like to exhibit at the GPhA Convention please visit the convention website or call Caroline Fields at 404-419-8126. Registration Options: Spouse and Guest Registration (Does not include CPE) $265 Student Sponsorship $100 Convention Registration Fee includes: • Admittance to CPE Sessions (No CPE will be granted for Spouse and Guest Registrations.) • All Refreshments • Exhibits • Entertainment • President's Reception (Students wishing to attend the Tuesday evening activites will purchase tickets at registration.) • Awards Banquet • Coffee/Dessert Reception How to reserve a hotel room: For information regarding hotel reservations visit www.gpha.org or call 904-261-6161. Cancelation Policy: All registration cancelations must be in writing and emailed to kmclendon@gpha.org. Cancelations received before June 1, 2010, will be refunded less a $50 cancelation fee. After June 1, 2010, all registration fees will be non-refundable. The Georgia Pharmacy Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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Ferbuary 2011
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PHARMACY NEWS
An Adherence Message for Pharmacists Jessica Baugh Executive Resident at the National Alliance for State Pharmacy Associations
harmacists, as the medication experts and one of the most accessible health care professionals could make a significant difference in their patient’s lives by ensuring they are taking their medications properly. Preventable deaths due to non-adherence are estimated to be at least 125,000 each year. Pharmacists must help their patients understand the severity of improper medication use and also the financial consequences. Poor medication adherence costs this nation $290 billion dollars, which represents 13% of the total healthcare spend in this country. Adherence is so important an issue that if pharmacists don’t step up to the plate and “own” it, someone else will.
understand that skipping medications can be harmful and should be taken very seriously.
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Pharmacists are the medication experts, and are in a position to help. They have the ability to implement programs as part of their daily practice to help with patient non-adherence and are one of the most accessible health care professionals and are dealing directly with the patients medications. For example, the Appointment Based Model is a prescription synchronization program that many pharmacies are setting up to assist patients in refilling their medications at the same time every month. It has been shown that the pharmacists have a more efficient practice, resulting in expected improved medication adherence rates and decreased gaps in therapy.
For patients certain activities become routine such as setting an alarm clock, brushing teeth, and eating lunch and they no longer really have to think about doing them. They occur over the course of the day, and if missed they may or may not suffer consequences. If they wake up late, they could potentially be late to school or work, but likely will not be punished or fired for a very rare occurrence. While there are of course circumstances in which missing these activities could be harmful or severe – in most cases, it would be unlikely.
Especially with the increasing number of patients with chronic illnesses, there are increased numbers of prescription medications being prescribed. Those patients that are on multiple medications are more likely to miss doses and not take their medications properly. According to one study, people aged 75 years and older take an average of 7.9 drugs per day. There are numerous reasons for non-adherence and for each patient the reasons are different. However, pharmacists are part of a team of healthcare professionals that can make a significant impact in these patients’ lives and should take every opportunity to talk to their patients about ways in order to improve their medication adherence.
It is important that patients understand that taking medications is a different story. While this may not be something that they have always had to do, or consider part of a daily routine – it is extremely important that you stress the importance of being adherent and also taking medications as prescribed, and the potential consequences if you do not. You can focus on factors such as the reduction or alleviation of symptoms, increased quality of life, or slowing disease progression. As a pharmacist, you understand that each patient has different needs, and it is sometimes a challenge to find ways to best reach individual patients.
C. Everett Koop said that “Drugs don’t work if people don’t take them.” And for some patients, missing their medications means there may not be a tomorrow. References: -Vermeire, E., et al. Patient adherence to treatment: three decades of research. A comprehensive review. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):331-42. -Marinker M, Blenkinsopp A, Bond C, et al. From Compliance to Concordance: Achieving Shared Goals in Medicine Taking. London, UK: Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain; 1997.
As we know, the consequences of improper medication use can vary – some may be immediate, while some may take weeks or even years to notice. More importantly for patients, when it comes to medications, there is often no “I’ll get back on track tomorrow.” They need to The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
Call for awards nominations... The GPhA Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the following awards which will be presented at the GPhA 136th Annual Convention in 2011. A brief description and criteria of each award is noted below. Please select the award for which you would like to nominate someone and indicate their name on the form below. Deadline for submitting the completed nomination form is March 12, 2011. Nominations will be received by the Awards Committee and an individual will be selected for presentation of the Award at GPhA’s 136th Annual Convention at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida.
Bowl of Hygeia Award (sponsored by Pfizer) Recognized as the most prestigious award in pharmacy, the Bowl of Hygeia is presented annually by GPhA and all state pharmacy associations. Selection Criteria: 1) The nominee must be a licensed Georgia Pharmacist; 2) The award is not made posthumously; 3) The nominee is not a previous recipient of the Award, 4) The nominee is not currently serving nor has served within the immediate past two years as an officer of GPhA other than ex-officio capacity or its awards committee; 5) The nominee has an outstanding record of service to the community which reflects well on the profession.
Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award (sponsored by Pharmacist Mutual) Created in 1987 to recognize the achievements of young pharmacists in the profession, the Award has quickly become one of GPhA’s most prestigious awards. The purpose of the Award is two-fold: 1) To encourage new pharmacists to participate in association and community activities, and 2) To annually recognize an individual in each state for involvement in and dedication to the pharmacy profession. Selection Criteria: 1) The nominee must have received entry degree in pharmacy less than ten years ago; 2) Nominees must be a licensed Georgia pharmacist; 3) Nominee must be a GPhA member in the year of selection; 4) Nominee must be actively engaged in pharmacy practice; 5) Nominee must have participated in pharmacy association programs or activities and community service projects.
Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award (sponsored by NASPA/GPhA) This Award is presented annually to a practicing pharmacist who has demonstrated innovative pharmacy practice which has resulted in improved patient care. Selection Criteria: 1) the nominee must have demonstrated innovative pharmacy practice which has resulted in improved patient care; 2) Nominee must be a licensed Georgia pharmacist; 3) Nominee must be a member of GPhA in the year of selection.
2011 Awards Nominations 2011 Bowl of Hygeia
Distinguished Young Pharmacist
Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award
Nominee’s Full Name _________________________________________________________________ Home Address ______________________________ City ______________ ST _______ Zip _________ Practice Site________________________________________________________________________ Work Address _______________________________ City ______________ ST _______ Zip _________ College/School of Pharmacy _____________________________________________________________ List of Professional activities, state /national pharmacy organization affiliations, and/or local civic and church activities _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Supporting information (required) ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Submitted by (optional): _______________________________________________________________ Submit this completed form by March 10, 2011, to GPhA Awards Committee, 50 Lenox Pointe,NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, fax it to the office at 404-237-8435 to the attn of Kelly or complete this form online at www.gpha.org. The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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February 2011
n a e b b Cari OASIS of the SEAS
September 17 - 24, 2011 12 Hours of Continuing Education
Day
Port
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Depart
Sat
Ft Lauderdale
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At Sea
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Labadee
8:00 am
5:00 pm
Tue
Falmouth, Jamaica
10:00 am
6:00 pm
Wed
At Sea
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Cozumel, Mexico
8:00 am
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Fri
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Ft. Lauderdale
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INSIDE STATEROOM: $759* pp OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM: $879* pp BALCONY STATEROOM: $979* pp CENTRAL PARK BALCONY : $1009* pp BOARDWALK BALCONY : $1079* pp CE Registration Fee: $135 CE Registration Non-Member Fee: $175
Call to book your CE Cruise!
(800) 805-7245 Go to www.funseas.com/FPA for more information
*rates are per person, double occupancy. Airfare, gov’t fees and transfers are extra
CE is provided by the Florida Pharmacy Association which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. These activities are eligible for ACPE credit.
Trevor Miller, Director of The Insurance Trust 404-419-8173 or tmiller@gpha.org
PHARMACY SCHOOL NEWS
Can a Vitamin Be Harmful to Breast Cancer Patients? Sheila Roberson Director of Alumni & Public Relations, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Assistant Professor Jason Zastre and graduate student Becky Sweet discuss evaluation methods in their thiamine study.
As children we were constantly told by our mothers to take our vitamins so we wouldn’t get sick. Media advertisements admonish us to take multivitamins and other supplements daily to maintain good health. Is it possible then that vitamin intake might not be good for us? That’s the question asked by Jason Zastre, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy who conducts research on the uptake and function of thiamine, or vitamin B1, in breast cancer tumors.
promote disease progression of solid tumors, according to Zastre, whose research has revealed findings about thiamine uptake by cancer cells that have never been previously published. Tumor cells, in general, use glucose in conjunction with oxygen to produce energy for rapid cell growth, he said. In solid tumors, such as breast cancer, the rapid and continuous cell proliferation within the tumors can lead to an underdeveloped and dysfunctional vascular network throughout the tumor. The result is termed hypoxia, a condition in which cancer cells are subjected to reduced oxygen supply since they are not in close proximity to blood vessels. These hypoxic regions within the tumor can enhance the aggressiveness of cancer, increase its potential to metastasize or cause disease relapse.
Thiamine is essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system and helps the body’s cells convert carbohydrates, including glucose, into energy. “Supplemental thiamine therapy is often recommended when breast cancer patients suffer from anemia caused by their chemotherapy treatment,”said Zastre. “Taking thiamine helps maintain red blood cell function so the body can ward off anemia and other deleterious effects that result from thiamine deficiencies commonly associated with cancer.”
Hypoxic stress also causes a metabolic shift within the cells, which then require additional nutrients and growth factors, such as thiamine, in order for them to adapt and survive in the low oxygen environment. Zastre’s research focuses on what transpires during the metabolic shift in an hypoxic environment and what nutrients are involved in the process. continued on page 21
Supplementation of thiamine in advanced breast cancer patients, however, might prove to be harmful and actually
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February 2011
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His research, “Hypoxia induced upregulation and function of thiamine transporter, SLC19A3, in a breast cancer cell line,” was published in the December 2010 issue of Cancer Biology and Therapy.
Since thiamine’s ability to enter cells is dependent on transporter proteins, he hypothesized that if the number of thiamine transporters increases in hypoxic cells, the amount of thiamine able to enter the cells should also increase. “In our lab we observed that the metabolic shift associated with hypoxic cells resulted in the enhanced expression and function of thiamine transporters, which allowed for a greater increase in thiamine uptake than is seen in nonhypoxic breast cancer cells,” said Zastre, who has received funding for the past three years from the Georgia Cancer Coalition to study cancer therapeutics and drug transporters. “Thiamine may then promote growth in these hypoxic cancer cells in much the same way as in healthy tissue.” “Studying the involvement of enzyme co-factors, such as vitamin B1, in hypoxic cancer cell metabolism is not normally a focus of cancer research, so our work has been very novel and encouraging,” he noted.
Understanding what processes allow for the enhanced production of thiamine transporters and what role the increased thiamine uptake may be in supporting survival of hypoxic cancer cells are questions that have yet to be answered. “The big questions are what role does increased thiamine transport and delivery to hypoxic breast cancer cells contribute to malignant progression and how can we exploit this knowledge for therapeutic benefit,” Zastre said. Due to thiamine’s potential as an essential co-factor in the metabolic shift that occurs in hypoxic cancer cells, thiamine might not be an appropriate supplementation for advanced cancer patients, he added.
“We implemented PQC in our pharmacy four months ago – it was easy. I have noticed an enhanced effort from the staff to work together to avoid and eliminate quality-related events.” Pharmacy Quality Commitment® (PQC) is what you need! PQC is a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program that supports you in responding to issues with provider network contracts, Medicare Part D requirements under federal law, and mandates for CQI programs under state law. When PQC is implemented in your pharmacy, you will immediately improve your ability to assure quality and increase patient safety. Do you have a CQI program in place?
Call toll free (866) 365-7472 or go to www.pqc.net for more information. PQC is brought to you by your state pharmacy association.
GPHA MEMBERSHIP HINTS
How do I find my Username & Password for the GPhA Website? STEP 3: You will be prompted to enter your username. An email will be sent to you that includes instructions on how to reset your password.
our online member account is created when your GPhA application for membership is accepted. Your unique login gives you access to the members only section of the GPhA website – giving you access to a variety of information such as your CPE statements of credit, GPhA forums and membership renewal.
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**PLEASE NOTE: If you do not have an email address on file with us, please call Tei at 404-419-8115 and request that your email address be added to your profile before clicking “Forgot your password?”
To login to your account, please follow the instructions below.
Changing your password STEP 1: Go to the GPhA website at www.gpha.org STEP 2: Login to your member account with your username and original password STEP 3: Click on the words update my profile at the top right hand corner of the web page STEP 4: Select change password from the Personal information section of your member profile.
First time users STEP 1: Go to the GPhA website at www.gpha.org STEP 2: Go to the Login section of the homepage located at the top right hand corner STEP 3: Enter your first and last name with no spaces as your username. The first letter of your first and last name should be capitalized (ex. JaneDoe) STEP 4: Your initial password is gpha (case sensitive). You will be prompted to make changes to this password after logging in.
Still having trouble? For additional assistance please contact Tei, Member Service Assistant, at 404-419-8115.
Forgot your password? STEP 1: Go to the GPhA website at www.gpha.org STEP 2: Go to the Login section of the homepage located at the top right hand corner and click on the words forgot your password?
If there are things you would like to know about GPhA and how to get the most out of your membership please contact Kelly McLendon at kmclendon@gpha.org or 404-419-8116. You can also contact GPhA via Facebook and the GPhA website.
What is going on at GPhA? e have many upcoming events at GPhA that we would like you to know about. Here are just a few:
April 12-26: Spring Region Meetings
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May 7: Pharmacy Based Immunization Delivery Seminar (for pricing and other details check the website)
February 15: Academy of Employee Pharmacists Networking Dinner (free, GPhA members only, registration required)
June 18-22: GPhA Convention at Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL (for pricing and other details check the website)
February 23: VIP Day at the Capitol (free, open to all registration required)
There are many more events in the planning stages so check the website often for updates to this list.
March 5: Pharmacy Based Immunization Delivery Seminar (for pricing and other details check the website)
You can register for these events by visiting the GPhA website, www.gpha.org, or by calling the office at 404-4198116.
April 8-10: The New Practitioners Leadership Conference (by invitation only)
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Ferbuary 2011
Continuing Education for Pharmacists Understanding GPhA’s 2011 Legislative Agenda Senator Earl “Buddy” Carter, R.Ph.; GPhA Chairman of the Board Eddie Madden, R.Ph., (Madden’s Pharmacy, Inc.); Mandy Wilson Reece, Pharm.D., CDE, BC-ADM Assistant Professor (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Campus School of Pharmacy)
Goal: The goal of this article is to discuss specific legislation the Georgia Pharmacy Association intends to advocate for in the 2011 legislative session.
Objectives: At the conclusion of this lesson, successful participants should be able to: • Express and relate how the legislation regarding the expansion of vaccines administered under physical protocol agreement will impact the practice of pharmacy and patient care in the state of Georgia should the legislation become law. • Express and relate how pharmacy practice and patient care in the state of Georgia will be impacted should proposed legislation regarding the “Patient Safety Act” Program become law. • Express and relate how designating pseudoephedrine as a schedule V exempt narcotic will impact pharmacy and patient care in Georgia should the designation become law.
Background: The Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) maintains an active presence throughout the legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. GPhA advocates on behalf of the patients of Georgia and the pharmacists of The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
Georgia to achieve maximum health benefits for the patients of Georgia and best practice solutions for the pharmacists of Georgia. During the 2011 legislative session, GPhA intends to focus on three particular areas: expansion of types of vaccines administered by pharmacists; establishment of the “Patient Safety Act” in Georgia; and designating pseudoephedrine to a Schedule V exempt narcotic. This lesson outlines the three areas of focus by the GPhA and provides detailed information describing the need for the proposed legislation.
Expansion of Vaccines Administered Under Physician Protocol Agreement History: The practice of inoculating against disease can be traced as far back as 1000 C.E., when the Chinese practiced Smallpox variolation.1 Since that time, with Jenner’s 1796 innovations of smallpox immunization, and then Pasteur’s rabies vaccine in 1885, the development of vaccinations has become widespread and encompasses many disease states.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers immunization to be one of the ten great achievements in public health in the twentieth century.2 Since the 1990s, pharmacists have been immunizing in the state of 23
Georgia under physician protocol with the understanding that administration of medicine as written in Pharmacy Practice Law encompassed administering vaccinations. Much variation existed with regard to the pharmacist immunization training, vaccines administered, and age range of patients immunized. Training of immunizing pharmacists varied widely from no specific immunizing training to completion of the American Pharmacists Association Immunization Training Certificate Program. Vaccines administered by pharmacists varied from influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B series, varicella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella, and various travel vaccines (oral typhoid, yellow fever). Most pharmacists were vaccinating patients ≥ 13 years old while some were vaccinating children < 13 years old. Additional areas of concern included the lack of a standard template for vaccine protocols and requirements of physicians who signed protocols with pharmacists. The Georgia Board of Medical Examiners persisted in halting pharmacists immunizing due to physician complaint regarding pharmacists immunizing. A group of pharmacy leaders worked to develop an avenue that met the Board of Medical Examiners expectations for pharmacists to continue immunizing. In 2009, the Georgia General Assembly passed HB February 2011
217, a bill that allowed pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations under a protocol with a local physician.3 This bill created greater access to the influenza vaccine for people ≥ 13 years old. It also allowed pharmacists to continue using their education and training in vaccines and their administration. HB 217 has brought uniformity to physicianpharmacist protocols as well as set out specific requirements regarding physicians and pharmacists who enter into the protocol. It also addresses the need for all vaccinations given to be entered into the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services. Although this effort has been very successful, many citizens still do not have access to a physician and many of these citizens go without other life-saving vaccinations that are not covered under the influenza protocol legislation passed under HB 217.
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GPhA would like to pass legislation to add to the original protocol outlined in HB 217, and allow the physician to enter into a protocol agreement that gives permission to the pharmacist to administer all CDC recognized vaccines to the physician’s patients as specified in the protocol. Defense of Legislation: Pharmacist immunization practices have been standardized by HB 217. The current limitation of HB 217 is its inclusion of only the influenza vaccine. Current immunization statistics indicate a need for pharmacists to vaccinate for all CDC recognized vaccines. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) for teens and The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
college students are tetanusdiphtheria-pertussis, meningococcal, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B series, polio, measlesmumps-rubella (MMR), varicella, influenza, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV), and hepatitis A vaccines.5 In 2009, teens 13 – 17 years old, 53.6% nationally and 53.3% in Georgia, had received ≥ 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine.6 The rates for ≥ 2 doses of varicella vaccine for this age group was 48.6% nationally and 68% in Georgia.6 In addition, for this age group, ≥ 1 dose of HPV rates were 44.3% nationally and 38.6% in Georgia.6 These statistics are evidence that continued aggressive vaccination efforts for this age group are essential. Pharmacists who collaborate with local school systems, colleges, and their local health department would have a positive impact in increasing vaccination rates for ACIP recommended vaccines in this age group. In the geriatric (≥ 60 years old) population, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, zoster vaccine, and tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine are recommended by ACIP.5 For persons ≥ 65 years old, one-time pneumococcal polysaccharide re-vaccination is recommended if < 65 years old when received initial vaccination and ≥ 5 years since initial dose.7 Healthcare professionals and patients are often confused regarding these specific revaccination guidelines. Flu clinics in the pharmacy or assisted living facility are an ideal time to administer the pneumococcal vaccine as well to these geriatric patients. According to the 2009 National Health Interview Survey, only 60.6% respondents ≥ 65 years old had received pneumococcal vaccine, an indication that potentially 24
39.4% of patients ≥ 65 years old still need pneumococcal vaccine. Zoster vaccine as a single dose is recommended for patients ≥ 60 years old.8 Only 10% of National Immunization Survey respondents ≥ 60 years old had received the zoster vaccine. This vaccine differs from influenza and pneumococcal in that it is covered under Medicare Part D rather than Medicare Part B. As well, zoster vaccine has been on back order this year. In 2009, for patients ≥ 65 years old, only 52.8% had tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years.8 As evident by this tetanus vaccination rate, a need exists for pharmacists to provide tetanus booster for patients ≥ 65 years old. The opportunity to vaccinate patients ≥ 60 years old exists in the local pharmacy as well as in assisted living facilities. Adults 19–59 years old are recommended to have their tetanusdiphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years with a single dose of tetanusdiphtheria-accellular pertussis (Tdap), varicella vaccine, and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for those with certain chronic diseases. In 2009, the vaccination rate of tetanus vaccination in the last 10 years for adults 19 - 49 years old was 63.1% and 62.8% for adults 50 – 64 years.8 ACIP recommends Tdap to replace a single dose of Td booster for adults 19 – 64 years without a previous dose of Tdap.7 Varicella is now recommended as a two dose series in all adults without evidence of immunity.7 Many adults may have received the initial dose of varicella but lack a second dose. Community pharmacists have access to these patients to educate and offer the two dose series of varicella. Additionally, adults who have chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes February 2011
mellitus, chronic liver disease or asplenia have medical indication for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.7 According to the National Health Interview Survey, pneumococcal vaccination rate in surveyed adults 19–64 years in 2009 was 17.5%.8 A final area for potential vaccination services offered by pharmacists is travel vaccines. Additional specific travel vaccination training is highly recommended prior to offering these services. When traveling internationally, patients must consider routine adult immunizations as well as required vaccinations for the country to which they are traveling.9 The goal of these travel vaccines is to prevent importation of vaccine preventable diseases across international borders and protect travelers from illnesses present in the country to which they are traveling. Yellow fever vaccination is the only vaccine required by the International Health Regulations for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.9 The Centers for Disease Control has vaccination information for travelers in its Health Information for International Travel, which provides a list of required vaccinations for each country. Impact: Pharmacists in all fifty states are now authorized to administer at least some vaccines.10 In Georgia, the addition of all CDC recognized vaccines for patients ≥ 13 years old would open specific doors of opportunity to vaccinate specific patient populations, including teens and college students, geriatric patients, adults 27–59 years old, and international travelers.
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
The proposed legislation to extend HB 217 to all CDC recognized vaccines is essential for the health of the citizens of Georgia. In many counties in Georgia, citizens do not have access to a physician and remain vulnerable to many vaccine preventable diseases not covered under the influenza protocol legislation. Providing immunizations allows pharmacists to offer a wider array of patient care services to the community, and allows for greater access to immunizations for patients who might not otherwise receive the immunizations. Pause and Reflect: How will the passage of this legislation impact my pharmacy practice and care of patients?
Establishing the “Patient Safety Act” History: In 2005, President Bush signed into law the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act (NASPER), a bill designed to assist states in combating prescription drug abuse of controlled substances through a prescription monitoring program (PDMP).11 NASPER fosters interstate communication by providing grants to set up or improve state systems that meet basic standards of information collection and privacy protections that will make it easier for states to share information. Since the implementation of NASPER, a total of 35 states have operational programs, and 6 states have enacted such programs. In Georgia, the “Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” or the “Patient Safety Act” was first introduced in 2008, but was not passed by the legislature. Georgia is the only state in the Southeast without this type of 25
legislation and this has made our state a target for prescription drug abuse.11 GPhA will, again, attempt to pass comprehensive legislation that monitors Schedule II – V controlled substances through a database that is accessible by the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency to curtail the abuse of controlled substances. Defense of Legislation: Since 1999, abuse, misuse, and overdose of prescription drugs have significantly increased. Each year more than 20,000 persons in the United States die from drug overdose. Those with the highest rates are adults age 35 to 44 and persons living in the South and West regions.11 The most recent statistics in Georgia (July 2009) show prescription drugs are the contributing factor for almost 85% of all drug related deaths in Georgia. In 2008 there were 638 drug overdose deaths in Georgia. Of those 638 deaths, 543 involved prescription drugs or a combination of prescription and illicit drugs. This means 5 of the 6 top drugs causing deaths in the State of Georgia are prescription drugs.12 Prescription drug abuse accounts for 30% of all drug abuse in the U.S. and is our country’s fastest growing drug abuse problem.13 Prescription drug abuse is particularly troublesome in Georgia because every state that borders our state has in place, or is in the process of implementing, a monitoring program such as the proposed Patient Safety Act.14 Impact: With the implementation of the Patient Safety Act in our state, Georgia pharmacists will have a useful resource in helping to detect February 2011
prescription drug abuse. The Patient Safety Act will create a database of controlled drug prescriptions dispensed throughout the state that will be accessible by prescribers and dispensers. As currently written, the Patient Safety Act will be administered by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and will require pharmacies throughout the state to electronically report all controlled (class II-V) drug prescriptions dispensed on a weekly basis. All data will be subject to HIPAA regulations, and the act contains significant penalties for any information that is misused in any way. Specific prescription information to be reported will be established by the Board of Pharmacy. A database of these controlled prescriptions will be maintained by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and will be accessible to physicians and pharmacists who will be issued private, individualized user names and passwords. Software for the program will be provided to physicians and dispensers at no charge. An Electronic Database Review committee consisting of representatives from the Composite Medical Board, and Boards of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Optometry will be established to consult and advise the Board of Pharmacy on the establishment, maintenance and operation of the program. Others serving on this board will be a consumer representative, an oncologist, a representative from a hospice organization and a representative from a specialty profession that deals in addictive medicine. Along with physicians and The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
pharmacists, law enforcement, including agents of the State Board of Pharmacy and Composite Medical Board, will have access to the information, but only through subpoenas or administrative subpoenas. As stated earlier, all information will be subject to HIPAA regulations and stringent penalties set forth in the Act. Once implemented, the Patient Safety Act will be a useful resource for pharmacists and physicians as well as law enforcement, and will help to curb prescription drug abuse in our state. Pause and Reflect: How will the passage of this legislation impact my pharmacy practice and care of patients?
Designating Pseudoephedrine as a Schedule V Exempt Narcotic History: In February 2005, federal agents raided the first meth “super lab” discovered in a residential neighborhood in Smyrna, Georgia, a sign of the drug’s growing prominence in the Southeast.15 In April 2005, Georgia passed legislation requiring products with pseudoephedrine as the sole active ingredient to be sold behind the counter of a retail or pharmacy store. This legislation also established reporting procedures for wholesalers and retailers.16 Local small toxic meth labs are reported to account for 20% of the methamphetamine being sold or distributed today.17 The present handwritten log system has had little effect or control on the purchase of pseudoephedrine for illegal purposes.18 Law enforcements’ gathering of data by hand is not 26
practical or effective. Preventing the illegitimate purchase is the goal. Defense of Legislation: Moving pseudoephedrine to a schedule V in several states has reduced small meth labs by more than 70%.19 The single ingredient necessary to make crystal (d-meth) is ephedrine/ pseudoephedrine. Pharmacists can become the gatekeeper to prevent the abuse of the drug for the manufacturing of meth. Pseudoephedrine diversion for small meth labs remains a problem plaguing our state. Pharmacists serve on the front lines and see first-hand the ineffectiveness of the current federal system in preventing pseudoephedrine in the retail system from being used for production of methamphetamine by small labs. Georgia pharmacists have reported incidences of violators from neighboring states attempting to purchase pseudoephedrine. Due diligence by pharmacists can prevent these violations; however, the prevailing concern is that in larger metropolitan areas, pharmacists do not have the opportunities to identify culprits. Pharmacists in Georgia have a unique opportunity to stem the flow of pseudoephedrine to small meth labs. They are entrusted by the state to control prescription drugs and stand as an obvious solution to control pseudoephedrine and stop the diversion. By moving the drug to a class V, pseudoephedrine can only be sold in pharmacies by a pharmacist or pharmacist intern or extern. Impact: As a class V controlled drug, pseudoephedrine will be added to the drug-monitoring program, which is an February 2011
additional part of GPhA’s legislative agenda for the 2011 session. By adding pseudoephedrine to the drugmonitoring program, the ability to monitor store shopping for pseudoephedrine will become available to deter or apprehend violators. As a national network of state drug monitoring programs is connected, pharmacists will be able to monitor out of state violators as well as those within Georgia. Pause and Reflect: How will the passage of this legislation impact my pharmacy practice and care of patients?
Overview and Summary: The Georgia Pharmacy Association has a long history of proposing and advocating for legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizens of the state of Georgia. Georgia pharmacists are accessible, educated and a viable resource for the health care system if utilized to the best of their abilities. With the passing of the proposed legislation in the 2011 session, Georgia pharmacists will be better equipped to provide necessary services to improve vaccination care, reduce prescription drug abuse and
restrict the ability to create methamphetamine.
References 1. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. All timelines overview. Retrieved from http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/timelines/all. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ten great public health achievements in the 20th century. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/about/history/tengpha.htm. 3. Georgia House Bill 217 full text. Retrieved from http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/pdf/hb217.pdf. 4. Kamal, K., Madhavan, S., and Maine, L. (2003). Impact of the American Pharmacists Association’s immunization training certification program. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 67 (4). 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines needed by teens and college students. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/teen-schedule.htm. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). National, state, and local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13 – 17 years—United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 59 (32). 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Adult immunization schedule. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm. 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). 2009 adult vaccination coverage, NHIS. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/stats-surv/nhis/2009-nhis.htm. 9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Traveler’s health: vaccinations. Retrieved from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx. 10. Egervary A. (2009, June 24). Maine legislature approves pharmacist immunization. Retrieved from http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home2&CONTENTID=20068&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm. 11. American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. (2010). Facts on NASPER: National Drug Control Policy and Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse Reauthorization Act of 2010. Retrieved from http://www.nasper.org/database.htm. 12. Georgia Drugs & Narcotics Agency. PMP. Retrieved from http://gdna.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,132319894_133013639,00.html. 13. Pharmaceutical Diversion Education, Inc. Scope of the problem. Retrieved from http://rxdiversion.com/scope-of-the-problem/. 14. Simmons, A. (2010, December 28). Cobb targets ‘pill mill' pain clinics. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved from http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/cobb-targets-pill-mill-789693.html. 15. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2005, February 14). DEA busts Georgia’s first meth “super-lab” Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/atlanta021405.html. 16. Georgia Office of the Governor. (2005, April 19). Governor Perdue signs methamphetamine legislation. Retrieved from http://www.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_79688147_93023032,00.html. 17. Suo, S. (2004, October 3). Hidden powerhouses underlie meth's ugly spread. The Oregonian. 18. Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2010 May). Fact sheet: methamphetamine trends in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/Pseudoephedrine.pdf. 19. U.S. Department of Justice. (2010 June). The Drug Enforcement Administration’s clandestine drug laboratory cleanup program. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/DEA/a1029.pdf.
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February 2011
Continuing Education for Pharmacists Quiz and Evaluation Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension 1. In 2009, HB217 paved the way for pharmacists to administer the _____________ vaccinations under protocol while taking into consideration the concerns of the Georgia Board of Medical Examiners. a. Influenza b. Yellow fever c. Measles-mumps rubella d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
6. Which of the following southeastern states do not have a “Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” or “Patient Safety Act”? a. Alabama b. Florida c. Georgia d. South Carolina 7. Of the 638 drug overdose deaths in 2008, how many were related to prescription drugs? a. 291 b. 332 c. 498 d. 543
2. Which of the following vaccines are recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices for college students and teens? a. Hepatitis B series b. Polio c. Meningococcal d. All of the above
8. As proposed, the Patient Safety Act will be administered by a. The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy. b. The Composite Medical Board. c. The Georgia Board of Dentistry. d. The Georgia Board of Optometry.
3. Based on the 2009 National Health Interview Survey, what percentage of respondents ≥ 65 years old had received the pneumococcal vaccine? a. 58.2% b. 60.6% c. 69.0% d. 71.1%
9. Some states have seen over a _____ reduction in small meth labs through moving pseudoephedrine to a schedule V. a. 40% b. 50% c. 60% d. 70%
4. How often are adults 19-59 years old recommended to have their tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster? a. Every year b. Every five years c. Every 10 years d. Every 15 years
10. Who will be permitted to sell pseudoephedrine if the drug is moved to a class V? a. Pharmacists b. Pharmacist interns c. Pharmacist externs d. All of the above
5. For travel to tropical South America, what vaccine is required by the International Health Regulations? a. Yellow fever b. Measles-mumps rubella c. Hepatitis B series d. Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV)
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February 2011
Journal CPE Answer Sheet The Georgia Pharmacy Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. No financial support was received for this activity.
Understanding GPhAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Legislative Agenda This lesson is a knowledge-based CPE activity and is targeted to pharmacists. GPhA code: J11-2 ACPE#: 0142-0000-11-001-H03-P Contact Hours: 0.5 (0.05 CEU) Release Date: 02/01/2011 Expiration Date: 02/01/2012 1. Select one correct answer per question and circle the appropriate letter below using blue or black ink (no red ink or pencil.) 2. Members submit $4.00, Non-members must include $10.00 to cover the cost of grading and issuing statements of credit/ Please send check or money order only. Note: GPhA members will receive priority in processing CE. Statements of credit for GPhA members will be emailed or mailed within four weeks of receipt of the course quiz.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
A A A A A
B B B B B
C C C C C
D D D D D
6. A B C D 7. A B C D 8. A B C D 9. A B C D 10. A B C D
Activity Evaluation: must be completed for credit Please rate the following items on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)as to how well the activity: 1. Relates to pharmacy practice: 1 2 3 4 2. Met my educational needs: 1 2 3 4 3. Achieves the stated learning objectives: 1 2 3 4 4. Faculty presented the information: 1 2 3 4 5. Made use of the educational material (article): 1 2 3 4 6. Teaching methods conveyed information (tables, figures, boxes): 1 2 3 4 7. Post-test aided in assessing my grasp of the information: 1 2 3 4 8. Met my expectations: 1 2 3 4 7. Avoided any bias: 1 2 3 4 8. How long did it take to complete this activity? _______________________
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
A passing grade of 70% is required for each examination. A person who fails the exam may resubmit the quiz only once at no additional charge. Please check here if you are indicating a change of address ___ Phone #: _______________________________ Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ License Number(s) and State(s): ___________________ Email Address: ___________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________ State: __________ Zip: __________ Remove this page from the Journal and mail this completed quiz and evaluation to: GPhA, 50 Lenox Pointe NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
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PHARMACY NEWS
Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agent Openings
rare opportunity has come about for Georgia registered pharmacists. The Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency is soliciting applicants for three special agent openings. The openings are for the southern portions of Georgia.
This training must be completed within the first year of being hired.
A
GDNA requires our special agents to obtain all of their pharmacy and law enforcement continuing education requirements as part of their duties and at GDNA expense. Agents are also encouraged to interact with pharmacists at meetings sponsored by the various pharmacy related associations.
A Special Agent is required to be a registered pharmacist with at least one year of experience working in some field of pharmacy. The duties would include inspections and investigations related to pharmacists, pharmacies, and all other pharmacy board registrants. Special Agents also work on any type of investigation which involves prescription drugs.
These are only some of the opportunities associated with the job. If you are interested in learning more or to obtain an application, please contact GDNA Deputy Director Dennis Troughton at (404) 6565100, toll free at 1-800-656-6568, or by email at dtroughton@gdna.ga.gov.
Once hired, all special agents are required to become certified Peace Officers. To become certified, special agents must attend and successfully complete an eleven week basic peace officer training course. The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to talking with you.
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2010 - 2011 GPhA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal Editor:
Jim Bracewell jbracewell@gpha.org
Managing Editor & Designer:
Kelly McLendon kmclendon@gpha.org
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal® (GPJ) is the official publication of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, Inc. (GPhA). Copyright © 2011, Georgia Pharmacy Association, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including by photocopy, recording or information storage retrieval systems, without prior written permission from the publisher and managing editor. All views expressed in bylined articles are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily express the views or policies of the editors, officers or members of the Georgia Pharmacy Association.
ARTICLES AND ARTWORK Those who are interested in writing for this publication are encouraged to request the official GPJ Guidelines for Writers. Artists or photographers wishing to submit artwork for use on the cover should call, write or e-mail the editorial offices as listed above.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS The Georgia Pharmacy Journal® (GPJ) (ISSN 1075-6965) is distributed as a regular membership service, paid for through allocation of membership dues. Subscription rate for non-members is $50.00 per year domestic and $10.00 per single copy; international rates $65.00 per year and $20.00 single copy. Subscriptions are not available for non-GPhA member pharmacists licensed and practicing in Georgia. The Georgia Pharmacy Journal® (GPJ) (ISSN 1075-6965) is published monthly by the GPhA, 50 Lenox Pointe NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Georgia Pharmacy Journal®, 50 Lenox Pointe, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.
ADVERTISING Advertising copy deadline and rates are available at www.gpha.org upon request. All advertising and production orders should be sent to the GPhA headquarters as listed above.
GPHA HEADQUARTERS 50 Lenox Pointe, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30324 Office: 404.231.5074 Fax: 404.237.8435
Position
Eddie Madden Dale Coker Jack Dunn Robert Hatton Pamala Marquess Jim Bracewell Hugh Chancy Robert Bowles Keith Herist Jonathan Marquess Sharon Sherrer Liza Chapman Mary Meredith Heather DeBellis Fred Sharpe John Drew Amanda Gaddy Shobhna Butler Ashley Faulk Mike Crooks Larry Batten David Gamadanis Chris Thurmond Marshall Frost Ken Eiland Renee Adamson Josh Kinsey Don Davis Ira Katz DeAnna Flores Lance Faglie John T. Sherrer Michael Farmer Steve Wilson
Chairman of the Board President President-Elect First Vice President Second Vice President Executive Vice President/CEO State-at-Large State-at-Large State-at-Large State-at-Large State-at-Large State-at-Large State-at-Large Region One President Region Two President Region Three President Region Four President Region Five President Region Six President Region Seven President Region Eight President Region Nine President Region Ten President Region Eleven President Region Twelve President ACP Chairman AEP Chairman AHP Chairman AIP Chairman APT Chairman ASA Chairman Foundation Chairman Insurance Trust Chairman Ex Officio - President, GA Board of Pharmacy Ex Officio - Chairman, GSHP Ex Officio Mercer Ex Officio Mercer ASP Ex Officio South Ex Officio South ASP Ex Officio UGA Ex Officio UGA ASP
Sonny Rader Gina Ryan Johnson Jill Augustine Rusty Fetterman Olivia Santoso Sukh Sarao David Bray
www.gpha.org
Print: Star Printing - 770.974.6195
The Georgia Pharmacy Journal
Name
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