Pharmacy Time Capsule

19 89 Issues & events that have shaped Iowa pharmacy (or are fun to remember!)

FEBRUARY:

Randal McDonough won a 1989 Ford Tempo GL sports sedan in a nationwide sweepstakes sponsored by Percogesic analgesic.

MAY:

Governor Branstad released his 1990-91 budget with a recommendation to freeze reimbursement for both drug product cost and medical supplies. After extensive discussion between IPA officials and representatives of the Governor’s office, Department of Management, and Department of Human Services, the Governor amended his budget to provide inflationary increases in the cost of drug products, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies. After months of debate, the joint Senate/House Appropriations Subcommittee released proposed funding for the bill. The Medicaid Appropriations bill was signed by the Governor in May with the following changes: • Maintenance of AWP as the drug product cost reimbursement standard • A 2.25% increase in the pharmacist’s professional fee ($3.78 – $3.87) • Maintenance of the additional 1 cent/dose reimbursement policy for unit dose dispensing • A $100,000 expansion in pharmacy’s drug utilization review program; and • Restoration of full reimbursement for medical supplies and durable medical equipment which had previously been frozen at 1985 levels)

The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy was allocated $11.2 million from the capitol contingency fund to support major renovation/addition to the current building.

JUNE:

IPA’s 109th president, Jerry Karbeling, gave his inaugural address at the Annual Meeting in Okoboji. Karbeling’s speech, entitled “Reaching Out,” encouraged all active members to reach out to those non-member, non-participating pharmacists and encourage their support for the profession. At the time, Karbeling noted membership was at nearly 70%. Karbeling noted, “we can find dozens of reasons to encourage [non-members] to be involved.”

JULY:

Matt Osterhaus was awarded the Young Pharmacist of the Year award.

Testing of the Pharmacy NETWORK’s new online claims submission began on July 11.

OCTOBER:

Lloyd Jessen was named Executive Secretary of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners. Jessen replaced Norman C. Johnson, who announced his retirement from the Board in April 1989 after serving as chief executive for more than 12 years. Jessen assumed his position as Executive Secretary on January 1, 1990.

FUN FACT:

In 1989, there were only 74 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the U.S., compared to 144 as of July 2019!

Lloyd Jessen

The Iowa Pharmacy Association Foundation is committed to the preservation of the rich heritage of pharmacy practice in Iowa. By honoring and remembering the past, we are reminded of the strong tradition we have to build upon for a prosperous future for the profession.