North Carolina Association of Pharmacists 2021, Issue 8 of 12 ncpharmacists.org
E-News
Advancing Pharmacy. Improving Health.
General News Ever-Developing Guidance on COVID-19 Booster On Friday September 24th, the CDC announced that it is endorsing the ACIP recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in some populations and recommended a booster dose for those in highrisk occupational and institutional settings. See CDC’s interim guidance, which applies only to those who received Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in their primary series. Early last week, the FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to allow for single booster dose use. The CDC will address recommendations for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as soon as data are available. Billing Codes for COVID-19 Boosters NCPA has updated their vaccine billing handout with information needed to bill for COVID-19 boosters. The most recent NCPDP guidance (current version here; section 10), recommends that claims for COVID-19 boost-
ers use Submission Clarification Code (SCC) 10. Some PBMs may temporarily require SCC 07 and SCC 10 to be submitted together which allows them to process claims immediately and avoid having to reject claims in this fluid situation. ASHP Seeks Comments on Robotic Tech for Compounding ASHP is soliciting comments on the Draft ASHP Guidelines on the Selection, Implementation, and Utilization of Workflow and Robotic Technologies for Preparing Intravenous Compounded Sterile Preparations. Individuals and organizations may submit comments on the draft until October 29, 2021. U.S. District Court Judge Rules on FDA Compounding MOU On September 21st, Judge Cooper with U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled, in the case Wellness Pharmacy, Inc. et.al. v. Becerra et.al., that the FDA violated procedure in producing the standard Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes an agreement between individual state pharmacy boards and the FDA. Judge Cooper, found that the Regulatory Flexibility Act was applicable, and that the FDA must “either certify that it will not have a significant eco-
NCAP E-News
Isssue 8-12
nomic effect on small businesses or prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. Growing Number of U.S. Adults Unable to Afford Medications Gallup recently shared results of a June 2021 survey, which found an estimated 18 million adults in the U.S. were unable to pay for at least one prescribed medication, for their household, during the prior three months. Among those households earning less than $24,000 per year, the percentage of those unable to afford their medication nearly doubled to 19%, as compared to earlier this year. Findings also included: adults under age 65 years were twice as likely as seniors to be unable to pay for medications; and 1 in 10 adults skip doses to save money. Coalition for PBM Reform Launched The Coalition for PBM Reform was announced on September 23rd. The Coalition is supported by six national organizations, representing patient advocates, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacies and others. Their mission is to collectively bring transparency to how pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) operate. They plan to use the voices of patients, healthcare providers, employers and payers
Page 1
to bring greater attention to PBM practices, which threaten effective and affordable access to local healthcare in our country. CMS Launches Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Tool Information on COVID-19 reported by nursing homes to the CDC is available online and includes COVID-19 vaccination rates for facilities in the U.S. HRSA Refers Six Drug Manufacturers to HHS OIG for 340B Violations On September 22nd, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) referred Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and United Therapeutics to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) for ongoing violations of 340B Drug Pricing Program regulations. FBI Issues Warning of Conti Ransomware The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are warning of the increased use of Conti ransomware after more than 400 attacks on American and international organizations were reported. See five things you should know. DEA Issues Public Safety Alert The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a public safety alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescrip-
tion pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. This alert, the first in six years, seeks to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills.
Practice Advancement News NCAP LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE TRAINING COMING OCTOBER 6TH, 2021
NCAP is pleased to announce that it will launch an ACPE accredited virtual LAI training for pharmacists to meet both statutory and NCBOP rules to legally administer long-acting injectables. This 5- hour training is geared specifically with the busy pharmacist in mind offering bite-sized training modules designed for completion in 30 minutes or less. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY!
The Good News!
The Best News!
Starting October 1st, 2021, immunizing pharmacists in North Carolina will now have the authority to administer long-acting injectable medications to patients age 18 and older pursuant to a prescription. This new authority marks a long-awaited win for our profession and addresses a clear public health need that will undoubtedly provide great value to our patients.
Pharmacists and NCAP have battled long and hard over the years to call attention to the value pharmacists bring to healthcare and the welfare of our patients. We’ve put up the good fight, now we’ve gained the right. Make good on your promise and exercise your authority to demonstrate the value Pharmacists-Led services in Long-Acting Injectable Administration not only brings to your patients but the stakeholders making those all-important decisions around reimbursement.
In accordance with the NCBOP GUIDANCE TO PHARMACIST ADMINISTRATION OF LONG ACTING INJECTABLES, immunizing pharmacists who wish to exercise this new authority will require advanced LAI training from an ACPE-accredited course, a North Carolina Association of Pharmacists-accredited course, a curriculum-based program from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy, a state or local health department program, or training by an appropriately qualified practitioner. The Better News! Beginning October 6th, 2021,
NCAP E-News
Isssue 8-12
Visit www.ncpharmacists.org for more information!
Event News September Session 1: Harm Reduction Series Thursday, September 30th 7 pm – 8 pm Session Title: Evidence-based Screening Tools in Pharmacy It’s not too late. Click here for more information and to register!
Page 2
This series is designed to empower pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to utilize the tools they have to implement harm reduction strategies.
they have to implement harm reduction strategies. Session 3: Harm Reduction Series
October
Thursday, October 28th 7 pm – 8 pm
Independent Pharmacy Network (IPN) South Central Regional Meeting
Session Title: Linking Patients to Syringe Service Programs
Friday, October 8th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm NCAP is hosting a reception ahead of the NCPA Annual Convention in Charlotte. This event is open to all independent pharmacists across the state. We are looking forward to a night filled with influential speakers, hot topic discussions, and networking with fellow independent pharmacists. The event will feature guest speaker and pharmacy champion, NC Senator Jim Burgin. For more information and to RSVP, click here. NCAP Student Pharmacist Conference and Residency Showcase Saturday, October 9th 9 am – 3 pm Click here for more information and to register for the event! This conference will be a virtual event of student specific programming including Residency Showcase.
Click here for more information and to register! This series is designed to empower pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to utilize the tools they have to implement harm reduction strategies.
November Technician Conference Friday, November 12th 9 am - 5 pm Click here for more information and to register for this event!
23rd Annual Anti-Infective Conference
Live webinar to bring together pharmacy technicians from across the state for a day of technician specific programming.
Friday, October 15th 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Questions? Contact Angie, angie@ncpharmacists.org.
A Virtual Event Click here for details about the event and to get registered!
Executive Fellow News
This annual meeting brings together infectious disease pharmacists from across the state for a day of continuing education and networking.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
New Drug Updates Part 2 Sunday, October 17th 6 pm – 7 pm To register for this second installment of New Drug Updates, click here.
Thursday, October 14th 7 pm – 8 pm
Second of a two-part live webinar that will bring pharmacists and technicians the most up-to-date information on new drugs.
Session Title: Improving Communication with Providers + Barriers to Ordering MAT Rx
APhA /WSU Pharmacy-Based Immunization Administration by Pharmacy Technicians
Click here for more information and to register!
Wednesday, October 20th 12 – 4 pm
This series is designed to empower pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to utilize the tools
Click here for more information and to register!
Session 2: Harm Reduction Series
This is for pharmacy technicians only and is hosted by Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Services in partnership with the NC Association of Pharmacists. This is an in-person event at Campbell University.
NCAP E-News
Isssue 8-12
NCAP Fellow Practitioner Recognition Program In effort to continually promote pharmacy advancement in the state and acknowledge excellence among those in our field, NCAP has created a new Fellow Practitioner Recognition Program. This program offers a pathway for pharmacy leaders in our state to be awarded NCAP Fellow status (FNCAP) signifying their extensive contributions to the association and to the advancement of pharmacy practice. The program is officially accepting applications for the first recognition cycle. The priority deadline to apply is March 18, 2022. Pharmacy leaders are encouraged to self-nominate!
Page 3
Click here for more information and for details on how to apply. Please email Megan at fellow@ncpharmacists.org for any questions.
Announcements
for free or low-cost continuing education with your membership and these useful additional benefits. Thank you for your support! For E-News corrections please contact Rhonda at rhonda@ncpharmacists.org.
Special Licensed Pharmacist Membership Rate When a pharmacist joins the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP), their membership dues are put to work immediately supporting our noble profession. NCAP is the essential and sole organization representing and fostering the advancement of pharmacy in North Carolina. Their membership helps to build awareness, create value, and generate a voice for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists. While they are taking care of patients and practices, the Association’s role is to take care of them, by protecting and advancing our profession. Every dollar of their membership dues goes to support: the development of resources and educational programming; the work of our Board, practice academies, forums, and special interest groups; our advocacy agenda; practice advancement initiatives; committees and general operations.
Online PTCB prep courses for pharmacy techs. We help you pass your exam and attain certification!
HELPING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES GAIN CONFIDENCE AND PEACE OF MIND
paasnational.com
NCAP is excited to announce an incredible offer! If you join now, a licensed pharmacist rate is only $100. This is a savings of $95. Click here to select the “Join Now” button on our home page and take advantage of this amazing deal. Use promo code News21 to receive your discount. Don’t forget to stay tuned to our website NCAP E-News
Now, Edupharmtech.com has 8 hours of continuing education available to PTCB CPhT’s applying for recertification. Bundle and Save! Use discount code NCAP on the All Course Bundle to save 10%.
October 1 - December 1 Isssue 8-12
Page 4