Issue #14

This Week's Updates



FREE CE TONIGHT: NCAP Presents: B.U.P.E: Buprenorphine Understanding in the Pharmacy Environment Thursday, April 14th, 7-8:30 PM
Don't miss out on NCAP's final virtual BUPE session tonight from 7-8:30 PM. Join Trish Mashburn as she covers buprenorphine's role in treating patients with Opioid Use Disorder, addressing challenges and solutions to pharmacists' common barriers to acquiring buprenorphine. For registration and more details,click here.

NCAP is Looking for Innovative and Progressive Community Pharmacies to Host 4th Year APPE Student Elective in Opioid Stewardship for the 2023-2024 Academic Year!
Would you like to have a pharmacy student help you develop and implement harm reduction services in your practice? NCAP is seeking community pharmacies to host an APPE experience for 4th year pharmacy students centered around implementing harm reduction clinical services to address opioid or substance use disorders. To express interest and receive more information, click here.

High Drug Prices: It’s Not Drug Manufacturers….Look Closer
NCAP member and state legislator, Rep. Wayne Sasser, was recently interviewed by the Independent Tribune. He sheds important light on the role that rebates, spread pricing and PBMs play in driving up drug costs. He calls on other members of the NC General Assembly to open their eyes to the real cause behind high drug prices.

Register Now! HIV PEP Learning Modules & Toolkit
Immunizing pharmacists in NC now have the authority to dispense post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV pursuant to standing order. Register here to learn all you need to know to start practicing in this new space!

2022 Convention Registration Open; Early Bird Savings End Tomorrow, April 15th!
Registration for NCAP’s 2022 Annual Convention at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC, June 9 - 10, is OPEN! We look forward to seeing as many of your smiling faces as possible. Click here for more information and to register! Our Social Gala is Casino Royale! We have so much fun planned for Thursday evening, June 9th with this event. You don’t want to miss it! Register today! P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to receive early bird registration discounts!

Updated Editions of NC MPJE Study Guide and the Online Course Are Ready!
Soon to be 2022 pharmacy school graduates, you’re in the final stretch! Are you ready to sit for the pharmacy law exam for your license? NCAP has two options to help you prepare. The new editions of the NC MPJE Study Guide and NC MPJE Online Course are ready now! Click herefor details and a link to purchase.

Bipartisan Bill To Support Pharmacists for Pandemic Services
A bipartisan bill, H.R. 7213 The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, was introduced in late March. It is a limited provider status bill that recognizes, and authorizes pharmacists to provide and be reimbursed for pandemic-related care, such as COVID testing and treatment. It is an important bite of the apple for the ever elusive provider status and fair payment battle that our profession has been pursuing for decades. The pandemic has elevated our role in public health, and we need all NC pharmacists (and technicians) to call on our state’s representatives to support this legislation.

CMS Proposed Rule for SNF PPS
CMS issued its fiscal year 2023 Skilled Nursing Facilities Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) proposed rule, which includes asking for public feedback on how staffing in nursing homes and health equity improvements could lead to better health outcomes. Through the SNF PPS proposed rule, CMS is continuing its work to transform the SNF payment system to a more patient-centered model by making payments based on the needs of the whole patient, rather than focusing on the volume of certain services the patient receives. CMS is also soliciting input to help the agency establish minimum staffing requirements that nursing homes will need to ensure residents are provided safe, high-quality care, and nursing home workers have the support they need.

Another Opioid Trial to Begin April 25th
Another opioid trial is scheduled to start April 25th, this one involves San Francisco county and city for allegations against Walgreens and several pharmaceutical companies, related to the sale and distribution of opioids.
Smart Technologies Getting Smarter, Getting Healthier
In Bloomberg this week, Apple, Inc., was reported to be working on a number of new health-related apps, including a coming soon update to their Health app for iPhone to include medication management. Also earlier this week, the FDA approved the Fitbit atrial fibrillation continuous heart monitoring algorithm.
The Safety Impact of Drug Shortages
ASHP has reported that national drug shortages are adversely affecting the delivery of healthcare, and in some cases, the shortages have jeopardized safety and harmed patients. Meanwhile, the FDA is looking to enhanced quality management practices for manufacturers to help address drug shortages.
ACIP Updates HepB Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released updated recommendations for hepatitis B (HepB) vaccinations. In addition to the groups the vaccine is already recommended for, ACIP now recommends that all adults ages 19-59 years should receive HepB vaccines.

FTC Deadline for PBM Abuse Comments Rapidly Approaching
There has been a lot of pressure on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate PBM practices, but the FTC needs to hear from pharmacists.  Do you witness the negative impact of PBMs on patient care?  Then you should send comment to the FTC.  The National Community Pharmacy Association has created a template that you can customize.  Deadline for submitting comments is April 25th.