As a reminder, pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians may only order and administer vaccines that are published on the ACIP Immunization Schedules without a standing order or prescription order. The current schedules list only the 2024-25 formulation of the COVID-19 vaccines. Pharmacy professionals wishing to administer the 2025-26 formulation must either have a standing order or a patient-specific prescription order. The next ACIP meeting is scheduled for September 18-19, after which time more information will be available regarding pharmacy vaccinators’ independent authority.

Please note that if you do obtain a standing order, it does not need to be limited to only the FDA-approved indications for the 2025-26 vaccine formulations.

PSW is collaborating with our partners to develop alternatives that would allow pharmacy-provided COVID-19 vaccines should ACIP not recommend the vaccine based upon other vaccine advisory group recommendations (e.g., the Vaccine Integrity Project, the American Academy of Pediatrics).

PSW has joined the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in urging CMS to require upfront manufacturer discounts, not retrospective rebates, under the Inflation Reduction Act. Upfront discounts ensure the Maximum Fair Price is delivered at the point of dispensing, reduce administrative burden, and protect patient access to medications. Read the full letter here.

Become a Wellbeing First Champion

We’re excited to share that PSW CEO Sarah Sorum is representing Wisconsin pharmacy on the Caring for Wisconsin’s Caregivers Steering Committee. This five-year initiative, led by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW), and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce. Learn more about the initiative’s three-phase approach here.

But this work is bigger than one leader - it’s a movement. Your organization can also make a difference by becoming a Wellbeing First Champion! The Champion Challenge supports licensure boards, hospitals, and health systems in reviewing and updating their applications, forms, and addenda to remove intrusive mental health questions and eliminate stigmatizing language. Learn how your organization can join this effort here.

Finally, if you or a colleague needs support, resources are available here.

Exploring Identity and Purpose in Pharmacy Practice

At the PSW Annual Meeting, participants joined “The Next Right Thing: Navigating Identity and Purpose Through Your Pharmacy Journey,” a session designed to help pharmacy professionals reflect on their identity, purpose, and growth across various career phases.

Through reflective tools, purpose statement writing, and peer dialogue, attendees explored shared challenges and developed personalized action plans to guide their professional journey. The session emphasized best practices for sustaining development and maintaining a positive outlook in pharmacy practice.

To help you bring these conversations to your own teams, the presenters created a practical handout with prompts and tools for exploring professional identity and purpose. We’re pleased to share this resource. Download the PDF to get started.

APhA Delegates to Represent Wisconsin

PSW is pleased to share that PSW members Zachary Pape, Rani Rajan, and Sarah Schmidt will represent Wisconsin in the 2025-2026 American Pharmacists Association House of Delegates and at the 2026 APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Los Angeles on March 27-30, 2026. The APhA House of Delegates comprises delegates from state pharmacy associations, APhA membership academies, affiliated organizations, recognized pharmacy organizations, and ex officio groups. It meets during the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition to debate and adopt policy proposals developed throughout the year. This year’s main policy discussion will include Primary Care in Pharmacy and Wearable Technologies.

PSW is offering a CE webinar in partnership with the West Virginia Pharmacists Association.

Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy: Practice, Research, and the Future Ahead

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm central

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping healthcare, but what does it mean for pharmacy practice, education, and research? This continuing education session brings together experts from the pharmacy and academic fields to explore the future of AI from two distinct perspectives. Learners will gain a foundational understanding of AI concepts, discover how AI is currently being integrated into medication use systems and decision-making, and examine the potential benefits and challenges of AI adoption in practice, business, and research. The discussion will also address the ethical, regulatory, and professional considerations that accompany AI innovation. By the end of the program, participants will leave better prepared to understand and engage in the evolving role of AI in pharmacy.

Click here to register.

Community Collaboration with Measurable Impact: Advancing Sustainable Pharmacy Practice: Recording Available

This spring, PSW staff shared the latest examples of working across sectors to support practice transformation and sustainable pharmacy care. The data presented reflects the dedication of many hours by PSW members, WPQC participants, and practices implementing pharmacist medical billing (provider status). Discover how PSW is advocating for its members, fostering community partnerships, and developing systems that support both patients and pharmacy teams. The approximately 30-minute recording is now available. 

Week 3: Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Stigma in Pharmacy Practice

Stigma is a persistent obstacle for patients with substance use disorders. Even subtle cues, like labeling, tone, or non-verbal behavior, can deter people from accessing lifesaving resources.

What you can do:

• Evaluate language used in signage, counseling, and patient education materials.
• Offer staff training in person-first, nonjudgmental language.
• Include stigma-awareness content in your onboarding programs.
• Join local or statewide coalitions focused on stigma reduction.

Read the Toolkit – Chapter 4 (PDF)