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In This Issue:
MPA CEO Perspective
MPA News
- Bernstein Earns Alumni Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from U-M
- U-M Bestows Alumni Service Award in Pharmacy to Brown Family
- 340B Day for Michigan May 3
- Law Books Available for Purchase
MPA Member Updates
- Now Accepting MPA Executive Board and Practice Section Board Nominations
- MPF 2023 Golf Classic — Register Today
CE Events
- Upcoming CE Opportunities
Upcoming Events
- Sign Up for Complimentary PAAS Webinar
- Pink Book Registration Now Open
National Association News
- NCPA: Voice Support for Pro-Pharmacy and Pro-Patient Legislative Priorities
Legislative and Regulatory News
- Supreme Court Pauses Abortion Pill Restrictions from Taking Effect During Appeal
- LARA Confirms Access to Mifepristone After SCOTUS Ruling
- LARA Issues Reminder on Required Inventory for Controlled Substances
COVID-19 Updates
- Updated Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
- FDA Authorizes Shelf-Life Extension for COVID Medications
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Take Action and Show Your Support for SB 219! | |
We reached out last week asking you to urge your senator to support SB 219, access to immunizations. You heard us loud and clear. But now we need to hear from those who have not yet reached out to their senators.
Senate Bill (SB) 219 codifies pharmacists' ability to prescribe and administer immunizations to patients ages three and up. Additionally, it codifies pharmacists' ability to administer certain CLIA-waived tests and refer patients to providers based on the results. It also makes provisions for pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations and CLIA-waived tests under the supervision of a pharmacist. Action by the Michigan Legislature to codify pharmacists’ ability to independently immunize our patients and provide other services authorized under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act is essential for maintaining patient access to life-saving healthcare services.
SB 219 has been reported out of the Senate Health Policy Committee and will now advance to the Senate Floor for a vote. Click here and urge your state senator to support SB 219.
It's simple and easy to do. The prepopulated letter is waiting for you to send with a click of your mouse!
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Bernstein earns Alumni Distinguished
Lifetime Achievement Award from U-M
MPA member Ilisa Bernstein, who is currently serving as the interim CEO and vice president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), has been given the 2023 Alumni Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy.
Bernstein has served the U-M College of Pharmacy as both a preceptor and member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee. She became an adjunct clinical assistant professor in 2005, mentoring over 20 students to date.
She held several senior leadership positions with the Food and Drug Administration and was the senior associate director of worldwide regulatory affairs for Pfizer.
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Ilisa Bernstein accepts her award at the U-M College of Pharmacy commencement ceremony | |
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U-M Bestows Alumni Service Award
in Pharmacy to Brown Family
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Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) members Grant and Austin Brown were honored with the 2023 Alumni Service Award in Pharmacy at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy commencement ceremony.
Grant continued the family pharmacy legacy – his father and grandfather were both pharmacists – by earning his bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1980 and his Pharm.D. in 1983 from Michigan.
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Grant and Austin Brown accept their award
at the U-M College of Pharmacy commencement ceremony.
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In 1985, Grant opened the first Option Care franchise in Michigan – a home infusion therapy service- while working with his parents at Brown's Pharmacy. By 1992, there was a second retail pharmacy and multiple Option Care locations. In 1995, the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) recognized Grant with an innovative practice award – Grant was similarly recognized the following year by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
Austin joined the family business by earning his Pharm.D. in 2017, becoming the third generation of Browns to graduate from the U-M College of Pharmacy.
Grant has served on the MPA and National Home Infusion Association boards of directors, is a board advisor to the American Pharmacy buying group and served on the College's Board of Governors and Dean's Advisory Committee. Austin has served on various statewide committees and is the current vice president of operations for the Browns' partnership or ownership in seven community pharmacies.
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Michigan Pharmacist Journal Published | |
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The April/May/June 2023 edition of the Michigan Pharmacist Journal is now available online! Click the cover image to the right to read about the following topics:
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MPA Members Stack Up Awards: At home and nationally, MPA members bring home hardware.
- President's Platform: MPA President Hope Broxterman looks at opportunities ahead for pharmacists.
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From the Foundation: Don't take a mulligan on the annual MPF Golf Classic June 21.
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Advocacy Update: Read up on how you can promote pharmacy priorities at the state and federal levels.
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MSCP Focus: MSCP President Brooke Roe gives pharmacists some phrases to live by, while Thomas Burns looks at how pharmacists can help women have greater access to hormonal contraception.
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New program: Wayne State professors and students give a glimpse of the school's new ambulatory care concentration
Please note: The Michigan Pharmacist will be available in digital format only. Printed copies may be requested via email at MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.
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340B Day for Michigan May 3 at Crowne Plaza
May 3 is 340B Day for Michigan from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza West in Lansing, 925 S. Creyts Road.
The 340B drug pricing program allows many hospitals and healthcare providers to stretch scarce resources and increases access to affordable care for the country’s most vulnerable residents. The 340B program is integral to healthcare financing for covered entities. Losing this support could significantly reduce savings while removing access to care for residents in need across the state. Understanding the administration of the program, program management and compliance is of the utmost importance for leveraging the full savings potential and furthering the goals of the 340B program: to support access to healthcare.
The subject-matter experts for this workshop will present insights for hospitals to optimize the administration of the 340B program, including maximizing savings that enable hospitals to provide better care, improve patient outcomes and help the vulnerable patient populations gain access to the services they need.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Outline major regulatory and legislative developments in 340B.
- Identify opportunities to expand the 340B program in a compliant manner.
- Learn best practices in optimizing your 340B program.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Michigan Pharmacists Association pharmacists associated with health systems. This event is intended for 340B entity stakeholders and invitees only. This includes CFOs, finance team members and pharmacy leadership.
Contact Rob Wood (rwood@mha.org) to register for this event.
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Fourth Edition Pharmacy Law Books Available to Purchase | |
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The fourth edition of Michigan Pharmacists Association's "Pharmacy Law Simplified: A Practical Approach to Contemporary Practice" is now available for purchase!
"Michigan Pharmacy Law Simplified" is intended to be informative and provides additional guidance to pharmacy professionals in relation to pharmacy practice in the state of Michigan. The book compiles state and federal laws and rules relevant to the practice of pharmacy, avoiding legal jargon.
To get your hands on a copy, visit the MPA store, fill out the Online Store Order Form and email it to MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.
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Now Accepting MPA Executive Board
and Practice Section Board Nominations
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The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is successful because of the volunteer efforts of engaged pharmacy professionals. MPA is guided by the leadership of its Executive Board as well as practice section and affiliated chapter leadership.
Learn more about each Board and the election process.
Please note that the deadline for MSHP Board nominations is May 15, 2023.
Submissions for the Executive Board and other practice sections are due June 1, 2023.
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Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Golf Classic | |
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Pharmacy Technician Advanced Immunization Training Home Study
Live session May 16;
Home self-study must be completed before your live session date
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Implicit Bias Training
4-6 p.m. live virtual session June 15
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MPJE Pharmacy Law Review 2023
9 a.m.-noon live virtual session May 20
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APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Training
9-11 a.m. live virtual session July 19
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The Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology (MSHO) is hosting its annual Oncology Pharmacist Forum on May 5, 2023, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. The target audience is oncology pharmacists, with a secondary audience of pharmacy technicians, residents and other pharmacy healthcare professionals. Topics will include site of care; social determinants of health and disparities in cancer care; and logistic challenges with novel bispecific products and more!
Registration is $75 for MSHO members and $150 for non-members. The deadline to register is April 28.
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Sign Up for Complimentary PAAS Webinar
Pharmacy Audit Assistance Service (PAAS) is offering a complimentary webinar -- "Audit Preparation for the End of the Public Health Emergency" -- from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday, May 4, with PAAS National President Trenton Theide, Pharm.D.
Thiede will discuss the following topics:
- The anticipated amendment to the declaration under the PREP Act
- On-site audit preparations
- Audit considerations with mailing and delivery medication
- Elements for compliant delivery/signature logs
- New continuous glucose monitor (CGM) requirements that will effect Medicare B patients
There will be some Q&A at the end of the webinar. If you would like to submit questions prior to the webinar, please click here.
PAAS Audit Assistance members will have access to a recording on the PAAS Member Portal if they are unable to attend the live event.
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Pink Book Registration Now Open
Registration for the Pink Book Conference is now open. This live, two-day course is intended for state, county and regional immunization programs. Two speakers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will provide an overview of vaccination principles, general best practices, immunization strategies and specific information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them.
The conference will be held June 13-14, 2023, at the Lansing Center. Registration and a light continental breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. A light lunch will also be served. There is no charge for this event.
Due to limited space, registration for this event will close at 450 participants and a waiting list will begin.
Contact Connie DeMars at demars@anr.msu.edu with any questions, or if you sign up for the event and cannot attend. This will allow an individual from the waiting list to attend instead.
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National Association News | |
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NCPA: Voice Support for Pro-Pharmacy
and Pro-Patient Legislative Priorities
As pharmacists gather in Washington D.C. this week for the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Congressional Fly-In, the NCPA is urging its members to voice their support for legislative priorities.
Bills the NCPA is currently backing include:
- HR 1613/S1038, the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, which brings transparency to pharmacy reimbursements in the Medicaid program.
- S127, the PBM Transparency Act which grants the Federal Trade Commission and state attorney’s general greater oversight and enforcement authorities to rein in abusive PBM behaviors.
- HR 1770, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, which would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can easily access health care services by authorizing pharmacists to test and treat COVID-19, flu, RSV and strep throat.
For more information on these measures, visit the NCPA Federal Advocacy page.
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Legislative & Regulatory News | |
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Supreme Court Pauses Abortion Pill Restrictions from Taking Effect During Appeal
Access to the common abortion pill mifepristone will remain unchanged, for now, after the Supreme Court sided Friday with the Biden administration and paused a lower court ruling.
The justices, in a brief order, said they will put on hold a ruling from a Texas federal judge while the Biden administration’s appeal proceeds.
The decision is a temporary victory for the Biden administration that for now, keeps the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authority on drug approvals.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, two of the court’s conservatives, said they would have denied the request for a pause.
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LARA Confirms Access to Mifepristone After SCOTUS Ruling
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) confirmed the abortion pill mifepristone can continue to be prescribed and dispensed by Michigan licensees otherwise authorized to do so.
However, LARA cautioned the rulings are preliminary and litigation is ongoing.
"We would encourage you to monitor this situation closely and look for any further announcements, including from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration," LARA said in a statement.
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LARA Issues Reminder on Required Inventory
for Controlled Substances
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has issued a reminder that MCL 333.7321(2) of the Michigan Public Health Code requires licensees who manufacture, distribute, prescribe or dispense controlled substances to inventory all schedule 2-5 controlled substances on an annual basis.
The inventory must be conducted each year between April 1 and June 30 and retained for at least two years by the licensee. A 2017 amendment to this law eliminated the requirement to submit the results of the inventory to LARA each year. The statute still requires the inventory to be made available for inspection upon request by LARA. Do not submit your inventory to LARA unless requested.
Those with questions regarding this notification, please contact the MAPS Support Staff who oversee this process, by email at BPL-MAPS@michigan.gov. If you are looking to purchase an inventory list, complete an order form and submit to MPA! For any questions, contact Farah Jalloul, Director of Professional Development at Farah@MichiganPharmacists.org.
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Updated Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
On April 22, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their Interim Clinical Considerations for the use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States.
Revisions to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination schedule include:
- At the time of initial vaccination, depending on the vaccine product, children ages 6 months through 4 years are recommended to receive two or three bivalent mRNA vaccine doses
- Children age 5 years are recommended to receive one or two bivalent mRNA vaccine doses
- People age 6 years and older who are unvaccinated or previously received only monovalent vaccine doses are recommended to receive one bivalent mRNA vaccine dose
- People age 65 years and older may receive one additional bivalent mRNA vaccine dose
The clinical considerations include several detailed COVID-19 vaccination schedules sorted by COVID-19 vaccination history and age for people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised. Information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for moderately or severely immunocompromised people has yet to be updated but will be available soon.
Updated resources are listed below:
Revised Pfizer-BioNTech Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets
Revised Moderna Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets:
Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine. The changes did not affect the CDC’s recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax or Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC, ACIP, and MDHHS will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease levels and vaccine effectiveness in the months ahead and look forward to additional discussion around potential updates this fall.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older in the United States to prevent COVID-19. CDC recommends that people get up to date with COVID-19 vaccination as soon as feasible.
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FDA Authorizes Shelf-Life Extension for COVID Medications
The FDA has authorized shelf-life extension for each COVID-19 therapeutic that the United States Government was or is currently distributing. Please be sure to check the relevant websites for the most up-to-date and product-specific expiration dates. In most cases, the packaging labels do not represent the most current expiration date for that product.
- FDA shelf-life extension for sotrovimab (Feb 13, 2023); from 24 to 30 months
- FDA shelf-life extension for Paxlovid (Jan 18, 2023); from 18 to 24 months
- FDA shelf-life extension for Evusheld (Dec 5, 2022); from 18 or 24 months to 30 months for all lots
- FDA shelf-life extension for bebtelovimab (Oct. 26, 2022); from 18 months to 24 months
- FDA shelf-life extension for Lagevrio (Oct. 21, 2022); from 24 to 30 months
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