In This Issue:

MPA CEO Perspective

MPA News

• ACE 2024 Recap: Award Winners Revealed
• Save the Dates: ACE 2025 in Traverse City!
• Join the MPA Referral Program Today and Earn Rewards!
• It's Time to Renew Your Membership

National Association News

• APhA Attendees Invited to Michigan Reception

CE Events

• The Incurable Acronym: ALS – But Not Untreatable
• Other Upcoming MPA CE Offerings

Professional Practice

• Partnership for Safe Medicines Releases Report on PBM Under-Reimbursement
• Change Healthcare Hit by Cyberattack
• CDC: Older Adults Should Get Another Dose of COVID Shot This Spring
• MDHHS Urges Vaccination in Midst of Measles Uptick

Legislative and Regulatory News

• Recall of Epinephrine Issued
• First OTC Birth Control Pill in U.S. Begins Shipping to Stores
• CDC Says Those Who Test Positive for COVID Don't Need to Isolate for Five Days

What a fantastic Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) in our final year at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit! Thanks to everyone – attendees, awardees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and staff – who came together for such a successful event!

We had 550-plus members, more than 700 total attendees, and a sellout exposition of 79 exhibitors and sponsors that supported our event. Our programming was comprised of more than 25 CE programs across a wide range of topics, including two terrific keynote presentations. Friday keynote presenter Antonio Ciaccia, co-founder and president of 3 Axis Advisors, spoke on PBM reform issues, while Saturday Keynote speaker APhA EVP/CEO Michael Hogue addressed workplace environment issues.

I also want to congratulate all of our award recipients who are so worthy of their recognition and extend a special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors whose support is appreciated beyond words!

Remember, we’re changing the dates of ACE as well as taking the event on the road in 2025, so be sure to mark your calendars for April 11-13 at the Grand Traverse Resort in beautiful Traverse City. Plan now to make it a staycation!

MPA Honors Award Winners at ACE 2024

The Michigan Pharmacists Association hosted its Annual Convention & Exposition Feb. 23-25 for the final time at the Detroit Marriott in the Renaissance Center. MPA recognized a number of honorable award recipients at its annual awards banquet.

Larry D. Wagenknecht of Haslett received the prestigious Pharmacist of the Year Award, which is presented annually to an MPA member as the highest honor in Michigan pharmacy. This lifetime achievement honor is given to a pharmacist who demonstrates professional excellence and exemplary service to the profession in advancing public health at either the state or local level and displays all the traits and characteristics of someone with a true commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and public health.

Douglas Samojedny of New Baltimore received the Bowl of Hygeia Award, which is presented to a pharmacist who has made outstanding professional contributions and has participated in community or governmental activities that reflect well on the profession. The Bowl of Hygeia derives its name from the Greek goddess of the same name, who was the goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene. Hygeia was the daughter and assistant of Asklepios, the god of medicine and healing. 

Michael Toscano of Elk Rapids was the winner of the Executive Board Medal. The Executive Board Medal is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to MPA. The award was developed to recognize individuals who have been instrumental to the Executive Board and to the Association in advancing pharmacy’s agenda.

Amber Lanae Martirosov of Troy was presented with the Excellence in Innovation Award. This award is presented annually to an individual or team that has demonstrated an innovative pharmacy practice program, resulting in improved patient care or safety, advancement of the profession, enhanced systems or other professional development. Martirosov recently designed and implemented a pharmacist-led pharmacotherapy monitoring clinic focused on managing high-risk pulmonary patients with interstitial lung disease.

Brooke Roe of Byron Center received the Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award. This award is presented annually to a member pharmacist who has been licensed to practice for less than 10 years and participates in local, state and national pharmacy associations, professional programs and/or community service.

Nada Farhat of Dearborn was the recipient of the Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award. This award is presented to a member or team of members who have shown outstanding achievement and dedication to the pharmacy profession through community education and awareness.

Other MPA Award Winners

• Fellow of MPA – Katie Axford, Rockford; Courtney Biehl, Sparta; Sara Brown, Lowell; Carol Bugdalski-Stutrud, Walled Lake; Bradley Haan, Madison Heights; Miranda Maitland, Sault Ste. Marie; and Brooke Roe, Byron Center.
• Pharmacy Hall of Honor – Joseph Fakhoury, Okemos; Sheroyl Kirby, Three Rivers; Amber Lanae Martirosov, Troy; Mary Beth O’Connell, Waterford; Heather Schalk, Haslett; Kyle Schmidt, Grand Rapids; Jesse Shuster, Windsor, Ontario; Sahar Swidan, Saline; Jamie Tharp, Ann Arbor; and Thomas Tomaski, Gaylord.
• Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) Pharmacist of the Year – Amy Ellis, Hudsonville.
• Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Technician of the Year – Batoul Jaber, Dearborn Heights
• Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) Pharmacist of the Year – Mark Bomia, Canton.
• Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Pharmacist of the Year – Brandon Flues, Holly. This award was presented at the MSHP Annual Meeting in October.
• Legislator of the Year Award – Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Warrendale, and Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn.
• Good Public Health Policy Award – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
• Hank Fuhs Good Government Award – Amy Ellis, Hudsonville; Rep. Jim Lilly, R-Park Township; and Michael Klepser, Kalamazoo.
• Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award – Jennifer Priziola, Macomb.
• Executive Board Service Awards – Mike Crowe, Grand Blanc; Ryan Moore, Zeeland; Jamie Tharp, Ann Arbor; and Mary Westover, Grand Rapids.
• MPA Executive Board Chair Award – Hope Broxterman, Traverse City.
• Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship – Joseph Paul Javier, Rochester Hills (Wayne State University).
• MPF Scholarship Winners: Shannon Habba, Shelby Township (Wayne State University); Hanna Bronz, Saugatuck (Ferris State University); and Mary Westover, Grand Rapids (University of Michigan)

Click the button below to read full bios of our 2024 award winners.

Save the Dates: ACE 2025 in Traverse City!

The Michigan Pharmacists Association recently closed the books on its final Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center after a 15-year run in the Motor City.

ACE will move around for the next few years, starting with the 2025 edition April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa just outside of Traverse City! Information on registration, exhibitors and sponsorship will become available later this year, but it's not too early to block off your calendars as pharmacy's biggest continuing education event in Michigan takes its show on the road.

We can't wait to see you "Up North" in 2025! See you then!

Join the MPA Referral Program Today and Earn Rewards!

Joining the MPA Member-Get-A-Member Program is a breeze and the rewards are just a few steps away. Here's a simple breakdown of how it all works:

Share Your Passion: Log in to your MPA profile on the MPA website. Click “Profile” in the upper left-hand corner after logging in. Next, click on the “Member Referral” tab and enter your colleague’s name and email address. An automated email will be sent to your colleagues asking them to join MPA. When your colleague joins MPA, they must use the email address you provided. There are no limits on the number of referrals and associated rewards you can receive.

Welcome New Members: Once your referrals have successfully joined MPA, they'll be welcomed into our vibrant community.

Earn Your Rewards: Here's where the magic happens! You, as the referrer, will be issued a reward coupon within your MPA profile as a token of our appreciation. For each pharmacist you recruit, you'll receive a generous $30 coupon and $20 for each pharmacy technician.

Use Your Rewards: In your user profile, you'll find a "coupons" section under the "My Invoices” tab. Here, you can view any coupons you've received. These reward coupons can be applied towards your membership dues or any MPA-sponsored event, such as the Annual Convention & Exposition.

It's that simple! By spreading the word and bringing new members into MPA, you not only contribute to the growth of our community but also reap the rewards. Join the Member-Get-A-Member Program today and be a catalyst for positive change in pharmacy practice in Michigan.

Thank you for your commitment to MPA. We look forward to celebrating your success as a member recruiter! 

It's Time to Renew Your Membership

There are many benefits to renewing your membership with MPA, including:

• Direct access to experts who can answer law and practice questions
• Networking opportunities with pharmacy professionals, such as complimentary membership in our local county associations and practice sections
• Free and discounted CE opportunities such as the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – the state’s largest pharmacy conference
• Being part of the collective voice advocating for the future of the profession
• Competitive home, auto and business insurance through MPA’s affiliated PSI Insurance Agency

MPA exists for and is effective because of its members. Renew today to ensure that your benefits are secured and that MPA has the resources to move the mountains ahead for you, for the profession and for patients. If you are not renewed by March 30, 2024, you will no longer be considered an MPA member and will not receive PRN, other MPA publications and access to MPA resources and benefits.

APhA Attendees Invited to Michigan Reception

If you are a Michigan attendee of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting March 22-25, 2024, then please stop by the Michigan Reception at the Orlando Hyatt Regency, Silver Spring Room, from 5-7 p.m. March 23. Beer, wine and appetizers will be served.

Hosts include the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Please join your friends and colleagues from Michigan for a fun networking event!

Click the button below for more information on the APhA Annual Meeting.

The Incurable Acronym: ALS – But Not Untreatable

Michael D. Tiberg, Pharm.D., has been an active MPA member who, with his colleagues, Nick Torney and Derek Vander Horst, submitted a session proposal for MPA’s 2024 Annual Convention & Exposition entitled "The Incurable Acronym: ALS – But Not Untreatable.” When MPA’s education team met with Michael, they soon learned why it was imperative that this CE occur soon, as well as be accessible in the future to as many within the pharmacy profession as possible.

Why? Michael has ALS. He noted he’s not sure how long he may have to be able to educate his colleagues on how pharmacy can impact and assist those, who like himself, have a personal plight with this devastating disease.

Therefore, MPA got to work on how it could best disseminate Michael’s passion project to the pharmacy community. Michael's article in this quarter's Michigan Pharmacist journal will help you understand why participation in this PCE event is imperative. In addition, we’ll be recording this CE for future home study opportunities personally, in colleges of pharmacy, and in health care settings. We encourage you to join us – space is limited, so register today! MPA and this CE team came together as a labor of love to offer to MPA members this 1.5-hour live CE for only $7.99 to cover accreditation and reporting hard costs.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: April 23, 2024

Time: 2-3:30 p.m. (Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.)

Location: MPA Headquarters | 408 Kalamazoo Plaza | Lansing 48933

Presenters: Nick Torney and Derek Vander Horst

Format: Live at MPA Headquarters (in-person or virtual)

PCE: 1.5 hours of live CE

Cost: $7.99 for MPA Members | $35 for non-members 

Note: This will be a virtual and live, in-person session that will take place April 23 at MPA headquarters, 408 Kalamazoo Plaza in Lansing. Space is limited for the in-person session.

Other Upcoming CE Events from MPA

Pharmacy-based Immunization Training

Live date: March 13, 2024

9-11 a.m.

(Self-study must be

completed before live date)

Note: Registration for this training is being hosted on the MPA website. Make sure you are logged in to your MPA account

when registering.

Michigan Pharmacy Law

Update 2024, Q2

April 1, 4-5 p.m.

Point of Care Test and Treat, Q2

Live webinar: May 9, 1-4 p.m.

(Self-study must be

completed before live date)

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's Home Studies.

In addition, MPA offers other home study pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

Partnership for Safe Medicines Releases

Report on PBM Under-Reimbursement

The Partnership for Safe Medicines has released a report about the danger to patient safety from PBM under-reimbursement, connecting the recent surge in criminal wholesalers defrauding pharmacies to below-cost reimbursements by PBMs. Watch the video or read the blog post to learn more.

Change Healthcare Hit by Cyberattack

On Feb. 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of United Health Group, encountered a cybersecurity problem that disrupted pharmacy operations nationwide. Change Healthcare provides crucial services for medical billing, connecting claims information between providers, pharmacies and insurance plans. This disruption affected pharmacy processing software and hindered the receipt of electronic prescriptions. Major insurers, e-voucher programs and discount card services connected to Change Healthcare also experienced issues.

To address the problem, alternative payment processing methods were implemented, such as manual claim submission and adjustments to discount card operations. MPA will continue to update membership as the full restoration timeline and potential data impact remain uncertain.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is closely monitoring the situation. The DEA is asking questions regarding controlled substances operations affected by the attack to be directed to its Diversion Control Division's Policy Section (DPY) at dpy@dea.gov. If prescription fraud is suspected, contact your local DEA office.

CDC: Older Americans Should Get

Another Dose of COVID Shot This Spring

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending that U.S. adults aged 65 years and older "should" get a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccines. The latest formulations from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax were introduced in the fall of 2023 and reportedly are 40% to 50% effective against symptomatic infection or hospitalization.

Data shared by federal researchers at the Feb. 28 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) revealed that adults who were immunized with the newest vaccines represented just 4% of COVID-related hospital admissions in October and November versus 25% for adults who were boosted the previous fall but did not receive the newest vaccine versions last year.

The call for second doses this spring applies only to older Americans, with adults aged 18-64 years less likely to develop acute illness or require hospitalization and to people who are immunocompromised.

"I hope that clarity of the need for a second dose may encourage vaccination and protection in both those who have not yet had a first vaccine and those who would benefit by a second vaccine," said Massachusetts General Hospital physician and ACIP member Camille Kotton, MD. ... Read More (Paid Subscription May Be Required)

MDHHS Urges Vaccination in Midst of Measles Uptick

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to make sure they are up-to-date on measles vaccinations as the state experiences a rise in cases of the disease.

“If you are not vaccinated for measles, get vaccinated as quickly as you can,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “We are seeing increased cases of measles abroad and outbreaks of measles across the United States in the setting of declining childhood vaccination rates. Now measles is in Michigan and it’s important to make sure you protect yourself from this vaccine-preventable disease.”

Michigan residents can contact their healthcare provider or visit their local health department for additional information on ways to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The three cases in Michigan are not connected, which illustrates there are multiple places where you could be exposed to measles. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever (may spike to over 104 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals. Ninety percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. 

Recall of Epinephrine Vials Issued

An incorrect expiration date on the product label has prompted the recall of 1,099 vials of Adrenalin (epinephrine) injection packaged by Henry Schein Inc., according to the Feb. 28, 2024, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report.

The recall affected Adrenalin (epinephrine) injection 1 mg/mL, in 1-milliliter single-dose vials (original NDC 42023-159-25, repackaged NDC 0404-9810-01), from original lot 64103 (Exp. 11/24) and repackaged lot 39747 (Exp. 1/26). The product was packaged by Henry Schein Inc., located in Bastian, Virginia, and distributed throughout the United States.

Henry Schein Inc. and Glove Club HSI Gloves Inc. voluntarily initiated the recall on Jan. 17, 2024. On Feb. 21, 2024, the FDA designated the recall Class II, signaling that the use of the affected injection may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or a remote possibility of serious harm.

Adrenalin injection is a prescription drug indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis and hypotension associated with septic shock.

First OTC Birth Control Pill in U.S. Begins Shipping to Stores

The first over-the-counter birth control pill will be available in U.S. stores later this month, allowing American women and teens to purchase contraceptive medication as easily as they buy aspirin.

Manufacturer Perrigo said Monday it has begun shipping the medication, Opill, to major retailers and pharmacies. A one-month supply will cost about $20 and a three-month supply will cost around $50, according to the company’s suggested retail price. It will also be sold online.

The launch has been closely watched since last July, when the Food and Drug Administration said the once-a-day Opill could be sold without a prescription. Ireland-based Perrigo noted there will be no age restrictions on sales, similar to other over-the-counter medications.

CDC Says Those Who Test Positive

for COVID Don't Need to Isolate for Five Days

Americans who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to stay in isolation for five days, U.S. health officials announced Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its longstanding guidance, saying that people can return to work or regular activities if their symptoms are mild and improving and it’s been a day since they’ve had a fever.

The change comes at a time when COVID-19 is no longer the public health menace it once was. It dropped from being the nation’s third leading cause of death early in the pandemic to 10th last year.

Most people have some degree of immunity to the coronavirus from vaccinations or from infections. And many people are not following the five-day isolation guidance anyway, some experts say.

Pulse: Free Tool to Stop Fake Meds

NABP created Pulse to allow pharmacists to verify DSCSA data for medicine easily. It’s a free tool. Click the button below to watch a video to learn how it works.