In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Legislative and Regulatory

• Gov. Whitmer Signs MPA-Backed Bills Allowing Pharmacists to Prescribe Contraception
• DEA Updates for 2025
• FDA Approves Esketamine as Monotherapy for Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression

Professional Practice

• Thawing Times for Moderna's RSV Vaccine Revised in Updated Package Insert
• MSHP Seeks Input from Pharmacy Technicians
• Cabrini Clinic in Detroit Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists

MPA News

• January/February/March Michigan Pharmacist Published
• Early Bird Registration for ACE Open Through Jan. 31
• Apply Now for MPA Executive Fellowship
• Renew Your Membership for 2025
• MPA Poster Presentations at ACE
• Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE
• MPF Accepting Scholarship Applications

MPA CE Event Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Registered Pharmacist

Hannaville Indian Community

N14911 Hannaville Rd.

Wilson, MI 49896

This full time position dispenses prescription drugs to patients, provides information about those drugs and helps patients understand the instructions their doctors or other health practitioners provided. Monitors patient health and progress to make sure their medications are working effectively and safely. Fills prescriptions and performs other duties required by law. Responsible for maintaining all aspects of the pharmacy, including billing. Delegates duties to pharmacy technician and is responsible to supervision of those duties.

QUALIFICATIONS- Possess a BS in pharmacy or Pharm.D. from an accredited college of pharmacy in the United States; must be currently licensed, in good standing, with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. Possess a valid Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substance license. Valid Michigan driver’s license (in compliance with HIC insurance carrier) and dependable transportation required. CPR certified or ability to become certified within six months of hire. Broad current knowledge of medications, including interactions. Analytical ability to interpret information and recommend solutions. Oral communication skills to communicate with patients and other health care professionals.

WAGE- Commensurate upon qualifications.

DEADLINE- UNTIL FILLED.

How to Apply- Submit completed “Application for Employment” to the Human Resources Department in the Tribal Administration building by due date or mail original application postmarked with copies of licenses and credentials. 

Application can be found here: hannahville.net/documents

Employment selection made pursuant to the Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) Title IV Chapter 3. Indian Preference.

You’ve probably seen our initial communications Tuesday on the governor’s signing of MPA-backed bills allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception. It wasn’t what we had planned at the start of the day...

I want to thank MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath for his efforts not only to get these bills through the House and Senate in 2024 – especially his work in lame duck session – but also for coordinating the signing with the governor’s office, which didn’t come off as planned due to the inclement weather Tuesday.

Eric had arranged for 13 MPA members to attend the bill signing ceremony in Flint. It was all set up last Friday only to be canceled at the last second while many of the 13 were already en route to the event. It would have made a great photo op for MPA, but it doesn’t diminish the great work done by Eric and so many who worked tirelessly to get these bills passed.

We may still have a ceremonial signing of the bills with the governor, but this gives you some of the behind-the-scenes activity that doesn’t always go as planned.

 Check out our news release on the MPA website. All in all, a proud day for MPA!

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Gov. Whitmer Signs MPA-Backed Bills Allowing Pharmacists

to Prescribe Contraception

LANSING – On Jan. 21, 2025, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 16 bills that will expand reproductive freedom in Michigan, including a bill that allows pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense contraceptives to patients. This package of bills ensures women can more easily access critical health care by lowering costs and cutting unnecessary red tape. These bills also bolster Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to advancing reproductive freedoms here in Michigan, giving more Michiganders the opportunity to control if, when, and how they choose to start their families. 

"Today, I’m signing common sense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” Whitmer said in a press release. “These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care. Whether you’re getting ready to start a family or figuring out which contraceptive option is best for you, I’ll fight to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice. Together, let’s keep fighting like hell to protect reproductive rights.” 

House Bills 5435 and 5436, sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie A. Young, D-Detroit, and Kara Hope, D-Holt, expand contraceptive access in our state, giving thousands of Michiganders access to basic health care. The bills allow a pharmacist to directly prescribe birth control and require insurers to cover the contraceptives. Both bills were MPA-backed legislative priorities.

Currently, Michigan is experiencing a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), with one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties having no OB/GYNs at all. This shortage has negatively affected thousands of Michiganders, making it harder for them to access hormonal birth control.

"Michigan has many medical deserts, with an even greater number of communities without an OBGYN primary care provider," said MPA member and Wayne State University professor of pharmacy practice Mary Beth O'Connell, who was a leading voice in pushing for the bills' passage. "Michigan’s unintended pregnancy rate was 50% in 2020. This legislation will help decrease these reproductive health deserts for essential contraception medications and help Michiganders prevent unintended pregnancies. We know that 67% to 82% of college students in Michigan from all races, ethnicities, religions and political affiliations – including both Republicans and Democrats – stated they would be interested in getting their birth control from a pharmacy. Ninety percent of college students and 74% of women felt this service would definitely or probably decrease their likelihood of having an unintended pregnancy. They felt the pharmacy service would be more convenient, save time and be easier for them."

Whitmer said the bills increase access to safe, affordable birth control and recognize pharmacists as important members of a woman’s health care team. Michigan Pharmacists Association staff and members worked with state legislators to pass the legislation.

“Today, we are breaking down barriers to reproductive health care access in Michigan. This new law makes it easier for individuals — especially those in underserved communities — to take charge of their health and their futures," Young said. "Access to contraceptives shouldn’t depend on where you live or whether you can get a doctor’s appointment. By expanding access, we are prioritizing equity, convenience and the well-being of our residents. I’m grateful to my colleagues and advocates for helping us deliver meaningful change for Michiganders.”  

“Contraception should be easily and safely accessible,” Hope added. “Now that these bills have been signed into law, barriers like geography and healthcare shortages are no longer obstacles to receiving contraceptive health care in Michigan. These new laws will make a meaningful change in the lives of Michiganders.” 

"Pharmacist-provided hormonal contraception is a necessary factor in increasing accessibility, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare services,” said Eric Roath, MPA's director of government affairs. “It enhances women's health by further empowering them to take control over reproductive decisions using safe and effective medications. This is critical toward improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary health care spending." 

DEA Updates for 2025

In December 2024, the DEA published the aggregate production quotas (APQ) for Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances for the 2025 calendar year. The final order also establishes the assessment of annual needs (AAN) for ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, known as list I chemicals.



The APQ and AAN establish the maximum quantities of these substances and chemicals that may be manufactured in the United States each calendar year to provide for the estimated medical, scientific, research and industrial needs of the country. This pertains to lawful export requirements and the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. These quotas do not include imported controlled substances for use in industrial processes.

To set specific quotas, the DEA calculated a national diversion estimate for each of the five covered controlled substances. See the list of established 2025 quotas and learn more about the APQ process and the latest developments.

On another note – the DEA will host three two-hour Virtual Diversion Awareness Training Sessions (VDATS) for Controlled Substances Ordering system (CSOS) users. DEA's CSOS facilitates the electronic ordering of controlled substances in Schedules I through V. It allows for secure electronic transmission of controlled substance orders without supporting documents previously required. Learn more by clicking here.

FDA Approves Esketamine as Monotherapy for Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental New Drug Application for esketamine CIII nasal spray as a monotherapy for adults living with major depressive disorder who have had an inadequate response to at least two oral antidepressants.

FDA based its decision on positive results from a trial which found numerical improvements in all 10 Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) items. At day 28 in a post-hoc analysis, 22.5% of patients taking esketamine had achieved remission (MADRS total score less than or equal to 12) compared with 7.6% of placebo recipients. The safety profile of the drug as a standalone treatment was consistent with the existing body of clinical and real-world data when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant; no new safety concerns were identified.

Thawing Times for Moderna's RSV Vaccine Revised

in Updated Package Insert

Moderna recently revised the package insert for its mRNA RSV vaccine (mResvia), providing new instructions on thawing frozen vaccine in either a refrigerator or at room temperature before administration. Most of the current thawing intervals are longer than previously recommended.

Cartons with either one or two pre-filled syringes may be thawed in one of two ways:

• Thaw between 36 to 46 degrees for 100 minutes. Let syringe stand at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes before administering, or
• Thaw between 59 to 77 degrees for 40 minutes. At that point, mResvia is ready to be administered.

Cartons with 10 pre-filled syringes may be thawed in one of two ways:

• Thaw between 36 to 46 degrees for 160 minutes. Let syringe stand at room temperature for between 10 and 20 minutes before administering, or
• Thaw between 59 to 77 degrees for 80 minutes. At that point, mResvia is ready to be administered.

After thawing, do not refreeze. The mResvia syringes may be stored in a refrigerator for up to 90 days before use. The mResvia vaccine may be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours after removal from refrigerated conditions. Discard if not used within this time. Syringes should not be returned to the refrigerator after standing at room temperature. See the mResvia package insert for additional instructions.

As a reminder, Immunize.org offers convenient access to package inserts for all FDA-licensed or authorized vaccines at its Official Guidance web page.

MSHP Seeks Input from Pharmacy Technicians

The Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) is reaching out to gather valuable insights from pharmacy technicians. MSHP would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help MSHP understand how it can better support and serve you in your role.

As a thank you for your time, you’ll have the chance to enter a drawing for a gift card. Simply leave your email address at the end of the survey to participate.

Thank you for your contribution!

Cabrini Clinic Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists

The Cabrini Clinic, 1234 Porter St. in Detroit, is seeking volunteer pharmacists.

Cabrini Clinic is in Detroit’s historic Corktown District and is the oldest free clinic in the country. It has a state-of-the-art dispensary with the SRS computer system in addition to a very well-stocked inventory. Patients are the uninsured and underserved members of our community, including many people of Hispanic and Arabic ethnicities. The clinic is looking for a commitment to only one shift per month for approximately two to three hours.  

If you think you can help with this important local outreach, please contact Kristen McErlean, Nurse Practitioner and clinical lead at Cabrini Clinic, for more details at cabriniclinic.com, or call 313-961-7863.

Read the January/February/March

Michigan Pharmacist Journal Today!

The January/February/March edition of the Michigan Pharmacist journal is now available online! Click the cover image to read about the following topics:

• President's Platform: President Ryan Greenley outlines his 2025 vision.
• CEO Corner: MPA CEO Mark Glasper highlights recent changes at MPA.
• Membership: MPA Chief Strategy Officer Bryan Freeman gives a Membership Department update.
• Advocacy Update: Introducing new legislators elected in the 2024 campaign.
• From the Foundation: The mission of the Health Professional Leadership Academy and the 2025 MPF Board of Trustees.
• Professional Affairs: Integrating student pharmacists in community practice to obtain patient medical and medication information.
• Education Update: A preview of the 2025 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition.
• CSPM President: CSPM President Rema Farran on using artificial intelligence in patient management.
• CSPM Focus: The role pharmacists can play in treating adults with developmental disabilities.

All that and more in this quarter's issue of the Michigan Pharmacist!

NOTE: The Michigan Pharmacist is mainly distributed to its members digitally. Printed copies may be requested, though MPA only orders a limited number and will issue them on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org for more information.

Early Bird Registration for ACE Open Through Jan. 31

Registration for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition is now OPEN! ACE 2025 is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Sign up now and save with MPA's early bird registration rate, which is available until Jan. 31. Member pharmacists who sign up by Jan. 31 can get $70 off their ACE rate! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE 2025, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. MPA's room block is already more than half full, so act now! Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Apply for the MPA Executive Fellowship Program

MPA is proud to announce the return of its Executive Fellowship program beginning summer 2025!

The mission of the MPA Executive Fellowship is to produce highly competent individuals who are prepared to assume high-level leadership positions in pharmacy practice and/or a professional association by providing exceptional training in all areas of organizational development and administration, including leadership, professional advancement and business growth. This unparalleled opportunity will introduce you to pharmacy leaders from across the country, setting you up for an executive career in any practice setting.

Program Requirements

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, or anticipation of receipt of degree prior to June 30, 2025.
• Michigan pharmacist license, or anticipation of receipt of license by Oct. 1, 2025.
• Completion of a PGY-1 residency will be considered favorably but is not required.

MPA is accepting applications through Feb. 21, 2025. An Executive Fellow will be selected by March 21, 2025. Click the button below or scan the QR code above for more information on how to apply.

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.

MPA Poster Presentations at ACE

MPA is excited to announce the first poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City!  

We invite all residents, fellows, students, practitioners, technicians and locals to share their research and practice expertise with colleagues. 

Poster Session Times  

• Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
• Please note that if the poster is accepted, the primary presenter is responsible for attending the meeting and ensuring the poster is presented at the poster sessions. 

Submission deadlines

• Abstracts must be submitted by Feb. 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• The MPA Education Committee will review the posters.
• The primary author will be notified via email of acceptance or declination within two weeks of the submission deadline.
• Accepted submissions will be provided a registration code so you can still receive the early bird rate for registration.
• All presenters must be registered for the Annual Convention & Exposition.
• Abstracts are limited to 400 words. Titles are limited to 120 characters.  

Selection Process 

• Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the MPA Education Committee for originality and quality of content.
• For all abstracts, clear and concise communication of ideas written professionally and without grammatical and technical errors is strongly encouraged.
• The committee recommends that authors utilize colleagues to proofread abstracts for a high level of readability and organization. 

Questions? Contact Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org.  

Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

MPA is excited to announce a new series to take place at the 2025 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – Mini Management Moments! These sessions will take place exclusively on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and focus on the skills, tips and tricks students and other pharmacy professionals can use on the job.  

To successfully host these “mini” sessions, MPA is looking for up to three speakers to present as part of a moderated 30-minute panel discussion on the following topics: 

• “How to Network” 
• “Post Graduation Panel – Tips for Getting the Job” 
• “Managing Up: Strategies to Transitioning from Student to Manager” 

Additionally, MPA is looking for up to four speakers to present as part of a one-hour moderated panel discussion on “Leaders in Pharmacy – Climbing the Career Ladder.” 

Please email Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org indicating your interest and preferred topic. Include your CV and a brief (150 words maximum) message on why you feel called to speak on the topic.

Submissions should be received no later than Feb. 14, 2025.  

MPF Accepting Applications for Scholarship Program

Deadline to Apply for Scholarships: Feb. 23

One way the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) accomplishes its mission to “Foster the Future of Pharmacy” is to award future pharmacists scholarships to help defray some of their pharmacy education expenses. Each year, MPF awards a $2,500 scholarship to a current P2, P3, or P4 student pharmacist at each of the three state colleges of pharmacy. When funding allows, the Foundation Board of Trustees may award additional scholarships to student pharmacists who exhibit exceptional academic, leadership and professional achievements.

In addition, MPF awards the Larry Wagenknecht Leadership Scholarship in honor of his 37 years of dedication to the practice of pharmacy, including serving as MPA's CEO from 1994-2021. This $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities. 

MPF encourages pharmacy professionals to reach out to student pharmacists and encourage them to apply. Student MPA members can apply at: 

MichiganPharmacists.org/foundation/scholarships.

The deadline for submission of your application, CV or resume, and letter of recommendation is Feb. 23, 2025. If materials are not received by this date (postmark or fax date), the application will not be considered by the Selection Committee. Scholarship recipients will be selected and notified on March 3, 2025. MPF looks forward to announcing the scholarship winners April 12, 2025, at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition during the NASPA Self-Care Competition at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Questions and applications may be submitted to MPF Executive Director Rick Drabek by email or phone at (517) 377-0227, or mailed to: Michigan Pharmacy Foundation, Attn: Rick Drabek, 408 Kalamazoo Plaza, Lansing, MI 48933.

NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give health care professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.

The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists as well as clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.

Sign up now!

Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program

Dr. Helen Sairany's Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program is a catalyst for personal transformation, enabling you to forge deeper connections with yourself, your work and your team. Embark on this trauma-informed journey to sustain your practice.

Participants will:

• Bid goodbye to burnout and toxic patterns.
• Explore the potential of your workplace. 
• Be mentored by an expert facilitator. 
• Gain mastery in conscious decision-making. 

Participants can take the training in its entirety or a la carte. Detailed information can be found at the links below. Please feel free to email or call the MPA Education and Events team with any questions or needs you may have!

Trauma-Informed Workforce:

All Home Study Offerings

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 On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand 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.

MedZoomer is the nation’s fastest growing same-day prescription delivery service. We can deliver to your patients, facilities, group homes and more.

We offer a wide range of deliveries: contactless, controlled, temp-regulated and over-the-counter drugs, all within a 25 or 50-mile radius of the pickup location.

MedZoomer is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Preferred Business Partner.

Jan. 23: CSPM Board of Directors

Jan. 28: MPA Executive Board

Jan. 31: LADC Meeting

Feb. 7: MSPT Board of Directors

March 13: CSPM Board of Directors

April 10: MPA Executive Board

April 10: MSHP Board of Directors

April 11-13: MPA Annual Convention & Exposition

June 11: MPF Golf Classic



MPA Events Calendar