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In This Issue:
CEO Perspective
Legislative and Regulatory
- FDA Vaccine Chief Leaving After Less Than Three Months
- Senate Confirms Trump Pick for CDC Director
- Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas' PBM Law
- Trump Calls for Price Cuts on Prescription Drugs
Professional Practice
- MDHHS Adds Generic Albuterol to PDL
- MDHHS Continues to Recommend COVID Shots for Everyone 6 Months and Older
MPA News
- MPF Board of Trustees Call for Nominations
- MPF Motion for a Mission Fundraiser Sept. 27
- Nominate Colleagues for MPA and Section Awards Now
- Participate in the Pharmacy PAC Challenge
- Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store
- Register Now for 5th Annual OASIS
- Register for Pharmacy Day at the Capitol Sept. 18, 2025
- Save the Dates: 2025 MSHP Annual Meeting and UP Fall Conference
National Association News
- NASPA Develops RSV Resource
MPA CE Offerings
Upcoming Meetings and Events
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I’m excited to announce the launch of our updated Member Engagement Form for members looking to serve on MPA boards, committees, local associations and more in 2026.
Results from the form will be shared with section boards, local associations and regional societies so they can contact interested members. Likewise, MPA President-elect Michelle Kelly and MSHP President-elect Nada Farhat will utilize the results to make committee appointments this fall.
If you are interested in serving, the submission deadline is Sept. 30, 2025. Even if you miss this deadline, MPA encourages you to complete the form. Your information will be kept on file and considered for future opportunities, committee expansions or mid-year openings.
MPA is stronger with your participation. Please consider engaging with MPA in a meaningful way. You and your career will prosper from the experience!
| | Legislative and Regulatory | | |
FDA Vaccine Chief Leaving After Less Than Three Months
The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine chief is leaving the agency after a brief tenure that drew the ire of biotech executives, patient groups and conservative allies of President Donald Trump.
Dr. Vinay Prasad “did not want to be a distraction” and was stepping down from his role as the FDA’s top vaccine regulator “to spend more time with his family,” a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.
Prasad joined the FDA in May after years as an academic researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, where he frequently criticized the FDA’s approach to drug approvals and COVID-19 vaccines.
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Senate Confirms Trump Pick for CDC Director
The Senate confirmed Susan Monarez to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting a longtime government scientist at the helm of an agency being upended by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Monarez, 50, is President Trump’s second pick for the job. She was confirmed on a largely party-line vote, 51-47.
The CDC has not had a leader since March, when Monarez stepped down as acting director to be nominated as the director. She is the first nominee for CDC director to require Senate confirmation.
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Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas' PBM Law
A federal judge blocked Arkansas’ first-in-the-nation law regulating pharmacy benefit managers, stating in an order that it “likely violates” the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause and is “likely preempted” by a veterans’ health care program.
Act 624 of 2025 would have banned pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from holding a permit to operate a pharmacy in Arkansas after Jan. 1, 2026. Four PBMs, including the three largest in the nation, and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association filed four challenges to Act 624 between May and June. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas combined the four complaints into one case.
In a 17-page order, U.S. District Judge Brian Miller granted the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. The case is expected to go to trial.
Miller agreed with the plaintiffs’ attorneys that Act 624 violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it “appears to overtly discriminate against plaintiffs as out-of-state companies and the state has failed to show that it has no other means to advance its interests,” he wrote.
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Trump Calls for Price Cuts on Prescription Drugs
President Donald Trump sent letters to more than a dozen major drugmakers last week, demanding that they lower the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. within 60 days.
In the letters – which Trump published on his social media platform Truth Social – the drugmakers were told to offer the “full portfolio” of their existing medications to Medicaid patients at the same prices paid abroad, also known as the “most favored nation” rule.
He also told drugmakers to “guarantee” that patients on Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance get the same lower prices that are paid abroad for all newly approved drugs “both upon launch and moving forward.”
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MDHHS Adds Generic Albuterol to PDL
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced that generic albuterol HFA products, excluding the Prasco authorized generic, will be added to the preferred drug list (PDL) effective Aug. 1, 2025.
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MDHHS Continues to Recommend COVID Shots
for Everyone 6 Months and Older
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to recommend, in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, and for every person 6 months and older to protect from serious illness.
Recently, the Health and Human Services director issued guidance to change COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant persons. However, the COVID-19 vaccine remains safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect children, women and their infants after birth. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can reduce the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization for infants by more than half during the first three months of life.
“There is strong evidence that supports COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and for pediatric patients,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that children under 6 months of age are at the highest risk for hospitalization, and that more than 40% of those hospitalized had no underlying conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent complications of infection. We urge Michigan residents talk to their health care providers about getting vaccinated.”
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MPF Board of Trustees Call for Nominations
The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation is accepting applications for trustee candidates through Sept. 7, 2025.
Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on this prestigious board to help guide the future of the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation. Multiple positions are open on the board for four-year terms (2026-2029).
The MPF Board of Trustees serves a critical role in leading the Foundation to achieve its mission: "To Foster the Future of Pharmacy."
If you are interested and would like to learn more about this opportunity, contact MPF Executive Director Rick Drabek.
Click the button below to access the nomination form.
| | MPF Motion for a Mission Fundraiser Sept. 27 | | |
Join the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation by participating in its 2025 Motion for a Mission fundraiser Sept. 27.
How to Get Involved
- Join individually or as a team.
- Set your fundraising goal.
- Share your page and spread the word!
Every participant who raises $50 or more will receive a Motion for a Mission t-shirt! Your donations helps MPF in several ways, such as:
- Provide scholarships to future pharmacists
- Support innovative research and patient care initiatives
- Deliver leadership and continuing education programs
Get moving for a great cause – walk, run, cycle, or choose your own activity.
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Nominate Colleagues for MPA and Section Awards Now
Nominate one of your colleagues for a prestigious MPA award to recognize their professional accomplishments! The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 29. MPA is accepting nominations for the following awards:
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MPA Awards
- MPA Pharmacist of the Year
- Bowl of Hygeia
- Executive Board Medal
- Excellence in Innovation
-
PharmacistsTM Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award
- Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award
- Fellow of MPA
- Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award
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Section Awards
CSPM
- CSPM Pharmacist of the Year Award
MSCP
- MSCP Pharmacist of the Year Award
MSHP
- MSHP Pharmacist of the Year Award
- MSHP Joseph A. Oddis Leadership Award
- MSHP Professional Practice Award
- MSHP Presidents Award
- MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award*
MSPT
- MSPT Technician of the Year Award
- MSPT Service Award
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*The MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award is a new award and will be presented for the first time this year at the MSHP Annual Meeting. The MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award is presented to an individual (pharmacist, pharmacy resident, student pharmacist, pharmacy technician), department, or group for their involvement in a wellness practice initiative. Whether through promoting mental health awareness, advocating for physical well-being, or supporting work-life balance, the Excellence in Wellness Practice Award celebrates those who make a meaningful impact on the wellness culture within the healthcare sector.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Applicant(s) is a Michigan pharmacist, student pharmacist, pharmacy resident, pharmacy technician, pharmacy department, or group of pharmacists/students/residents/technicians. The nominee (or at least 1 nominee in the group if a group is nominated) must be an active member of MPA.
- Project has been undertaken, modified, or expanded within the last five years.
- Project must demonstrate impact on wellness culture in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
| | Participate in the Pharmacy PAC Challenge | | |
In 2025, the stakes are high – and so is the energy. Join fellow pharmacy professionals across the state in the Michigan Pharmacy PAC Challenge and help us make a powerful impact on the profession of pharmacy. Legislators need to hear from us – the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists – who keep Michigan citizens healthy every single day.
Two Ways to Contribute
- Host a legislative event through your local association. Invite your state and federal legislators to your practice site, or host a pharmacy advocacy town hall or political fundraiser with your membership. Our goal is for every active local association to host at least one event in 2025. MPA is willing to underwrite the costs for food, beverage and venue, up to $1,000, for each local. MPA staff is also available to coordinate programming, moderate discussion panels, or otherwise provide programming for events. All events will be featured in upcoming editions of the Michigan Pharmacy PAC Report.
- Donate to Michigan Pharmacy PAC through the competition’s donation form below. The form will ask for your local association and your alma mater/college of pharmacy. The local association and college that raises the most dollars for Pharmacy PAC from July 1 to Dec. 1, 2025, will be declared the winner and receive special recognition at the 2026 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition in Lansing. Your donations help elect pharmacy-friendly lawmakers, protect your profession and advance patient care initiatives. Your support is the single most important factor in ensuring that pharmacy continues to have voice in the legislature.
This is more than a donation. It’s your voice. It’s your seat at the table.
If you have questions or need assistance with planning your event, please contact Eric Roath, Pharm.D., MBA, MPA director of government affairs at ERoath@MichiganPharmacists.org.
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Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store
Did you know MPA offers the ability to purchase two additional years of membership at a reduced cost? If you are a current MPA member, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a 10% discount by extending your membership.
Simply visit the MPA Store and select the extension product that matches your current membership. Note: This offer can only be redeemed in the MPA Store and is not available through your Member Compass.
| | Register Now for 5th Annual OASIS | | |
The 2025 Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Innovations Symposium (OASIS), sponsored by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) and the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, is a 4.5-hour educational meeting, held on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees.
Cost
- Pharmacists, nurses and providers: $25
- Pharmacy technicians and students: $15
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Register for Pharmacy Day at the Capitol
Pharmacy Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity for pharmacy professionals to educate legislators on their value as health care professionals. Volunteers are given unique one-on-one time with Michigan’s elected officials to provide wellness demonstrations, including blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, immunizations, emergency preparedness and healthy lifestyle practices. In addition, participants have a chance to utilize talking points to discuss key pharmacy issues with lawmakers.
This event is held in conjunction with Michigan Pharmacists Association’s Medication Disposal Event at the Capitol, which provides a venue for the public to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications and showcases the value of pharmacists in keeping patients and communities safe. For sponsorship opportunities, contact MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath.
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Save the Dates: 2025 MSHP Annual Meeting
and UP Fall Conference
The weekend of Oct. 24-25 will be packed with CE opportunities for pharmacy professionals across the state with the MSHP Annual Meeting and the Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference.
Registration for these events will be announced later this summer, but for now save the dates of Oct. 24 for the MSHP Annual Meeting at the Hilton DoubleTree Dearborn and Oct. 25 for the UP Fall Conference at the Northern Center in Marquette. See you there!
MSHP Room Booking Available
Book your stay now at the Hilton Doubletree-Dearborn for the MSHP Annual Meeting. Note: The hotel website will currently default to the entire three-day block MPA has reserved. To book for fewer nights, click the "Edit Stay" option when selecting your room. Book Now!
| | National Association News | | |
NASPA Develops RSV Vaccine Resource
As part of its initiative to increase access to pharmacist-administered RSV vaccines for pregnant individuals, NASPA has developed state-specific, pharmacy-counter-friendly flowchart decision guides. This resource will help pharmacists determine whether and when to recommend the RSV vaccine to pregnant patients, in alignment with clinical and regulatory guidelines.
Members can download Michigan's version by clicking the button below. More information can be found on NASPA's website.
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Pharmacy Technician Immunization Training
Live Webinar – Aug. 13, Noon-1:30 p.m.
Mixed Format - Self Study Required
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5th Annual OASIS
Aug. 14, Noon-4:30 p.m.
Ferris State College of Pharmacy,
25 Michigan St. NE, Suite 7000,
Grand Rapids
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APhA Pharmacy-Based
Immunization Training
Live Webinar – Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mixed Format - Self Study Required
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Pharmacy Technician Immunization Training
Live Webinar – Sept. 10, Noon-1:30 p.m.
Mixed Format - Self Study Required
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2025 MPA Law and Policy Symposium
Sept. 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center
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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!
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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!
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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.
| | Upcoming MPA Meetings and Events | | | | |
