PRN - A dose from MPA

Nov. 27, 2024

In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Professional Practice

MPA Member Appointed to Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
2025 ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Online
CDC Expects COVID and RSV Levels to Increase in Coming Weeks
Cabrini Clinic in Detroit Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists
Program Aims to Bolster Data on Respiratory Pathogens in Michigan

Legislative and Regulatory

New FDA Rules for TV Drug Ads: Simpler Language and No Distractions
Clarification of Enrollment Requirement for Prescribers (2451-Pharmacy) by MDHHS Behavioral & Physical Health and Aging Services Administration

MPA News

Apply Now for MPA Executive Fellowship
Renew Your Membership for 2025
Book Your Room Now for ACE 2025!
MPA Poster Presentations at ACE
Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

Upcoming Live MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

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CEO Perspective

It’s Thanksgiving week! At MPA, we have so much to be thankful for and it all begins with you.

Your MPA staff and I admire all that you do on a daily basis to help your patients. In addition, so many of you serve as MPA volunteers on boards and committees and stay active in MPA local associations or MSHP regional societies. It’s inspiring to see so many of you give back to the pharmacy profession through your active engagement in MPA.

We’re thankful for our members. You are the reason we do what we do. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Professional Practice

MPA Member Appointed to Michigan Pharmacy

and Therapeutics Committee

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has re-appointed MPA member Katie Axford to the Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

Axford, of Rockford, is a licensed pharmacist and professor at Ferris State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Hope College, a Master of Public Health from Ferris State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State. Axford was reappointed for a term commencing Nov. 14, 2024, and expiring Oct. 1, 2026.

2025 ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Online

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the 2025 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommended Immunization Schedules. These schedules are published annually to consolidate and summarize updates to ACIP recommendations on vaccinations for children, adolescents and adults, and to assist health care providers in implementing current ACIP recommendations. Earlier availability of the 2025 schedules is part of CDC’s efforts to better support immunization professionals and improve timely implementation of new recommendations.

The 2025 recommended immunization schedules are available on the CDC Immunization Schedules website and summarize ACIP recommendations, including several changes from the 2024 immunization schedules on the cover page, tables, notes, and appendix. Health care providers are advised to use the tables, notes, and appendix together to determine recommended vaccinations for patient populations. These schedules are effective immediately and will be published in an MMWR and reflected in CDC’s print and digital resources in the coming months. For more information on the changes to the schedule, please see: Combined Immunization Schedules from the ACIP meeting, Oct. 26, 2024.

For further guidance on the use of each vaccine, including any changes that might occur after annual publication of the child, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules, health care providers are referred to the respective ACIP Vaccine Specific Recommendations. Additional formats of the schedules, as well as instructions for ordering hard copies are available on the CDC Immunization Schedules website.

Below are additional resources you may find helpful:

CDC Expects COVID and RSV Levels

to Increase in Coming Weeks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it expects to see an increase in levels of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the country in the coming weeks, as they usually do during the holiday season.

Large gatherings, travel and more time indoors, which typically happen during the holiday season, tend to cause more viruses to spread easily, the health agency said.

CDC expects hospitalizations for flu and COVID-19 to start increasing in the coming weeks. It also sees increased RSV activity, particularly in young children, in the southern and eastern U.S.

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.

Program Aims to Bolster Data

on Respiratory Pathogens in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) sentinel surveillance program collects statewide data to track circulating respiratory pathogens in Michigan. The sentinel surveillance program is a volunteer-based program through which clinics and health systems in Michigan provide a limited number of specimens to the BOL for processing and generation of pathogen activity reports. However, numerous areas of the state, including the northern regions of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, have little to no data submitted to the state.

To enhance sentinel surveillance data in the State of Michigan, the Michigan Pharmacists Association, the Collaboration for Advance Pharmacy Enterprises (CAPE) at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, and the MDHHS BOL are launching a project to enroll community pharmacies as sentinel surveillance sites. We are looking for volunteer pharmacies to participate in a pilot program for the 2024-25 respiratory season. Sites will be provided materials and training to collect specimen for individuals with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and asked to submit 10-20 specimens to the MDHHS BOL monthly. These data will be used to generate pathogen activity reports for various regions in Michigan.

Learn More

Legislative and Regulatory

New FDA Rules for TV Drug Ads:

Simpler Language and No Distractions

New rules require drugmakers to be clearer and more direct when explaining their medications’ risks and side effects in TV advertisements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration spent more than 15 years crafting the guidelines, which are designed to do away with industry practices that downplay or distract viewers from risk information.

Many companies have already adopted the rules, which became binding Nov. 20. But while regulators were drafting them, a new trend emerged: thousands of pharma influencers pushing drugs online with little oversight. A new bill in Congress would compel the FDA to more aggressively police such promotions on social media platforms.

Clarification of Enrollment Requirement for Prescribers (2451-Pharmacy) by MDHHS Behavioral & Physical Health

and Aging Services Administration

By: Justine Nelson and Hannah Souva, P4 Student Pharmacists, University of Toledo

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a proposed policy bulletin titled “Clarification of Enrollment Requirement for Prescribers” (2451-Pharmacy) to clarify existing Medicaid enrollment requirements for prescribers, as mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, and to outline exceptions based on the Medicaid Provider Enrollment Compendium (MPEC) published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The programs that would be affected by this policy are Medicaid, Plan First, Children’s Special Health Care Services, and Maternity Outpatient Medical Services.

Section 6401 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Section 5005(b)(2) of the 21st Century Cures Act made it a requirement that all state providers that prescribe drug products to Medicaid beneficiaries must enroll in their state Medicaid program. Effective Oct. 1, 2019, MDHHS issued bulletin MSA 19-20 to establish the provider enrollment requirements of prescribing providers in accordance with these acts.

As of Oct. 1, 2019, claims submitted by a prescriber not enrolled in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System were rejected per NCPDP Code 889, stating the prescriber is not enrolled in the state Medicaid program. However, for MSA 19-20 to stay compliant with 42 CFR § 435.930(c), which allows emergency coverage, pharmacies are allowed to use Submission Clarification Codes; these are utilized for the need of emergency coverage. These emergency codes were SCC 13: Payer-Recognized Emergency/Disaster Assistance Request, and SCC 55: Prescriber Enrollment in State Medicaid Program.

Utilization of SCC 55 will continue and not be affected by 2451-Pharmacy. However, beginning Feb. 1, 2025, changes will be seen when utilizing SCC 13. The use of SCC 13 will be restricted to emergency circumstances in accordance with Medicaid Provider Enrollment Compendium. There are three exception scenarios for emergency criteria to be met (all criteria must be met):

Order Referring Providers are Ineligible to Enroll in the State Medicaid Program
This allows prescribers to practice within their scope and to order or refer for Medicaid beneficiaries if they are ineligible to enroll in the state Medicaid program.
Medicaid Beneficiary Secures Order or Referral Prior to Participation
If the order or referral was made prior to a participant being eligible for Medicaid, then the order or referral will be paid.
Service Ordered or Referred by an Out-of-State Professional
This includes items or services furnished by: (1) an institutional provider at an out-of-state practice location, (2) an individual practitioner in an institutional setting at an out-of-state practice location, (3) or a pharmacy, pursuant to an order written by an individual practitioner in an institutional setting at an out-of-state location. All of which would be located outside the geographical boundary of reimbursing the state’s Medicaid plan.
The ordering provider National Providers Identifier (NPI) is on the claim, the provider is enrolled in another states’ Medicare or Medicaid plan, the claim represents the services provided and covered under the states plan, and the claim represents either (1) a single instance of care or order over a 180-day period, or (2) multiple instances of care provided to a single beneficiary over a 180-day period.

Another area 2451-Pharmacy would cover is Monitoring and Post-Payment Audit Recovery. When utilizing SCC 13, these overrides would be subject to monitoring to ensure proper compliance. If a provider failed to comply, a post-payment audit recovery will take place. Some factors that would be considered when approving a retrospective billing date would include: emergency access, prior authorization and if a provider is enrolled in Medicare or another state’s Medicaid program.

Public Comment Period

MDHHS is accepting public comments on this proposed policy until Dec. 23, 2024. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the policy details and submit feedback to Vicki Goethals at goethalsv@michigan.gov.

For comprehensive information, please refer to the full policy document.

MPA News

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.

Application Information

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.

Renew Your Membership for 2025

Book Your Room Now for ACE 2025!

MPA's Annual Convention & Exhibition (ACE) will take over the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa just outside Traverse City from April 11-13, 2025! Information on registration, exhibitors and sponsorships will become available soon, but it's not too early to mark your calendars as pharmacy's biggest continuing education event in Michigan takes its show on the road.

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. Get started now and book your room by clicking the button below! Attendees can also call 231-534-6001 and speak with a reservations agent to book their accommodations. They will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Book Your ACE 2025 Room!

Plan Your Stay

MPA Poster Presentations at ACE

MPA is excited to announce the first poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Convention and 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

Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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 Jan. 24, 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 by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
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 Conference and 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.

Submit a Poster Presentation

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 and 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 Jan. 10, 2025.

CE Events Calendar

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

More Upcoming Live Continuing Education From MPA

APhA Pharmacy-based

Immunization Training

Mixed Format – Self Study/Live Webinar

Live Date: Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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!

Original MPA IBT Home Study

IBT 2.0 Home Study

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.

MPA Home Study CE