Member Alert
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Preparedness & 2020 Annual Seminar and Alcalde Meeting Updates
Like all health organizations, TSHP is monitoring the current health events. We believe strongly, faced with the current dynamic situation, that the appropriate response is to prepare, plan, and to follow evidence and fact-based recommendations. To those ends, TSHP wants to support health-systems and pharmacy professionals during this time. We are gathering resources and creating a centralized location for members to access. 
 
Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rates the health risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus) for the general American public to be low at this time. Taking all currently available information, TSHP and the TSHP Research and Education Foundation Leadership have been evaluating the impact on the 2020 Annual Seminar and Alcalde Meetings. Alcalde and the TSHP Annual Seminar are currently still scheduled to take place in Galveston, April 15-19, 2020; however, TSHP and Foundation Leaders are considering all options in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our attendees.
 
TSHP and Foundation Leadership understand that COVID-19 has captured the news and many may be concerned about the status of the meeting. This is a fluid situation and the leadership has been meeting regularly to assess developments and make sure we are positioned to respond in a manner that is best for our attendees – the health, safety and well-being of the TSHP community is our highest priority.
 
We will continue to update you as the situation evolves. TSHP is monitoring daily the continuing developments pertaining to COVID-19 – including tracking travel restrictions issued by the U.S. Government, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and talking with our peer organizations and health-systems throughout the state. We want to assure colleagues planning to attend any TSHP meetings that safety and security are always our top priorities.
 
If you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, TSHP and the Foundation’s response, or the 2020 Annual Seminar and Alcalde meetings, please contact Stacey Mather, Executive Director, at (512) 906-0546 or stacey.mather@tshp.org.

TSBP Provides Guidance on Managing Annual QAs During COVID-19
TSHP has received reports of concerns from pharmacies about managing sterile compounding supplies that are required by TSBP Rules for sterile compounding compliance during the COVID-19 (coronavirus).
 
TSBP has provided the following guidance:
  • Sterile compounding pharmacies should follow established, recognized guidelines (such as CriticalPoint® or equivalent) for guidance on conserving garb and alternatives and strategies for managing potential extended use of face masks, gowns, and shoe covers.
  • It is recommended that pharmacies keep a copy of the guidance used to adjust practice.
  • TSBP recognizes the need to delay certain activities such as personnel annual quality assurance activities in order to reduce supply needs.
  • TSBP Inspectors are aware of the challenges being presented to pharmacies and will take these into account when inspecting pharmacies.
  • Pharmacies are expected to implement processes that prohibit the use of contaminated or unusable supplies. Processes should continue to focus on patient protections.
 
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued guidance for extended use and limited reuse of N95 filtering facepiece respirators.
 
TSHP will continue to keep you informed of any additional guidance provided. If you have any questions or concerns specific to TSBP Rules, please contact TSBP at (512) 305-8070. If you have any general questions or concerns or wish to share what is happening in your pharmacy with TSHP, please contact Stacey Mather, TSHP Executive Director, at (512) 906-0546 or stacey.mather@tshp.org.

For questions regarding this email, please contact Stacey Mather,
TSHP Executive Director, at (512) 906-0546 or stacey.mather@tshp.org.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is provided on an “as is,” “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of accuracy, completeness, timeliness, adequacy, professionalism or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of the information contained within this email. You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the information in this email. TSHP, its employees and representatives shall not be liable for any damages including, but not limited to, reliance by you on any information obtained via this email or that result from mistakes, omissions, or errors.

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