Licensing

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — Delegates from the member boards of pharmacy adopted eight resolutions during the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 110th Annual Meeting held in Phoenix. 

The resolutions addressed the following:

BALTIMORE — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Monday issued final regulations for the Medicare Advantage and prescription drug benefit (Part D) programs. The final rule is projected to save an estimated $1.6 billion over the next 10 years, the agency reported.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Responding to recent comments by Attorney General Eric Holder that "opiate addiction is an urgent — and growing — public health crisis," the National Community Pharmacists Association wrote to the Attorney General to offer recommendations on effectively combating the scourge of prescription drug abuse without forcing patients with legitimate medical issues to endure chronic pain, NCPA has announced.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The 28th Alaska Legislature in late April passed legislation that will allow patients to obtain over-the-phone or online consultations where physicians can diagnose and, if necessary, provide a prescription.  

“Nowadays, much of our life is conducted online or over the phone,” said Rep. Lynne Gattis, R-Wasilla. “In this age where we can do almost everything with a smartphone, it should not be necessary to drive to the doctor’s office to have a physical consultation for many common ailments.”

WASHINGTON and HOUSTON — The American College of Preventive Medicine has certified RediClinic’s Weigh Forward weight/lifestyle management program as meeting evidence-based standards for healthy weight loss. This is the first time in ACPM’s nearly 60-year history that the organization has certified a third-party program, and it signifies the launch of its new certification program.
 

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — LIU Pharmacy (Arnold Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) has been granted the CVS Caremark Partner of the Year award.  

CVS Caremark annually recognizes a college of pharmacy whose delivery of patient care and service best reflects the company’s purpose of helping people on their path to better health. The recognition includes an award of $50,000, which was presented to LIU Pharmacy faculty, staff and students in April.
 

WASHINGTON — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association on Monday hired Felecia (Lisa) Tan for the role of AVP sciences and regulatory affairs. Tan, a former practicing pharmacist, brings more than 25 yeas of healthcare and FDA experience to GPhA.

DSN had the opportunity to speak with Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, regarding a new initiative that the association is spearheading to address the current patient access problem when it comes to pain management pharmaceuticals.