Licensing

WASHINGTON — By 2015, “pharmacists will be the healthcare professionals responsible for providing patient care that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes.” That was the consensus reached in the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners' vision statement at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Consumer Awareness, Resources, Education, State Policy and Testing Summit last month.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — MinuteClinic announced that it is offering spring sports physicals at its facilities across the country to make it easier and more affordable for children and teenagers to head to the field and participate in organized sports.

Beginning March 1 to 31, MinuteClinic will offer the pre-participation physicals, which are required by many states, school systems and athletic leagues. MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants will offer the exams seven days a week, including weekday evenings. No appointment is necessary.

LOS ANGELES — Medical scrubs provider Cherokee Uniforms has announced that it is accepting nominations through May 31 for its annual Inspired Comfort Award, which recognizes those healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference for their patients and the communities they serve.

NORTH DAKOTA — A House bill that would have paved the path for chain and big-box pharmacy retailers to set up shop in North Dakota was rejected on Tuesday, according to a local news report.

Under the current law, pharmacies must be majority-owned by a licensed pharmacist, but House Bill 1434 would have eliminated that portion of the law, the Bismarck Tribune reported. The bill was defeated 71-23.

Those in favor of the bill said the state should open up the market to competition.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas on Friday became the fourth state this year to entertain making the popular decongestant pseudoephedrine available only by prescription.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s proposed budget for 2012 contains an item that could change the game for biosimilars, according to published reports.

According to the reports, the administration would lower the 12-year data exclusivity period for biotech drugs mandated in the healthcare-reform law to seven years.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association Foundation is looking for a new executive director, the organization said.

The APhA Foundation said it would post a complete description of the position and qualifications on the foundation’s website by Wednesday. The foundation will accept applications until March 10 and make a decision by July.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Academy of Independent Pharmacists-Texas is the newest member of a group that represents the nation's independent pharmacies.

The National Community Pharmacists Association said having AIP-Texas participants as members will “strengthen the voice of independent pharmacists and their patients.”