DEC. 2010

Happy Holidays from the Florida Pharmacy Association

The Official PublicationOf The Florida Pharmacy Association

The concrete bricks are 4x8 and can be engraved with up to 14 characters per line, three lines available, spaces and punctuation count as one character. Please fi nd enclosed my check for $_________ for _________ bricks.

PLEASE PRINT: Please charge my ❑ Master Card ❑ Visa

CARD # EXP. DATE

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE (W) (H)

O R D E R F O R M

Send to Florida Pharmacy Foundation, 610 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301,or fax to (850) 561-6758.

Contributions to the Florida Pharmacy Foundation are tax deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. Consult your CPA for complete details. Fed Emp. I.D. #59-2190074

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

The Walkway of Recognition

❑ YES, I want to order _______ concrete brick/s at $250.00 each. (Please copy form for additional inscriptions).

Have you been searching for just the right gift or thought of placing your name in perpetuity? If so, then consider purchasing an engraved brick for you or someone else.

The main sidewalk at the Florida Pharmacy Association needs replacing. The Florida Pharmacy Foundation has undertaken the project to repair and beautify the sidewalk with engraved personal bricks purchased by pharmacists or friends of pharmacy.

Engraved 4x8 bricks can be purchased for $250.00 each with the donor’s name engraved (3 lines available) or you could also purchase an engraved brick for someone you feel should be honored or remembered.

The monies earned from this project will be used to fulfi ll the goals and future of the Foundation. There are a limited number of bricks available – so, it is fi rst come fi rst served.

PLEASE PRINT INSCRIPTION

THE WALKWAY OF RECOGNITION

YOUR NAME HERE

FPA OFFICE

FoundationAdBrickes.indd 1 12/23/08 9:44:48 PM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 3

VOL. 73 | NO. 12DECEMBER 2010 thE OffiCiaL puBLiCatiON Of thEfLORiDa phaRMaCy assOCiatiONP H A R M A C Y T O D A Y

florida

Departments 4 Calendar

4 advertisers

5 president’s Viewpoint

7 Executive insight

21 Buyer’s Guide

Features

Managing Diabetes During the holidays

fpa News

910

4 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

E-mail your suggEstions/iDEas to

dave@fiorecommunications.com

Mission Statements:of the florida pharmacy today JournalThe Florida Pharmacy Today Journal is a peer reviewed journal which serves as a medium through which the Florida Phar-macy Association can communicate with the profession on advances in the sciences of pharmacy, socio-economic issues bearing on pharmacy and newsworthy items of interest to the profession. As a self-supported journal, it solicits and accepts advertising congruent with its expressed mission.

of the florida pharmacy today Boardof Directors The mission of the Florida Pharmacy Today Board of Directors is to serve in an advisory capacity to the managing editor and execu-tive editor of the Florida Pharmacy Today Journal in the establishment and interpreta-tion of the Journal’s policies and the manage-ment of the Journal’s fiscal responsibilities. The Board of Directors also serves to motivate the Florida Pharmacy Association members to secure appropriate advertising to assist the Journal in its goal of self-support.

AdvertisersHealtHcare consultants ....................... 3KaHan ◆ sHIr, P.l. ........................................ 11PPsc ................................................................... 12rx relIef ......................................................... 11

2010-2011

FPA Calendar DECEmbEr

24 - 27 Christmas HolidayFPA Office Closed

31 FPA Office Closed for New Year

January 2011

17 Martin Luther King Birthday - FPA Office closed

29 - 30 FPA Consultant ConferenceSandestin, FL

31 Election Ballots Due

FEbruary

8 - 9 Board of Pharmacy Meeting Location TBA

28 Awards Nomination Due

marCH

8 Legislative Session Begins

9 - 10 NACDS RxIMPACTWashington, DC

15 Last day to submit resolutions

15 - 16 Pharmacist Days at the Legislature

16 Pharmacists Health Fair at Florida's Capitol

19 - 20 FPA Council and Committee Meetings

25 - 28 APhA Annual MeetingSeattle, Washington

CE CrEDits (ce cycle)the florida Board of Pharmacy requires 10 hours lIVe continuing education as part of the

required 30 hours general education needed every license renewal period.Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this biennial

period by september 30, 2011 or prior to licensure renewal.*for Pharmacy technician certification Board application, exam Information and study

materials, please contact ranada simmons in the fPa office.for More Information on ce Programs or events:contact the florida Pharmacy association at (850) 222-2400 or visit our Web site at www.

pharmview.com

ContaCtsfPa — Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400fsHP — Michael McQuone (850) 906-9333u/f — Dan robinson (352) 273-6240faMu — leola cleveland (850) 599-3301nsu — carsten evans (954) 262-1300

DisClaimEr articles in this publication are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with re-spect to the subject matter covered. this information is provided with the understanding that neither florida Pharmacy today nor the florida Pharmacy association are engaged in rendering legal or other professional services through this publication. If expert assistance or legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. the use of all medications or other pharmaceutical products should be used according to the recommendations of the manufacturers. Information provided by the maker of the product should always be consulted before use.

For a complete calendar of events go to www.pharmview.com

Change in Journal Printing schedule

Due to the importance and timeli-ness of the immunization study released last month, the Journal board decided to print the August issue in addition to post-ing it online as scheduled. This schedule change will result in the October, Novem-ber and December issues of the Florida Pharmacy Journal being posted online and not printed. The next printed journal will be January 2011.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 5

We are now almost halfway through my term as Pres-ident of our association,

and I have traveled a lot represent-ing the FPA at various functions. Re-cently, I was invited to give the Flori-da welcome greeting to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists in Orlando. There were over a thousand pharmacists from all over the country in attendance, and these pharmacists see a value in being a part of their as-sociation. We have over 25,000 licensed pharmacist in the state of Florida, and only a little over 2,000 are members of the Florida Pharmacy Association. Our members see a value in being part of the association, and the others do not. I would like to challenge each of our members to talk to a non-member and tell them the value that you see in our association. If we each can convince one person to join, we can double our membership.

Everyone sees a different value in our association. Some like the network-ing aspect for sharing expertise. Oth-ers see us as a source to overcome com-mon challenges. And our members like to build worthwhile relationships throughout our profession. Whatev-er the value may be to you, this can be communicated to at least one other per-son and then they can realize the ben-efits of being a part of this association.

I also attended an independent pharmacy owners meeting in Miami. It was amazing to talk to several own-ers and hear from them that they have no clue as to what is going on with the practice of pharmacy throughout the state. When asked where they get their information about the changes in the practice of pharmacy, they tell us that

they receive all their information from their wholesaler. Michael Jackson gave a presentation on the changes in phar-macy, and I talked a little about my ex-perience as an independent pharmacy owner and the benefits of membership

in the FPA. My main point was that you have to be informed about what is going on in the practice of pharmacy to keep you in business and help your pa-tients in the best way possible. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and it is not easy to find the correct informa-tion. The best place to get this informa-tion is membership in our association. The FPA is a source for the latest infor-

mation and in keeping with our theme, “A strong foundation for positive out-comes.”

The law conference in Sarasota was attended by over 300 pharmacists, and the latest changes in pharmacy were presented. Every member should go to one of our annual law conferences, that are offered throughout the state. I al-ways come away with some new infor-mation and I bring it back to my prac-tice and share with my pharmacy team. The Board of Pharmacy informed us that over 11,000 registered pharmacy technicians will lose their registration at the end of the year for lack of addi-tional documentation. These pharma-cy technicians registered with the BOP but did not provide them with the doc-umentation needed to extend their reg-istration through December 2012. If not received by December 31, 2010, then their registrations with be voided. Next year, the only documentation that will

Value of FPA Membership Still Unclear for Too Many

There is a lot of misinformation out there, and it is not easy to find the correct information.

The best place to get this information is membership in our

association. The FPA is a source for the latest

information and in keeping with our theme, “A strong foundation for

positive outcomes.”

The President’s ViewpointHumbErto martinEZ, FPa PrEsiDEnt

Humberto martinez, 2010-2011 FPa President

6 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

The Florida Pharmacy Association gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the following members of the FPA leadership who work deligently all year long on behalf of our members.

Karen Whalen ......................................................................... Chairman of the BoardHumberto Martinez .................................................................................FPA PresidentRobert Parrado ....................................................................................... President ElectDon Bergemann ....................................................................................................TreasurerWilliam Riffee ............................................Speaker of the House of DelegatesSuzanne Wise ...........Vice Speaker of the House of DelegatesPreston Preston McDonald, Director ...........................................................................Region 1Marcus Dodd-o, Director .................................................................................Region 2Al Tower, Director .................................................................................................Region 3 Raul N. Correa, Director ...................................................................................Region 4 John Noriega, Director ......................................................................................Region 5 Chris Lent, Director ..............................................................................................Region 6Kim Murray, Director ........................................................................................... Region 7Raul Gallo, Director ................................................................................................Region 8Zachary Eisenman, Interim Director .......................................................Region 9Alissa Fuller ............................................................................................... President FSHPMichael Jackson .......................................Executive Vice President and CEO

Florida Pharmacy today Journal board

Chair................................................................. Betty Harris, beejpharm@gmail.comVice Chair ..........................................Jennifer Pytlarz, jlc_rxdoc@hotmail.comTreasurer ...................Stephen Grabowski, sgrabowski@seniormmc.comSecretary ..................................................................Stuart Ulrich, Stuarx@aol.comMember ............................................................ Don Bergemann, don@bceinfo.comMember ................................................Joseph Koptowsky, docjik1215@aol.comExecutive Editor ...............Michael Jackson, mjackson@pharmview.comManaging Editor ..................Dave Fiore, dave@fiorecommunications.com

2009/2010 FPa board of Directors be accepted is proof of completion of a pharmacy technician training course. If these expired registrants want to renew their registration, then they will have to pay the registration fee again and pro-vide proof of completion of this train-ing course. Some of these pharmacy technicians may not be aware that their registrations will expire at the end of the year. But, they will find out when the BOP inspectors go out to the phar-macies for inspections next year. This is another good example of a benefit of membership in an association. This in-formation has been given to our mem-bers and they have been informed of all of these changes, well before they started. The FPA is offering a pharmacy technician training course for employ-ers, and the information can be found on our website: pharmview.com. The employer has to submit the application for approval of their employer-based training program and these documents are also available on our website. This may be the only option they have if one of their employed pharmacy techni-cians failed to extend their registration for lack of additional documentation. This way, they can keep this employee after registering them for their employ-er-based training program.

I would like to wish all of you a Hap-py Holiday season and a Merry Christ-mas. I will be seeing all of you next year, and have a Happy New Year. n

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 7

The profession of pharmacy is to some degree facing its own

“Y2K” adventure. Let’s call this our Y210K Reset

Plan. What needs to happen is a renaissance of the practice of pharmacy.

As we bring to a close the first de-cade of the new millennium, we have much to be thankful for,

however, we still have much work to do. It seems only a few short years ago that the world was on the brink of per-ceived catastrophe over the possibility that electric grids, the Internet and to-tal chaos would result from something as innocent as a computer dating issue with the year 2000. As it turns out, it ap-pears that 2001 gave us all an opportu-nity to try on new computer systems and software.

The profession of pharmacy is to some degree facing its own “Y2K” ad-venture. Let’s call this our Y210K Reset Plan. What needs to happen is a renais-sance of the practice of pharmacy. Pay-ers have found all kinds of tools to get to the net cost of pharmacy reimburse-ment. Many states and national associa-tions have been fighting over the issues related to average manufacturer pric-ing (AMP). Alabama is even moving forward with its own version of actual acquisition cost (AAC). You may not be aware of this, but it is highly possible that Florida Medicaid is already at the flawed AMP pricing that has caused quite a stir across the United States.

Prescription drug plans have un-dertaken an aggressive campaign to recover the cost of prescription drugs through what some pharmacy own-ers say are terroristic attacks on busi-ness profits. Indeed the recoupment of dollars from dispensing medications is unwarranted when evidence can be produced that the patient received the drug, the prescriber ordered the med-ication and the patient got better from the therapy. These efforts to recoup dol-

lars are labeled as fraud when all that can be found are simple clerical errors. How can you criminalize something as innocent as a DEA number not pub-lished on the face of a prescription? If a pharmacy is to be penalized for these honest mistakes then fine, take back the dispensing fee but some could call it theft when you extract back not only the professional fee but also the phar-

macy’s ingredient cost that clearly was transferred into the hands of the ulti-mate consumer.

Why am I throwing stuff like this at you? Well, it seems clear to me that those who pay for prescription drugs see what we do as providing a prod-uct more than providing a badly need-ed professional service. $177 billion to correct medication therapy related problems can be a big health care bill for this country to pay. In September

of this year, the Drug Enforcement Ad-ministration facilitated a national take back program for prescription drugs. According to a press release, the com-bined weight of drugs collected in this program was 121 tons -- equal to the weight of two fully loaded 737 jet air-craft. While the drugs surrendered was substantial, this did not include medi-cations that are still sitting in medicine cabinets all over this country from pa-tients who did not take part in the DEA program. That is a lot of pills, tablets and capsules that were dispensed to patients and for one reason or anoth-er never taken. All those medications were dispensed and likely paid for by health plans, Medicaid and Medicare. My question to the payers is how long do they want this to go on and refuse to acknowledge and endorse the bene-fits and value of the training of today’s American pharmacist?

Think back to the years 2001 and 2003 when the FPA embarked on a

What Did Y210K Do to Our Profession?

Executive Insightby miCHaEl JaCkson, rPHby miCHaEl JaCkson, FPa ExECutivE viCE PrEsiDEnt/CEo

michael Jackson, b.Pharm

8 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

Executive Vice President/CEOMichael Jackson

(850) 222-2400, ext. 200Director of Continuing Education

Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120Controller

Wanda Hall , ext. 211Membership CoordinatorRanada Simmons , ext. 110

Educational Services Office AssistantStacey Brooks , ext. 210

FloriDa PHarmaCy toDay boarDChair..................................Betty Harris, Lighthouse Point Vice Chair ................................. Jennifer Pytlarz, BrandonTreasurer ..............................Stephen Grabowski, TampaSecretary ........................Stuart Ulrich, Boynton BeachMember ................Don Bergemann, don@bceinfo.comMember .................................... Joseph Koptowsky, MiamiExecutive Editor ........Michael Jackson, TallahasseeManaging Editor ........................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee

This is a peer reviewed publication. ©2010, FLORIDA PHARMACY JOURNAL, INC.ARTICLE ACCEPTANCE: The Florida Phar-macy Today is a publication that welcomes articles that have a direct pertinence to the current practice of pharmacy. All articles are subject to review by the Publication Review Committee, editors and other outside referees. Submitted articles are received with the understanding that they are not being considered by another publication. All articles become the property of the Florida Pharmacy Today and may not be published without written permission from both the author and the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Florida Pharmacy Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions made by the authors to the Florida Pharmacy Today.

The Journal of the Florida Pharmacy Association does not accept for publication articles or letters concerning religion, politics or any other subject the editors/publishers deem unsuitable for the readership of this journal. In addition, The Journal does not accept advertising material from persons who are running for office in the association. The editors reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Letters and materials submitted for consideration for publication may be subject to review by the Editorial Review Board.

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY, Annual sub-scription - United States and foreign, Indi-vidual $36; Institution $70/year; $5.00 single copies. Florida residents add 7% sales tax.

Florida Pharmacy association

610 N. Adams St. • Tallahassee, FL 32301850/222-2400 • FAX 850/561-6758

Web Address: http://www.pharmview.com

FPA STAFF number of patient care initiatives such as the Medicaid Quality Related Events project and the Pinellas County Sher-iff’s Office Diabetes 10 Cities Challenge. Those programs proved that the in-terventions by pharmacists can make a difference. The FPA being success-ful at changing laws to allow pharma-cist immunization services will surely create a landscape here in Florida with

less suffering and disease for adult pa-tients who received the 1 million plus vaccines administered by pharma-cists this past flu season. The patient care initiatives proved their value and worth, but the challenges were that the current practice model is tied to a low gross reimbursement system of deliv-ering product. This is hampering the growth of a real innovation and bene-ficial medication therapy management (MTM) services. Our members wanted to practice this early form of MTM but their dispensing obligations took prior-ity. This is not to say that pharmacists should be relieved of their involvement in dispensing. If that happens, then the patient has no reason or incentive to see or ask for our services.

So what is it that we need to do? I don’t need to convince those of you

reading this article because you are members of the Florida Pharmacy As-sociation. You believe in our message and in our mission. What we need to do is to convince the thousands of our col-leagues out there that it is critical that they get involved and be a voice in the direction that their profession is head-ed. We (the FPA leadership, and you the membership), cannot possibly carry an

entire profession through these storms on our own. The thousands of our non-member colleagues need to be encour-aged to belong to their professional as-sociation that fights for them. You talk to them every day and see them in your communities. It is very likely that the next pharmacist that you talk to over the telephone is not a member of the FPA. If they want to know why they need to join, challenge them to come to come to Tallahassee on March 15-16, 2011, for the annual Pharmacist Day at the Capitol. If they don’t get the mes-sage there, then we are at risk of being confined to second-class citizenship in the health care provider market. Y210k will be a much greater and significant event for pharmacy than Y2K was for the computing and software industry. n

The FPA being successful at changing laws to allow pharmacist immunization services will surely create a landscape here in Florida with less suffering and disease for adult patients who received the 1 million plus vaccines administered by pharmacists this past

flu season.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 9

Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Preparation is the key to managing diabetes during holiday travel and fes-tivities. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re all set to celebrate!

Feasts and PartiesBefore you go, take these steps to

make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.

n Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeat-ing at the party.

n Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.

n Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.

You don’t have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods.

n If you’re at a buffet, fix your plate and move to another room away from the food, if possible.

n Choose smaller portions. n Choose low-calorie drinks such as

sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. If you select an alco-holic beverage, limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal.

n Watch out for heavy holiday favor-ites such as hams coated with a hon-ey glaze, turkey swimming in gravy and side dishes loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese or mayonnaise. Instead, choose turkey without gra-vy and trim off the skin, or other lean meats.

n Look for side dishes and vegetables that are light on butter, dressing and

other extra fats and sugars, such as marshmallows or fried vegetable toppings.

n Watch the salt. Some holiday favor-ites are made with prepared foods high in sodium. Choose fresh or fro-zen vegetables that are low in sodi-um.

n Select fruit instead of pies, cakes and other desserts high in fat, cholester-ol and sugar.

n Focus on friends, family and activi-ties instead of food. Take a walk af-ter a meal, or join in the dancing at a party.

traveling for the HolidaysLeaving home to visit friends and

family means changing routines. Make sure you remember to take care of your diabetes while traveling. Check blood glucose (sugar) more often than usual, because a changing schedule can affect levels.

remember your medication n Pack twice the amount of diabetes

supplies you expect to need, in case of travel delays.

n Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops.

n Make sure you keep your medi-cal insurance card and emergen-cy phone numbers handy, includ-ing your doctor’s name and phone number.

n Carry medical identification that says you have diabetes.

n Keep time zone changes in mind so you’ll know when to take medica-tion.

n If you use insulin, make sure you also pack a glucagon emergency kit.

n Keep your insulin cool by packing it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs.

on the road and in the air n Get an influenza vaccination before

traveling, unless your medical pro-vider instructs otherwise. Get the

flu shot, not the nasal spray. n Wash hands often with soap and

water. Try to avoid contact with sick people.

n Reduce your risk for blood clots by moving around every hour or two.

n Pack a small cooler of foods that may be difficult to find while trav-eling, such as fresh fruit, sliced raw vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat yo-gurt.

n Bring a few bottles of water instead of sweetened soda or juice.

n Pack dried fruit, nuts, and seeds as snacks. Since these foods can be high in calories, measure out small portions (¼ cup) in advance.

n If you’re flying and do not want to walk through the metal detector with your insulin pump, tell a secu-rity officer that you are wearing an insulin pump and ask them to visu-ally inspect the pump and do a full-body pat-down.

n Place all diabetes supplies in carry-on luggage. Keep medications and snacks at your seat for easy access. Don’t store them in overhead bins.

n Have all syringes and insulin deliv-ery systems (including vials of insu-lin) clearly marked with the phar-maceutical preprinted label that identifies the medications. Keep it in the original pharmacy labeled pack-aging.

n If a meal will be served during your flight, call ahead for a diabetic, low fat, or low cholesterol meal. Wait un-til your food is about to be served before you take your insulin.

n If the airline doesn’t offer a meal, bring a nutritious meal yourself. Make sure to pack snacks in case of flight delays.

n When drawing up your dose of in-sulin, don’t inject air into the bottle (the air on your plane will probably be pressurized).

n Stick with your routine for stay-ing active. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week.

Managing Diabetes During the Holidays Source: centerS for DiSeaSe control anD Prevention

10 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

FPA NewsPurdue announces Development of butrans rEms

Purdue Pharma L.P. would like to announce the development of a Risk Evaluation and Mit-igation Strategy (REMS) for Butrans™ (buprenor-phine) Transdermal Sys-tem. Working with the FDA, Purdue has devel-

oped a REMS for Butrans (buprenorphine) Transdermal System.

The goals of the Butrans REMS Program are: n To inform patients and healthcare professionals

about the potential for abuse, misuse, and overdose from, and addiction to Butrans; and

n To inform patients and healthcare professionals about the safe use of Butrans

Please visit www.butransrems.com which provides important information for healthcare professionals as well as patients and caregivers.

The section for patients and caregivers provides n A medication guide n Instructions for using Butrans

The healthcare professionals section includes: n Dear Healthcare Professional Letter n Healthcare Provider Training Guide n Training Confirmation Form

The Full Prescribing Information for Butrans™ con-tains the following Boxed Warning:

WARNING: IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PATIENT SELECTION, POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE, AND LIMITA-TIONS OF USEPrOPEr PAtiEnt SElECtiOn

Butrans is a transdermal formulation of buprenor-phine indicated for the management of moderate to se-vere chronic pain in patients requiring a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic for an extended pe-riod of time. (1)

POtEntiAl fOr AbuSEButrans contains buprenorphine which is a mu opioid

partial agonist and a Schedule III controlled substance. Butrans can be abused in a manner similar to other opi-oid agonists, legal or illicit. Consider the abuse potential when prescribing or dispensing Butrans in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion. (9) liMitAtiOnS Of uSE

Do not exceed a dose of one 20 mcg/hour Butrans system due to the risk of QTc interval prolongation. (2.3)

Avoid exposing the Butrans application site and sur-rounding area to direct external heat sources. Temper-ature-dependent increases in buprenorphine release from the system may result in overdose and death. (5.11)

medicaid mail order Defense Fund members asked to make Contributions

WhAt iS thiS DEfEnSE funD fOr?During mid November the Agency for Health Care

Administration (AHCA) published an invitation to ne-gotiate (ITN) for vendor pharmacies to bid for a mail or-der program for 20,000 chronically ill Florida Medicaid recipients. It is AHCA’s intent to issue only one contract for these services which would likely mean that these patients could be served by only one mail order phar-macy provider.

WhAt CAn bE DOnE AbOut thiS?The FPA has filed a formal protest against the Agen-

cy for Health Care Administration’s efforts to facilitate this mail order program. This initial filing by the FPA has resulted in postponement of any solicitation activ-ities by the state until further notice. During the 2010 Legislative session the FPA successfully fought back re-peated attempts to put into place a mail order program for Medicaid patients (see June 2010 issue of Florida Pharmacy Today). This mail order program however, was inserted into the state’s budget during negotia-tions between the House and Senate. This proposal in effect requires the Agency to identify 20,000 chronical-ly ill Medicaid patients that could be eligible for mail or-der. This was done in such a way that made it impossi-ble for public input or debate.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 11

CONTROL YOUR ASSIGNMENTS,CONTROL YOUR CAREER

The Alternative To A Traditional Career In Pharmacy

Career n.an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life, usually with opportunities for progress.

• Guaranteed Hours • Professional Pay & Benefits• Special Clients, Flexible Assignments• A Variety Of Bonus Programs• Professional Development Opportunities/Cross Training

Professional Well-Managed Fair

04480 Hensley/RX ReliefFlorida Pharmacy Today—1/4 pg ad (3.5”x4.75”)

A PhArmAcist And A LAwyer

Board of Pharmacy Licensure Disciplinary ProceedingsDefense of Chapter 499, Pedigree Laws Violations

Mergers and AcquisitionsCommercial, Civil and Criminal Proceedings

KAHAN ◆ SHIR, P.L.

Pharmacist AttorneyBrian A. Kahan, R.Ph., J.D.

Licensed Florida Pharmacist and Attorney

STATEWIDE REPRESENTATION

561-999-5999bkahan@kahanshir.com

1800 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Why iS it nECESSAry tO ChAllEngE thiS iSSuE?

The FPA is concerned that such a program would undermine quality and continuity of care. Some of the issues include but are not limited to the following:

1) Patients, particularly the developmentally dis-abled may not understand their need to stay with their current pharmacist of record and would feel compelled to accept the mail order offer. Official letters from the Agency for Health Care Administration are over-whelmingly suggestive to Florida’s indigent. These pa-tients may feel forced to go to mail order or risk losing their prescription drug benefits.

2) The coordination of care is essential to facilitat-ing positive quality outcomes. Patients under this plan may find themselves having to use more than one phar-macy. They will likely get their maintenance medica-tions from the contracted mail order facility and their acute care medications from other providers. This is not a good model for patient care in today’s health care en-vironment.

4) Small family owned pharmacies cannot possibly compete with well financed and heavily resourced mail

order facilities submitting bid proposals to AHCA and navigating their extremely complex invitation to nego-tiate process. In some cases if a large mail order provid-er who also happens to be the claims processor for in-dependent pharmacy providers wins the bid then they will likely use their data mining capabilities to divert non-chronically ill patients away from these small busi-nesses.

5) Many community pharmacy providers are al-ready using mail and other delivery services to patients that are home bound or in remote locations. This pro-posal may take that service away from Florida busi-nesses for some patients.

hOW Will thiS iSSuE AffECt ME?If you are a Florida Medicaid pharmacy provider it is

very likely that some of these patients are currently be-ing taken care of by you. You may discover that these patients could be encouraged to use a mail order phar-macy for their maintenance drugs. While on the surface it appears that the number of patients is small the FPA believes that this represents a significant amount of the spending in the Medicaid population. You will also be

12 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

challenged with managing their prescription drug ther-apy without the benefit of their full history.

WhAt Will My COntributiOn bE uSED fOr?All of your support of this effort will go into a restrict-

ed account towards the direct costs related to this pro-test. This includes lawyer and consultant fees and ex-penses, filing fees and other direct litigation costs.

WhAt ArE My COntributiOn liMitS?Personal and corporate funds will be accepted and

there are no limits to the amount that you can give. Your corporate contributions may be tax deductible as a busi-ness expense. Consult your accountant for more infor-mation.

hOW CAn i MAkE A COntributiOn?The FPA has created a special section of our web site

on Pharmview.com specifically for this defense fund campaign or you can download a form and send in a check or money order payable to the Florida Pharmacy Association. Please note in the memo field that the check or money order is for the Medicaid Mail Order Defense Fund. Recommended levels of support include the fol-lowing:

SuggEStED COntributiOnDonor $100Supporter $500Bronze Supporter $1,000Gold Supporter $1,500Diamond Supporter $2,000Platinum Supporter $5,000

I n d e p e n d e n t … B u t N o t A l o n e .P P S C i s Y o u r P a r t n e r f o r S u c c e s s

WorkSmarter

PPSC can help your independent pharmacy become more efficient and productive through its innovative Work Smarter programs and services.

PPSC can help you:ENHANCE operational workflowsAUTOMATE dispensing, product

returns and Part B billingREDUCE claim resubmissionsINCREASE your profits

For more on how PPSC can maximize the potential of your independent pharmacy, visit www.ppsconline.com or call toll-free 888-778-9909.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 13

Email/Fax network Hotlinereceive up-to-date and up-to-the-minute information on legislative Developments, Board of Pharmacy changes and other top-ics affecting the profession of pharmacy. call fPa Member services at (850) 222-2400 ext. 110 – rsimmons@pharmview.com.

tax resourceProvides defense and protection of your assets when you are audited. tax resource will defend their clients for any income tax audit, federal or state, for any tax year. tax resource pioneered the tax audit service business, and is the largest audit defense firm in the united states. call (800) 92-auDIt (800-922-8348).

atlantic Coupon redemption Center receive payment in 25 working days of coupon’s face value plus a rebate of 1/6 cents based on store volume. call Meredith Mccord (800) 223-0398.

Florida Commerce Federal Credit union the chief objective of a credit union is not generating profits for stockholders, but to provide service to its member. the mem-bers benefit by getting attractive returns on savings, loans made at fair rates of interest plus enhanced and expanded services. this is probably one of the best deals around. call (850) 488-0035.

Collection services for past due accounts call I. c. system, Inc. call (800) 328-9595.

other member benefits n Discounted continuing education Pro-

gramsn Monthly Issues of the florida Pharmacy

today Journal

Hertznow when you rent from Hertz, you can take advantage of special year-round savings through the Hertz Member Benefit Program. florida Pharmacy association members re-ceive a discount off Hertz Daily Member Benefit rates, Hertz u.s. standard rates; and Hertz u.s. leisure rates. You'll be quoted the best rate for your rental needs at the time of reservation. see the fPa web site for more details or call the fPa office.

Pharmacy resource materials fPa provides the most recent and relevant re-sources necessary to meet your professional needs. this includes the continuous Quality Improvement Manual, controlled substance Inventory Booklets and Pharmacy signs. Please call fPa Members services for more information: 850-222-2400 ext. 110.

FPa Website Visit our fPa Website at ww.pharmview.com. the site, launched in December 2004 and re-vised in october 2008, includes a members only section. the website offers a secure server so that you can registers for ce pro-grams, renew your membership or purchase resources materials with your credit card.

in keeping with a tradition of offering our members real benefits, the Florida Pharmacy association (FPa) is proud to announce the introduction of sponsored discount Benefits Program. these vendors are dedicated to providing an excellent value to all FPa members and associates. to take advantage of benefits contact the vendors directly at the numbers listed below and identify yourself as a FPa member and have your membership id number handy.

mEmbErsHiP mattErs!

Florida Pharmacy Association

14 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Medicare Multi-Media & Education Campaign

Get the Flu Vaccination--not the Flu! No Cost – No Excuses

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that it has approved vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza seasons and that the seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three strains of influenza:

• A/California 7/2009 (H1N1) – like virus • A/perth /16/2009 (H3N2) – like virus • B/Brisbane/60/2008 – like virus

As a health care provider, you are the first line of defense in communicating to your patients the importance of getting vaccinated. It is equally important for you and your health care staff to be vaccinated as well.

Key messages to share with your patients include:

• The flu vaccine is at no additional out-of-pocket cost. There is no coinsurance or copayment applied to this benefit, and they will not have to meet their deductible.

• The flu vaccine can prevent the flu; it does not give people the flu. Getting a flu vaccine is the best thing you can do to keep you from getting sick this flu season. This year, one flu vaccine will protect you from three different types of flu virus, including the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused much illness last season. Additionally, by protecting yourself, you are also protecting those you care about from getting the flu from you.

• All adults age 65 years and older, and people who are under 65 who have chronic illness, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or end-stage renal disease should get a flu vaccine.

• Refer your patients to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get a free copy of “Staying Healthy: Medicare’s Preventive Services.” TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

• Additionally, for non-Medicare patients, beginning Sept. 23, 2010, health plans will be required to cover recommended preventive services without charging copayments, co-insurance or deductibles.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 15

OBTENGA VACUNA DE GRIPE, NO LA GRIPE. Medicare, Medicaid/CHIP pagan por las vacunas de gripe.

Para información, llame al 1-800-MEDICARE o visítenos en www.medicare.gov o www.insurekidsnow.gov.

GET THE FLU VACCINE, NOT THE FLU.

Flu vaccines are covered for people with Medicare and Medicaid/CHIP.

For information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov or www.insurekidsnow.gov.

16 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

bowl of Hygeia

Awarded to a pharmacist for out-standing community service above and beyond professional duties. The use of the following selection criteria is re-quired:

n The recipient must be a Florida li-censed pharmacist and a member of FPA.

n The recipient must be living. Awards are not presented posthumously.

n The recipient has not previously re-ceived the award.

n The recipient is not currently serving nor has he/she served within the immediate past 2 years on its award committee or an officer of the asso-ciation in other than an ex officio ca-pacity.

n The recipient has compiled an out-standing record of community ser-vice, which, apart from his/her spe-cific identification as a pharmacist, reflects well on the profession.

James H. beal award

Awarded to the "Pharmacist of the Year." The criteria established for this award is that the recipient be a Flori-da registered pharmacist and a mem-ber of FPA, who has rendered outstand-ing service to pharmacy within the past five years.Criteria:

n The recipient must be a Florida reg-istered pharmacist and a member of the FPA.

n The recipient has rendered outstand-ing service to pharmacy within the past five years.

technician of the year awardAwarded annually to a Florida

pharmacy technician who is recog-nized for his/her outstanding perfor-mance and achievement during his/her career.

Criteria:

n Candidate must be a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association for at least 2 years.

n Candidate must have demonstrat-ed contributions and dedication to the advancement of pharmacy technician practice.

n Candidate must have demonstrat-ed contributions to the Florida Pharmacy Association and/or oth-er pharmacy organizations.

n Candidate must have demonstrat-ed commitment to community ser-vice.

n Candidate is not a past recipient of this award.

r.Q. richards award

This award is based on outstanding achievement in the field of pharmaceu-tical public relations in Florida.Criteria:

n The recipient must be a Florida reg-istered pharmacist and a member of the FPA.

n The recipient has displayed out-standing achievement in the field of pharmaceutical public relations in Florida.

Frank toback/aZo Consultant

Pharmacist award

Criteria: n Candidate must be an FPA member,

registered with the Florida Board of Pharmacy as a consultant pharma-cist in good standing.

n Candidate should be selected based on their outstanding achievements in the field of consultant pharmacy.

DCPa sidney simkowitz

Pharmacy involvement award

Presented annually to a Florida pharmacist who has been active at the local and state pharmacy associa-tion level in advancement of the pro-fession of pharmacy in Florida.

Criteria: n A minimum of five years of active

involvement in and contributions to the local association and FPA.

n Candidate must have held office at local level pharmacy association.

n Member in good standing for a pe-riod of at least five years in the FPA and must have served as a member or chairman of a committee of the association.

n Candidate must have been active-ly involved in a project that has or could potentially be of benefit to members of the profession.

Pharmacists mutual Companies

Distinguished young Pharmacist

award

Awarded to a young pharmacist for their involvement and dedication to the practice of pharmacy.Criteria:

n Licensed to practice for nine (9) years or less.

n Licensed to practice in the state in which selected.

n Participation in national pharmacy association, professional programs, and/or community service.

iPa roman maximo Corrons

inspiration & motivation award

Interamerican Pharmacists Associa-tion created this award to honor the memory of Roman M. Corrons who in-spired and motivated countless phar-macists to participate actively and as-pire to take on leadership roles in their profession. Roman was always there with guidance and support that moti-vated pharmacists and encouraged vi-sionary leadership, approachable active membership and succession planning. This award recognizes the motivators among us who inspire others to contin-ue to advance the profession.Criteria:

C a L L f O R N O M i N a t i O N s F P a a W a r D s 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 17

DEaDlinE For nominations: FEbruary 28, 2011

n The recipient must be a Florida Li-censed Pharmacist and a member of the FPA.

n Candidate should motivate others to excel within the profession by encouraging them to be leaders.

n Candidate is not necessarily an as-sociation officer, but guides, sup-ports and/or inspires others.

A brief description on the candidate’s motivational/inspirational skills must accompany the nomination.

the Jean lamberti

mentorship award

The Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award was established in 1998 to hon-or those pharmacists who have taken time to share their knowledge and ex-

perience with pharmacist candidates. The award is named in honor of long time FPA member Jean Lamberti for her effort in working with pharmacy students.Criteria

n The recipient must be an FPA mem-ber.

n The recipient must serve as a role model for the profession of pharmacy.

innovative Pharmacy Practice

award

Awarded to honor practicing phar-macists who have demonstrated inno-vation in pharmacy practice that has resulted in improved patient care.Criteria:

n The recipient has demonstrated inno-

vative pharmacy practice resulting in improved patient care.

n The recipient should be a practic-ing pharmacist within the geograph-ic area represented by the presenting Association.

Qualified Nominee: A pharmacist prac-ticing within the geographic area repre-sented by the presenting Association.

I AM PLEASED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING NOMINATION:

Name:

Address:

FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARD:

(Nomination Deadline February 28, 2011)

Bowl of Hygeia Award

James H. Beal Award

R.Q. Richards Award

Frank Toback/AZO Consultant Pharmacist Award

DCPA Sydney Simkowitz Award

Pharmacists Mutual Co. Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award

Academy of Pharmacy Practice Practitioner Merit Award

The Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award

IPA Roman Maximo Corrons Inspiration & Motivation Award

Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award

Technician of the Year Award

NOMINATED BY:

Name:

Date Submitted:

Signature:

Please describe briefly below the nominee's accomplishments, indicating why you feel he or she should receive this award. (Attach additional sheets if necessary.)

C a L L f O R N O M i N a t i O N s F P a a W a r D s 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

F P a a W a r D s n o m i n a t i o n F o r m

mail nominatons to: annual awards, Florida Pharmacy association, 610 n. adams st., tallahassee, Fl 32301(850) 222-2400 FaX (850) 561-6758 dEadlinE For nominations is FEBrUary 28, 2011

18 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 19

CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE 2011 HOUSE OF DELEGATES

The House of Delegates Board of Directors will meet in March 2011 to review and approve resolu-tions for the Annual Meeting. The deadline for submitting resolutions is March 15, 2011! PLEASE NOTE THIS DEADLINE.

The following information will be needed when submitting resolutions:

1. Name of organization: The name of the organization submitting the resolutions(s);2. Name and telephone number of individuals: A contact in the event clarification Or further in-

formation is needed; 3. Problem: A statement of the problem addressed by the resolution;4. Intent: A statement of what passage of the resolution will accomplish;5. Resolution Format: (please type and use double spacing)

tItle of resolutIon

naMe of organIzatIon

WHereas , anD

WHereas :

tHerefore Be It

resolVeD (tHat tHe fPa or suBDIVIsIon of fPa)

contact naMe anD PHone #:

ProBleM:

Intent:

20 | f L O R i D a p h a R M a C y t O D a y

Employer Based Technician Training Program for all Florida Pharmacies

The Florida Pharmacy Association partnering with PassAssured of Orange Texas is

pleased to present a web based employer based technician training program for

Florida pharmacies. Florida Statutes 465.014 requires pharmacy technicians to

register with the Florida Department of Health. To be eligible for registration techni-

cians must complete a Board approved training program as defined under rule

64B16-26.351.

All employer based technician training programs must be approved by the Florida

Board of Pharmacy. The FPA is offering assistance to pharmacies in their efforts to

get their training programs approved. Simply follow the steps published on the FPA

web site in the shopping cart where the program’s information is published. There

is no cost to apply to the Board.

Send us your contact information and we will be glad to help you.

Name _______________________________ Address _________________________________

City _________________________ State _______________ Zip Code ____________________

E-mail address ________________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________ Fax _____________________________________

Name of Pharmacy _____________________________________________________________

This program is designed to supplement your on-site training

program for pharmacy technicians.

610 North Adams Street Tallahassee, Florida

Phone: (850) 222-2400 Fax: (850) 561-6758

E-mail: fpa@pharmview.com

The FPA has made it easy

for you to file for approval

for your employer based

training program with the

Board for approval. Once

approved you can enroll

your technicians in the

comprehensive training

modules. The cost per

technician is $290.

Technicians who join the

FPA as members only pay

250. It should take about

160 hours for your

technician to complete

the program.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 21

Employer Based Technician Training Program for all Florida Pharmacies

The Florida Pharmacy Association partnering with PassAssured of Orange Texas is

pleased to present a web based employer based technician training program for

Florida pharmacies. Florida Statutes 465.014 requires pharmacy technicians to

register with the Florida Department of Health. To be eligible for registration techni-

cians must complete a Board approved training program as defined under rule

64B16-26.351.

All employer based technician training programs must be approved by the Florida

Board of Pharmacy. The FPA is offering assistance to pharmacies in their efforts to

get their training programs approved. Simply follow the steps published on the FPA

web site in the shopping cart where the program’s information is published. There

is no cost to apply to the Board.

Send us your contact information and we will be glad to help you.

Name _______________________________ Address _________________________________

City _________________________ State _______________ Zip Code ____________________

E-mail address ________________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________ Fax _____________________________________

Name of Pharmacy _____________________________________________________________

This program is designed to supplement your on-site training

program for pharmacy technicians.

610 North Adams Street Tallahassee, Florida

Phone: (850) 222-2400 Fax: (850) 561-6758

E-mail: fpa@pharmview.com

The FPA has made it easy

for you to file for approval

for your employer based

training program with the

Board for approval. Once

approved you can enroll

your technicians in the

comprehensive training

modules. The cost per

technician is $290.

Technicians who join the

FPA as members only pay

250. It should take about

160 hours for your

technician to complete

the program.

PHarmaCy rEsourCEs

PPSCRetail Pharmacy Purchasing Program(888) 778-9909

PHarmaCy Consultants

hCC Pharmacy business SolutionsDean Pedalino(800) 642-1652Mobile: (727) 460-1855

insuranCE

MeadowbrookWorkers Comp Insurance Endorsed by FPA(800) 825-9489

lEgal assistanCE

kahan ◆ Shir, P.l.Brian A. Kahan, R.Ph., and Attorney at Law(561) 999-5999

PHarmaCEutiCal WHolEsalEr

Mckesson Drug CompanyJim Springer(800) 804-4590 FAX: (863) 616-2953

tEmPorary PHarmaCists –

staFFing

healthCare Consultants Pharmacy StaffingBob Miller(800) 642-1652

Medical Staffing network(800) 359-1234

rx relief(800) RXRELIEF

BuyER’s GuiDEADVERTISERS: This is a special section designed to give your company more exposure and to act as an easy reference for the pharmacist.

P H A R M A C Y T O D A Yflorida

advertising in Florida Pharmacy todayDisplay advertising: please call (850) 264-5111 for a media kit and rate sheet. buyers’ guide: A signed insertion of at least 3X per year, 1/3 page or larger display ad, earns a placement in the Buyers’ Guide. A screened ad is furnished at additional cost to the advertiser. Professional referral ads: FPA Members: $50 per 50 words; Non-members: $100 per 50 words; No discounts for advertising agencies. All Professional Referral ads must be paid in advance, at the time of ad receipt.

AhCA MEDiCAiD PhArMACy SErViCES2727 Mahan Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32308(850) 487-4441www.fdhc.state.fl.us/medicaid/pharmacy

AMEriCAn PhArMACiStSASSOCiAtiOn (APhA)Washington, D.C. (800) 237-2742www.pharmacist.com

AMEriCAn SOCiEty Of hEAlth SyStEM PhArMACiStSBethesda, MD (301) 657-3000www.ashp.com/main.htm

Drug infOrMAtiOn CEntErPalm Beach Atlantic University(561) 803-2728druginfocenter@pba.edu

flOriDA bOArD Of PhArMACy4052 Bald Cypress WayBin #C04

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3254(850) 245-4292www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa

flOriDA POiSOn infOrMAtiOn CEntEr nEtWOrk1-800-282-3171http://ora.umc.ufl.edu/pcc/fpicjax.htm

nAtiOnAl COMMunity PhArMACiStS ASSOCiAtiOn 100 Daingerfield Road Alexandria, VA 22314703.683.8200703.683.3619 faxinfo@ncpanet.org

rECOVEring PhArMACiStS nEtWOrk Of flOriDA(407) 257-6606 “Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists”

FrEQuEntly CallED numbErs

WANTEDRegistered Pharmacist for independent retail prescription store. 30 years at same location. Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; No nights or weekends. Location: St. Petersburg, FL.Ideal working conditions, friendly environment. All replies strictly confidential. Cell: 727-418-7431; Evening: 727-595-2567

ProFEssional rEFErral