WSPA Mission Statement
The Washington State Pharmacy Association exists to
support and advance the practice of pharmacy to ensure that the
public receives optimal medication therapy management. More.
 
 JCPP Vision of Pharmacy Practice 
Pharmacists will be the health care professionals responsible for
providing patient care that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes.
Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners 2004
JCPP Action Plan for Implementation of Vision

Pharmacy News

2010 WSPA Salary and Benefits Survey
Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) is currently conducting its 2010 Salary and Benefits Survey. Respondents are asked to answer a short series of online questions that should take no more than 10 minutes. Take the survey today!

2010 WSPF Scholarship Scramble a Success
Washington State Pharmacy Foundation held another successful Scholarship Scramble and Auction Dinner Aug. 15. Read more.

Medicaid ProviderOne Client ID Hotline Ending
The temporary client ID hotline at 1-800-562-3022 extension 14951 will be ending July 31.  This information is now available through the automated phone system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More.

Tamper Resistant Prescription Pad Important Notice
July 16, 2010- The Board of Pharmacy has received a number of inquiries regarding the new tamper resistant prescription law. The law, which was effective July 1, is intended to increase public safety and help prevent copying, altering and other forms of prescription counterfeiting.  Under the law pharmacists are prohibited from dispensing written prescriptions unless the prescription is written on Board approved tamper-resistant paper/pads.  Board approved pads bear a Board of Pharmacy seal of approval.  The tamper resistant paper/pads requirement does not apply to prescriptions transmitted to the pharmacy by telephone, facsimile, or electronic means.  Other exemptions include prescriptions written for patients of a hospital; residents of a nursing home; inpatients or residents of a mental health facility; or individuals incarcerated in correction facilities where the order is written in the patient’s record and given directly to the pharmacy and the patient never has the opportunity to handle the written order. More

Changes to Medical Marijuana Law
A new state law adds several professions to those that can recommend medical marijuana. It also requires that recommendations be written on tamper-resistant paper. More.

Chapter 246-889 WAC Pharmaceutical - Precursor Substance Control
The Board of Pharmacy (Board) is proposing to create new sections and amend WAC 246-889-070 through -110 as necessary to adopt procedures and enforceable standards for a statewide electronic sales tracking system for nonprescription sales of ephedrine (EPH), pseudoephedrine (PSE), and phenylpropanolamine (PPA) filed as 10-13-174. Read the rule.

Interested in Joining the WSPA Board of Directors?
We are seeking applications for President-Elect, three at-large pharmacist directors and one technician director positions. Application packets will be accepted until Aug. 13.

WSPA Award Nominations
Do you know a pharmacist, technician or intern who deserves recognition for their efforts. Please take the time to nominate your peers. Honor the accomplishments of deserving pharmacy professionals. Nominations due by Sept 3, 2010.  Award Descriptions and Past Winners 2010 Award Nomination Form

ASCP works with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
The ASCP Executive Committee and the Chair of our Advocacy Council recently met with the leaders of NABP to try to clarify recent activities and expected activities related to DEA Nurse-As-Agent and Chart Orders.  A report is attached.

WSPA Obtains Clarification on WA State BOP and DEA
Stance on e-kits in Extended Care Facilities
Following the Washington State Law continuing education program at the 2010 Northwest Pharmacy Convention, WSPA members were left with concerns and questions surrounding the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stance on emergency kits in long term care facilities. WSPA  worked quickly to clarify the situation with the assistance of Grant Chester, Chief Investigator of the WA State BOP and Ruth Carter, Group Supervisor of the DEA Seattle Field Office. After much discussion, it became apparent that potentially inaccurate or misleading information was provided. Clarifications from BOP and DEA

Pharmacists Most Trusted For Health & Medical Research Issues
A Research America poll found that pharmacists were rated as the most trustworthy source on health and medical issues.  Pharmacists received a score of 83%, which was better than all others including patient groups, the CDC and other health care providers. Research America News Release

NEHI Study Shows Poor Medication Adherence Costs $290 Billion
Solution Includes Better Use of Pharmacists in Patient Care Provision
link
 
Comment Requested for Board of Pharmacy Rules
on E-prescribing, Health Care Assistants, Hospital Rules, and Controlled Substances in Residential Treatment Facilities.  More.

FTC Extends Deadline for Identity Theft Red Flags Rule
At the request of several Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule through December 31, 2010, while Congress considers legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule including pharmacies. This announcement and the release of an Enforcement Policy Statement do not affect other federal agencies’ enforcement of the original November 1, 2008 deadline for institutions subject to their oversight to be in compliance. More.

Drugstore Cowboy Arrested
The autobiographical author of "Drugstore Cowboy" was arrested last week for a Pharmacy Robbery in Redmond. http://www.seattlepi.com/local/420822_cowboy29.html . More information on Robbery Suspects in WSPA Pharmacy Theft Prevention Resource Center

Rochon Serves on AG's Advisory Committee to Address Prescription Drug Abuse
Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna has assembled an Advisory Committee to Address Prescription Drug Abuse. WSPA CEO Jeff Rochon, WA State Board of Pharmacy Chair Gary Harris, RPh, and several other pharmacists representing independant pharmacies and pharmacy chains sit on this multidisciplinary committee. A big concern for this group is the increasing number of deaths from prescription drug abuse and the increase in pharmacy robberies.The group is tackling funding, legislative and practice oriented issues necessary to implement Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), Pseudoephedrine Tracking, Safe Medication Disposal, and Prescription Drug Abuse Education. More information on Pharmacy Security in WSPA Pharmacy Theft Prevention Resource Center

CBS News: Look for USP Verified Dietary Supplements
A direct statement encouraging consumers to look for the USP Verified seal to assure the purity of dietary supplements was featured in a May 26, 2010 story on the CBS Evening News.  To view the video, go to http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6522141n&tag=mncol;lst;1.  The CBS story was in response to the publication of an article in the New York Times describing a Congressional study that found trace amounts of lead and other contaminants, as well as misleading claims, for some herbal dietary supplements.  The article by Gardiner Harris is available at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/health/policy/26herbal.html.  Information on the USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program can be found at http://www.usp.org/USPVerified/dietarySupplements/.

Pharmacy Firm License Renewals Due to BOP
All Pharmacy firm license renewals issued by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, including non-resident and other controlled substance registrations, and drug researcher registrations will expire on May 31, 2010.  Please submit renewal card and payment as soon as possible.  For assistance please contact the Department of Health Credentialing Section at (360) 236-4978. Urgent Addendum

Are You Having Difficulty Obtaining The New ProviderOne Client IDs?
New...ProviderOne Temporary Call Center for Pharmacies More in WSPA Medicaid Resource Center

Medicaid Reduced Reimbursement Rate for Diabetic Test Strips
Effective for dates of service on and after July 1, 2010, all claims for diabetic test strips processed in the point-of-sale system will be paid at the Medicare rate. More in WSPA Medicaid Resource Center

L&I Worker's Comp to Drastically Decrease Generic Med Reimbursement Rate
5/11/10 The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (Workers’ Compensation) called a meeting today with WSPA and NACDS to announce they will be reducing our reimbursement rate on generics from AWP – 10% + $4.50 to AWP – 50% + $4.50, effective July 1, 2010. More.

New Washington State Pharmacy Law Book Available
Searchable, downloadable and printable version of the Washington State Pharmacy Law Book is available.  More

DEA Interim Rule on E-Prescripting of Controlled Substances
Interim Rule
"Law Matters" on Interim Rule

Are You Having Problems Billing Medicaid through ProviderOne System?
More information and tools to help understand ProviderOne in the WSPA Medicaid Resource Center.

New Medicaid Pharmacy Information Authorization Form Required
Effective for dates of service on and after April 1, 2010, the Department will require the use of a new ProviderOne-compatible authorization request form. NOTE: READ THE FORM INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!! Not all information is required for authorization.  Sections 16, 17, and 19 are ONLY required for Rate Adjustments. You are NOT required to provide your actual cost, AWP, or Wholesaler cost data unless you are seeking a rate adjustment. More in WSPA Medicaid Resource Center.

Governor's Executive Order on Implementing Health Care Reform
Executive Order
Initial Recommentations on Federal HCR Impacts Draft

Pharmacy Criticizes AMA Pharmacist Scope of Practice Commentary
Multiple Pharmacy Associations express disagreement and deep concern with content of a recent members-only-access publication by the American Medical Association entitled “AMA Scope of Practice Data Series: Pharmacists.”
Joint Pharmacy Organizations Press Release
ASHP Press Release

Siri Childs, Pharm D, retires as Washington Medicaid Pharmacy Director
Effective April 1, 2010, the updated DSHS Staff contact information is available in the  WSPA Medicaid Resource Center

New Medicaid Billing Instructions, Generics First, Opiate Dosing Tools, New Authorization Form, Updates to PDL, PA, EA, and OTC Coverage List, and Other Tools in the WSPA Medicaid Resource Center

New Tamper-Resistant Rx Law Effect July 1, 2010 More
Special prescription pads intended to increase patient safety and stop people from stealing or altering existing prescriptions will soon be required in our state. With the deadline approaching, state health officials advise prescribers to order tamper-resistant supplies now. All health care providers who write prescriptions in Washington will have to use tamper-resistant prescription pad paper under a new law that goes into effect July 1. The law, passed in 2009, says all prescription paper or pads must have the state Board of Pharmacy approval seal. More information on the new requirement (www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/trpp) is online. Approved vendors must demonstrate that they meet the security standards as required in RCW 18.64.500. To date, fourteen vendors have completed the approval process. A list of approved vendors and a FAQ are available here. More resources available in the WSPA TRPP Resource Center

Pollack Named WSU Dean
Dr. Gary Pollack has accepted the position of WSU Dean of the College of Pharmacy effective Aug. 1. He is currently the Executive Associate Dean and Professor in the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics of the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more.

Students from Washington Recognized for Grassroots Advocacy
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) announced the recipients of the 2010 Pharmacy Student Advocacy Award, as part of NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill. Two pharmacy school students, Andrew Helm of Washington State University and Brent Leithauser of the University of Washington, emerged from the pool of applicants for their tremendous work in advancing the pharmacy profession and industry. Read more.

Patient Access To Language Services in Pharmacies
WSPA Strikes Deal with Dynamic Language
To help pharmacies meet the needs of patients with Limited English Proficiency, WSPA has reached a deal with Dynamic Language to allow WSPA members to offer interpretation and translation services to patients in over 150 languages. There is no monthly fee. Simply pay when you use the service. More

Become a Fan of WSPA on Facebook
See what's new and network with other fans at http://www.facebook.com/wspa.rx or search Washington State Pharmacy Association from your own Facebook page.

On Feb 5, 2010, Carisopodol will be a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
For the final rule and FAQ on how to handle current carisoprodol prescriptions with refills click here.  

Growing Concern for Patient Access as Another Reduction in Reimbursement Forces Walgreens To Stop Filling Medicaid Prescriptions at 64 Washington Pharmacies 
Visit our Press Room for Medicaid Cuts to learn more.

Patient Access to Pharmacies Impacted by Medicaid's Decision to Reduce Medication Reimbursement Rates, Bartell Drugs Unable to Continue to Serve Medicaid Patients in 15 Pharmacies.
Visit our Press Room for Medicaid Cuts to learn more.

Ritzville Drug Unable to Contiue to Serve Medicaid Patients
Following Second Deep Cut To Medication Reimbursement This Year
Medicaid patients in Ritzville, WA are suffering as Medicaid's decision to reduce medication reimbursement rates will make it necessary for them to travel about 100 miles round trip to the nearest pharmacy to seek care. More 

Protect Your Profession!
Join Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Council (LRAC)
LRAC is your front line voice representing pharmacy and your issues in Olympia with the Washington Legislature, State Agencies and the Governor's office. LRAC is in Olympia working for you... full-time year-round. Please join your colleagues today to ensure that we have the financial resources to achieve our legislative and regulatory goals. Your LRAC membership dollars ensure that pharmacy has a full-time lobbyist in Olympia representing our needs.Take action now! Support your professions efforts in Olympia...Join LRAC! It's only $50 a year for individual members. More Join LRAC online today! Key LRAC Issues for 2010

Medicare Part D Plans Require Pharmacies to Maintain Quality Assurance Programs
PQC Users Get New Legal Protection for Required Quality Assurance Program
Medicare Part D requires plan sponsors and their contracted entities (pharmacies) to maintain quality assurance (QA) programs designed to reduce medication errors and adverse drug interactions and improve medication use. This requirement is stated in all Part D pharmacy network contracts. It is important to protect the quality assurance data. Some pharmacies are meeting their Medicare Part D QA requirements and getting legal protection of their quality assurance data with the easy to use, low cost Pharmacy Quality Commitment (PQC) program available through state pharmacy associations. PQC is one program offered by the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety (APMS), a federally certified Patient Safety Organization (PSO). More. 
Full Press Release CONTACT: Tara Modisett: Tara@naspa.us (804) 285-4431

NEW! Online Continuing Education Now Available
Need CE? Get our high quality CE from the comfort of your own home. Check out WSPA's Online CE Programs.

The Changing Face of Pharmacy
Washington pharmacists and former directors of the WSPA, Janet Kusler and Ryan Oftebro, are highlighted in this article for using entrepreneurial ideas and new technology to embrace a changing health care system. “The practice of pharmacy is changing these days, thanks in large part to the innovations developed by the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, a national leader in health-care research and in meeting the needs of the community.” The UW School of Pharmacy and the work of Don Downing, Jackie Gardner and Perry Odegard are featured. Read the Article in Columns Magazine UW Alumni Association publication

The List That Can Save Your Life! Carry a list of medications you take, says patient-safety group
The Washington Patient Safety Coalition, is attempting to reduce drug errors by urging patients to carry a written list of all the medications they take. Link to Seattle Times article. My Medicine List is a campaign intended to build public awareness of the need for patients to take an active role in managing their medications. Sponsored by the Washington Patient Safety Coalition (WPSC), the initiative’s goal is for every person to maintain an up-to-date list of every medication he or she is using and to share it with his or her health care provider during each and every visit. Several WSPA members serve in key roles on the Medication Safety Subcommittee which spearheaded this campaign. My Medicine List Website

CDTA for Antiviral Medications During Outbreak
The WSPA has worked with Public Health Seattle-King County and the Northwest Center of Public Health Practice to develop a Collaborative Drug Therapy Agreement for distribution of government supplied antiviral medications and training materials. Here is the webpage with all the CDTA information.

CMS’ Requirement for Part D FWA Training Update
Training on Fraud Waste and Abuse must be completed every year by all persons in the pharmacy who come in contact with Part D recipients including, but not limited to: pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and cashiers. Any training completed prior to January 1, 2010 will not count for the 2010 requirement. The fraud, waste and abuse training must be completed after January 1, 2010, but before December 31, 2010, and annually thereafter.  FWA Training is currently available here. Visit WSPA's Fraud, Waste and Abuse Resource Center

Alert! AWP Rollback Approaching September 26
Patient access to pharmacies may significantly be impacted by the impending Average Wholesale Price (AWP) redefinition. Due to the court-accepted settlement of the FirstData Bank Lawsuit, the value of AWP will be decreased effective September 26th, 2009. Since most pharmacy contracts with public and private health insurance payers including Medicaid and Medicare are based on AWP, this change will significantly lower the terms of your contracts. The reimbursement rates negotiated in pharmacy contracts have continued to plummet over the last decade. An additional decrease of this magnitude is highly likely to impact patient access to pharmacies unless rate adjustments are made. More

Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List
The Office of Inspector General has created an exclusion list of entities and individuals convicted on Medicaid or Medicare Fraud. Individuals on this list are excluded from eligibility to participate in Medicare or Medicaid billing for 5 years. If any of your employees are on the list, your pharmacy cannot bill Medicaid or Medicare. More information on OIG Exclusion List. Searchable database

DOH Health Professions Licensure Delays
The WSPA is working with the DOH to improve the communications of licensure status. For the latest on the Department of Health licensure status for Pharmacists, Technicians and Interns here

WA DOH Develops Emergency Medication Distribution Model Agreement
Washington State Dept of Health (DOH) has developed a model agreement to assist local health jurisdictions (LHJ) that want to work with pharmacies to distribute medications or vaccine during a public health emergency such as H1N1 flu. The model agreement can be used for all public health hazards and is a tool for pharmacies and LHJs to partner in getting drugs and vaccinesout quickly to the public during an emergency. Model Agreement

Important DOH Letter on Appropriate Use of Antiviral Medications
At the request of the Washington State Department of Health, the WSPA recently faxed out a letter from Dr. Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH regarding the appropriate use of antiviral medications. Please take a moment to read this important letter.

Patient Safety Data is Now Protected and Confidential
Pharmacies that license the Pharmacy Quality Committment program and report patient safety events are now provided federal legal protection to information that is reported through the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety (APMS) - a patient safety organization or PSO. Pharmacies reporting through PQC will also receive recommendations on best practices and workflow processes to help reduce medication errors, improve medication use and enhance patient safety and health outcomes. Pharmacies can promote the fact that they participate with a PSO so their patients know their pharmacy aims to be among the safest in the nation. More.
Final Rule Issued for Patient Safety Organizations

Upcoming
Events

2010 WSPA
Annual Meeting
November 5-6, 2010
Vancouver, WA
Link

 
Membership
Renewal
Join Online Today 
Call 425-228-7171 

New Location of
WSPA Office
  411 Williams Ave S
Renton, WA 98057
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