Applying to be a student or resident representative for the WSPA (Washington State Pharmacy Association) academies and special interest groups offers a wealth of benefits for aspiring and current pharmacy professionals. WSPA's academies and special interest groups are designed to connect students with pharmacists with similar areas of expertise. As a representative, you'll gain unparalleled opportunities to network with professionals, collaborate on initiatives, and build valuable relationships within your chosen pharmacy practice setting (e.g., ambulatory care, community practice, health systems, long-term care, independent pharmacy). This can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and a strong professional support system. Below is a table of what positions are available and a general list of responsibilities. For more information, please reach out to Boris Zhang (boris@wsparx.org).

ACA - Ambulatory Care Academy

HSA - Health Systems Academy

CPA - Community Practice Academy

IPA - Independent Practice Academy

BH SIG - Behavioral Health Special Interest Group

A statement from WSPA CEO, Jenny Arnold on behalf of the WSPA

"In light of recent King 5 reports, WSPA is deeply disturbed by the unsafe and illegal compounding practices involving GLP-1 medications by a Aequia pharmacy connected to a California based telehealth provider, Mochi Health. We applaud the pharmacy professionals who have come forward to bring these illegal and unsafe practices to light in an effort to protect patient safety. We support enforcement of our compounding laws in Washington state to protect patients. 

Compounding is essential to patient care when performed in accordance with established laws, regulations, and quality standards. WSPA supports the ethical and compliant practices of high-quality compounders and remains committed to promoting patient safety and professional integrity across all pharmacy settings."

Just kidding! Happy April Fools’ Day! 🎉

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This includes pharmacist prescribed vaccines, medications, etc. For Managed Medicaid plans to pay for the vaccine or medication, the prescriber must be an enrolled provider. Even if providers to not accept Medicaid for services. 

Fee for service Medicaid has required this since 2014, but for the Managed Medicaid Plans this requirement goes into effect in April 2026. 

WSPA has created a Guide to ProviderOne Enrollment for Pharmacists to support their enrollment as service providers - available for our members. 

Please also note this will coincide with MCO plans not accepting a pharmacy's NPI number for OTC prescriptions. The claims should be submitted using an enrolled pharmacist's NPI number. Alternatively, once pharmacy and payer systems have updated the NCPCD process for submitting a claim without a prescriber could be used. The state has guidance for submitting OTC Contraction claims for Apple Health clients also. 

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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate give us a call at 425-228-7171, Ext. 0 or email us at askwspa@wsparx.org.

Advisory Board members represent a variety of practice settings and geographic regions across Washington, reflecting the diversity of WRAPP participants. The Board is currently seeking three new members to bring their perspectives and expertise to WRAPP. Specifically, we are seeking:

• A pharmacy technician working primarily in a community (retail) setting

• A Substance Use Disorder Professional, or a pharmacist with experience in behavioral health or addiction medicine

• A pharmacist with a background in community pharmacy, preferably in a chain setting

The WRAPP Advisory Board meets every other month on Thursdays at 8:00 AM. Members must be able to commit to attending meetings, as well as dedicating approximately one additional hour for preparation before each meeting. Board members are asked to serve a minimum three-year term.

Individuals with lived experience, either personally or through someone they know professionally or personally, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Help WSPA improve access to respiratory illness prevention measures and build a stronger connection with your community. This opportunity is available for all independent pharmacies including our WSPA Pharmacy Members, and we welcome non-members who are interested in learning more and would like to join our community to enjoy the additional benefits of becoming a member including our WSPA Workers Compensation Retrospective Ratings Program. 

The Department of Health Mobile Health & Outreach Care-A-Van Mobile Health has contracted with the Washington State Pharmacy Association to improve access and awareness to respiratory virus testing, medication reviews and preventative health screenings. This effort will reduce health inequities in underserved areas and populations through on-site service events and aim to increase public awareness and engagement with their local independent pharmacies to create long-term public health improvements.

WSPA will collaborate with local pharmacies to support mobile health outreach events hosted by the DOH Care-A-Van and provide financial and technical assistance to host a pharmacy-organized/pharmacy-led outreach event. We welcome all independent pharmacy partners throughout the state, but there will be a focus on sites in areas with a high social vulnerability index, lack of medication and health screening services, and high uninsured populations in efforts to further help reduce health inequities. Funding will be available until July 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

For more information and to apply to be a participating pharmacy in this grant, please email Mylinh Nguyen at mylinh@wsparx.org.

Governor Ferguson has declared an emergency in response to Washington State Flooding. This declaration permits Washington pharmacists to better assist displaced and affected patients. The RxOpen has been activated to help indicate pharmacies that are open and closed. If your pharmacy is not active in the system, the enrollment process is very quick from the website. 

WAC 246-945-332 authorizes pharmacists to dispense emergency refills of legend (prescription) drugs when a state of emergency is declared using a patient's medical record or prior prescription bottle. Note emergency on the hardcopy prescription, and notify the prescriber and regular pharmacy. See full WAC language below. 

Washington PBMs have authorized emergency refills for replacement medications. Sometimes the pharmacy can simply process the claim indicating emergency refills, and in some cases the patient may need to call the PBM to authorize refills. 

Lastly, independent pharmacies affected by flooding may receive assistance for rebuilding from the NCPA Foundation so they can continue to serve their communities. Check the NCPA Disaster Relief Fund Page for eligibility and more information. 

We appreciate all the pharmacy professionals working hard to support displaced patients, sometimes while they themselves are affected. Thank you!

If you need more support from emergency preparedness folks (i.e. to receive your order) or anything else, please don't hesitate to reach out to the WSPA staff.

WAC 246-945-332 

Scammers have been calling pharmacy professionals and stating they have outstanding action or complaints from the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission or the DEA. PQAC and the DEA have stated that they will not reach out to those with complaints or actions against their license in those ways. The phone number listed is the same as the WSPA main line phone number - but it is not originating from our office.

Scammers have the professional's NPI number and License Number (both are public record). 

Please be aware of this scam, and do not give them any personal information. 

(View PDF)

The WSPA submitted a letter with ideas for pharmacy engagement in the Project to the committee based on Washington State's selected priority areas. 

Review the WSPA Letter here. We anticipate this will be combined with further stakeholder input leading up to the submission deadline.

Pharmacy professionals can use the standing order as the prescription for patients seeking the vaccine. The prescription can be processed using Dr. Kwan-Gett as the prescriber, using his NPI number.

Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH Washington State Health Officer told WSPA staff, “Pharmacists have such an important front line role in public health and we are grateful for their service to Washington communities!” Thank you to all the pharmacists that are preventing illness by ensuring vaccine access, especially to pregnant women and those with increased risk!

The vaccine remains covered by most private insurers, Apple Health, and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs, removing barriers and helping people stay healthy.

Learn more about the Standing Order and find answers to frequently asked questions here.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to WSPA staff at askwspa@wsparx.org or call 425-228-7171, Ext. 0.

It has come to our attention that a job posting is circulating online advertising a Remote Virtual Assistant position with a salary range of $128,000–$160,000 per year. This job posting is not from us and is not legitimate.

As much as we would all enjoy a job that pays like a CEO for work you can do in your pajamas, this one isn’t real. Remember the golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Please do not apply to this posting and thank you for helping us stop the spread of this misinformation.

• Scott Herzog has been elected as President-Elect

• Jacqueline Eidewill serve as Pharmacist-at-Large

• Jeannette Quimby will also serve as Pharmacist-at-Large

• JP Ghuman will serve as Pharmacy Technician-at-Large

New board members will be sworn in at the WSPA Annual Meeting at the Leadership Luncheon on Saturday, November 8th. We will also celebrate and recognize outgoing board members Bridgett Edgar, Jimmy Houpt, Chris Schaffner, and Katie Ruddell.

This year's Annual Meeting will be hosted at the Great Wolf Lodge in Centralia, WA, November 7-8, 2025. Book your room and register by October 2nd save over $150!

We extend our sincere thanks to all candidates who ran for office. Your commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and supporting our community is invaluable. We appreciate the engagement and participation of all our members in this important process.

Thank you for your continued support of the profession and the WSPA!

Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients:

• Bowl of Hygeia: Danial Baker, PharmD, FASHP, FASCP

• Washington State Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year: Jeannette Bernay Quimby, PharmD

• Washington State Pharmacy Technician of the Year: JP Ghuman

• Washington State Pharmacist of the Year: Christopher Greer, RPh, FWSPA

• Washington State Student Pharmacist of the Year: Veronica Vann

• Rod Schafer Distinguished Leadership Award: Julie Akers, PharmD, FWSPA

• WSPA Outstanding Mentor Award: Courtney Quinby, PharmD

Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders at the  WSPA Annual Meeting during the Awards of Distinction Soirée & Dessert Dash on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

In addition to these amazing professionals, we would also like to congratulate our 50 year pharmacists! The individuals below have held an active license for 50 years!

Wesley Andersen
Gunars Arnits
William Bauman
Mary Case
Martin Dafforn
Allan Ellsworth
Donna Fujii
James Hollingsworth
James Hurner
Shirley Johnson
Philip Johnston
Jeffrey Kauffman
James Knott
Mary Lindberg
Mark Loesell
Robert McDonald
Ernest Neben
Mary Odne
Thomas O’Leary
John Osborn
Geraldine Picha
Eleanor Quick
Christopher Quinby
Gregory Rankos
Douglas Rosser
Charles Schley
Robert Sloan
Andreas Stergachis
Michael Terhaar

Congratulations!

Are you a pharmacy technician or do you know of a pharmacy technician member who is looking to expand their career opportunity? The WSPA is currently doing a project on advancing pharmacy technician soft skills to be used in the pharmacy workplace. Eligible participants will be asked to complete to suite of CE's as part of this opportunity. Compensation is available upon completion of the project.

Complete this survey to indicate your eligibility to participate in this project. Questions can be directed to Boris Zhang (boris@wsparx.org) and Sirena Kalinski (sirena@wsparx.org).

The Washington State ASHP Delegates have submitted a resolution to the House of Delegates. The resolution requests the ASHP Board of Directors update Appendix C of the Affiliation Guidelines to allow for them to consider affiliating with unified state pharmacy organizations. 

Currently, ASHP Affiliates with unified organizations from Colorado, Iowa, Hawaii, North Carolina and Wisconsin. However, Appendix C passed in 2022 prohibits further affiliations like these. 

The ASHP House of Delegates meets virtually in mid-March, and in person at the ASHP Futures meeting in June 2025. 

Position Title:  Membership Administrator

Position Information:

• Job Category:  Non-Profit /Trade Association
• Job Class:  Part time
• Location:  Renton, Washington
• Posting Date:  02/04/2025

Job Description: The Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) is seeking a Membership Assistant to fill a key position on our 7-member staff. We are a small office with a dynamic team environment.  This person will assist members via the phone, email and our software, and support staff in day-to-day office operations. They will answer phones, support members with questions, registration and membership renewals, and complete various projects and tasks. This position is in-office, 4 days a week, 20-30 hours per week.

Role overview:

• Engage and welcome members by answering phones and responding to emails
• Support membership drives and registration for events including use of our membership and payment processing systems
• Support office maintenance including but not limited to: keeping the office organized, set up in-office meetings, scheduling maintenance, special building projects and ordering office supplies
• Process incoming and outgoing mail
• Maintaining the office task calendar and scheduling staff meetings to keep everyone on task
• Assisting with basic bookkeeping – scanning invoices, filing checks, coding credit card statements
• Assisting with live meeting preparations, including packing for the meetings, handling registration details and metrics, and supporting staff involvement
• Assisting with filing PAC donations with the state
• Support CEO with administrative tasks
• Other duties to help the functioning of the staff and office, especially as it relates to membership and office functions

The successful candidate has the following characteristics:

• An engaging personality and willing to support our diverse membership
• A positive, glass half-full approach to work
• Willingness to jump in and get the job done as part of a team
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively in a highly collaborative environment
• Highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize tasks, learn new concepts, and absorb information quickly
• Willingness to learn new technology
• Microsoft Office proficient, specifically in Excel and Word
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Education and Experience

• Associates’ Degree, bookkeeping certificate or relevant customer service experience desired
• Successful administrative experience preferred
• Experience with membership management software preferred

Key Attributes:

• We are looking for an engaging, self-directed, and team-oriented people person with a “can do” attitude. Applicants must be customer service oriented with good organizational skills, have a keen eye to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment under tight deadlines.

Compensation $20-25/hour, commensurate with education and experience. Full health care benefit package, pension, generous PTO leave in a business casual atmosphere. Applicants should apply through indeed.com or by emailing a resume and cover letter to careers@wsparx.org.

The applicant group for this proposal is the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA).

Here are the proposal documents:

• Request from legislature (PDF)
• Applicant report (PDF)
• Proposed bill – SB 6019 (PDF) 

Progress to Date

The department sent follow-up questions on the applicant report and has received WSPA’s responses. Here are the questions and responses:

• Applicant response to questions (PDF)

Attachments:

• CDTA samples (PDF)
• Evidence for pharmacist provided care (PDF)
• Foundational educational documents (PDF)
• UW SOP select coursework (PDF)
• WSU COPPS selected curriculum (PDF)

Current Activity

The department is now inviting public comments on the proposal. Please submit your comments via email (sunrise@doh.wa.gov).

We are accepting written comments through April 1, 2025.

Hold-the-date for a public comment meeting May 14 beginning at 1:00 p.m. (details to come in the spring).

Next Steps

• In the spring, we will send details about the public comment meeting, including instructions for signing up to provide oral comments.
• The department will review all public comments, conduct independent research, and draft a report with recommendations to the legislature.
• The department will post the final report on this web page once it has been submitted to the legislature.

For more information on the sunrise process and to view the criteria for a sunrise review, see our main sunrise webpage.

To receive updates about this review, subscribe to our GovDelivery list (Scroll down to “Rule Making,” click the + to expand it, select “Pharmacist Sunrise” and then click “Submit”).

The Department of Health (DOH) has contracted with WSPA to improve vaccine rates and improve access to vaccinations in pharmacies. WSPA will collaborate with pharmacies to support off-site vaccine services and we will provide financial and technical assistance to pharmacies enrolling into the DOH Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) and Children Vaccine Program (CVP). WSPA will also support pharmacies who aim to grow their online presence to provide vaccine information through the support of website and social media development. Priority will go to sites in areas of high social vulnerability, lack of vaccination access, and high uninsured populations in efforts to further help reduce health inequities. Funding will be available until June 30, 2025 or until funds are exhausted. 

For more information and apply to be a participating pharmacy in this grant, please email Mylinh Nguyen at mylinh@wsparx.org. 

WSPA members have received many questions about compounded medications for diabetes and weight loss. Patients and providers want to ensure they are accessing safe, high quality medications. Therefore the WSPA Compounding Special Interest Group, Diabetes Special Interest Group and Ambulatory Academy members worked together to inform patients and providers. 

Please share the WSPA Statement on Compounded GLP-1 Medications with anyone with questions. 

If you have feedback or further questions please reach out to Boris Zhang - boris@wsparx.org. 

• Tim Lynch has been elected as President-Elect.
• Kaitlynn Johnson will serve as Pharmacist-at-Large.
• Austin Blakeslee will also serve as Pharmacist-at-Large.

New board members will be sworn in at the WSPA Annual Meeting, November 8-9, 2024 at the Suncadia resort in Cle Elum, WA. We will also celebrate and recognize outgoing board members, Amanda Locke, Laura Hanson, and Christina Schwartz. Discounted pricing for the WSPA Annual Meeting ends October 9th.

We extend our sincere thanks to all candidates who ran for office. Your commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and supporting our community is invaluable. We appreciate the engagement and participation of all our members in this important process.

Thank you for your continued support of the profession and the WSPA!

• Bowl of Hygeia: Andy Stergachis, PhD, BPharm, University of Washington
• Washington State Distinguished Young Pharmacist: Matt Binder, PharmD, Ostroms Drug & Gift, Bob Johnson's Pharmacy, Madison Park Pharmacy & Wellness Center
• WSPA Friend of Pharmacy: Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator Washington State
• Washington State Excellence in Innovation: Jacqueline Eide, PharmD, Goldendale Pharmacy
• WSPA Outstanding Pharmacy Technician of the Year: Carrie Stephens, 
  Hoagland Pharmacy
• WSPA Pharmacist of the Year: Leann Dittmar, PharmD, North Seattle College
• WSPA Pharmacy Student of the Year: Anna Dimak, Pharmacy Student, UWMC – NW and Ostrom’s Drug and Gift
• WSPA Rod Shafer Leadership Award: John White, PA-C, PharmD, WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• WSPA Outstanding Mentor Award: Brian Gates, PharmD, BCGP, WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• WSPA Fellow: Brian Beach, PharmD, FACA,  Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group

These awards recognize individuals that have made significant impacts in the field of pharmacy through innovation, leadership, and commitment to the profession.

The award winners will be celebrated at the WSPA Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 8- 9, 2024, at the Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, WA. This event is not one to miss! Join us along with friends, colleagues, and families to honor these exceptional achievements.

For additional details about the event and award presentations, please visit the WSPA Annual Meeting event page.