Vermont Pharmacists Association News

ALERT: PREP Act Extension

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:46:51 GMT

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act Declaration for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19 until December 31, 2029. This extension continues liability immunity for the manufacture, distribution, administration, and use of specific medical countermeasures related to COVID-19. The amendment is effective as of January 1, 2025.

Key Details:

Extension Period: The PREP Act Declaration now extends through December 31, 2029.
Effective Date: The amendment takes effect on January 1, 2025.
Scope:
- Provides liability immunity to covered persons against claims of loss related to the administration or use of designated medical countermeasures, except in cases of willful misconduct.
- Authorizes state licensed pharmacists to order and administer certain vaccines and authorizes pharmacy interns and qualified pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines, when specified requirements are met.
- Authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer certain point-of-care tests and authorizes pharmacy interns and qualified pharmacy technicians to administer certain point-of-care tests, when specified requirements are met.
Reason for Extension: Despite the public health emergency for COVID-19 ending on May 11, 2023, HHS has determined there remains a credible risk that COVID-19 may again pose a public health emergency in the future. This extension aims to prepare for and mitigate that risk.
More information: For more information, please see the notice in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-29108/declaration-under-the-public-readiness-and-emergency-preparedness-act-for-medical-countermeasures

Message from the VPA Board of Directors

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:08:26 GMT

By now you will be aware that the Vermont Board of Pharmacy has settled their suit with Walgreens for $275,000. The suit alleged that Walgreens had endangered the public health by failing to adequately staff their pharmacies to provide safe care and failing to follow rules around unplanned closings, forcing patients to travel miles out of their way to obtain necessary medications only to find that Walgreens had already adjudicated them and could not reverse the claims, thereby forcing patients to pay cash or go without. This also affected the nearby pharmacies who tried to help these patients. It was a frustrating and dangerous experience for all concerned. Thank you to the numerous complainants, both patients and pharmacists, who reported their concerns to the Board of Pharmacy. We are similarly grateful to the Office of Professional Regulation for recognizing that workplace conditions for pharmacy staff are a matter of patient safety and that pharmacy operators are responsible for ensuring there are adequate resources to provide safe care.

After much discussion, with Walgreens denying any wrongdoing, the state and Walgreens reached an agreement where Walgreens would institute several remediation policies, such as adhering to existing rules around timely notice of closures, hiring more pharmacists and support staff to avoid closures, and providing training on how to deal with adjudicating electronic prescriptions and reversal of claims.

We recognize that many people may have mixed feelings on the outcome of this settlement. We can celebrate that this was the largest fine ever levied by the Vermont Board of Pharmacy, representing the extent of the need for change, and that no other state has had such a far-reaching investigation into workplace conditions in a large chain pharmacy. At the same time, we also know that $13,750 per store is just a drop in the bucket for a company this large, even with similar charges being recently settled in nearby states. We are hopeful that nevertheless these fines represent the gravity with which Vermonters regard our community pharmacy practice and act as a deterrent to future negligent behavior. We are additionally hopeful that the settlement is entered into in good faith with a true desire effect necessary change to protect the health and wellbeing of pharmacy staff and patients alike.

The VPA stands with all Vermont pharmacy staff, especially those working without a strong voice or necessary support. We will be diligent about making sure that Walgreens lives up to the promises they made to their staff and their patients as a part of this agreement.

To that end, we would like to note that any complaints on conduct after January 24, 2024 will be considered “new” and subject to investigation, much like the one made in this particular case. If you have any concerns about the working conditions of a pharmacy in Vermont, these should be reported to https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/complaints-conduct-discipline/ . The health and welfare of our patients is our primary concern and any situation that endangers that (understaffing, improper billing practices, unrealistic metrics, corporate harassment, and other dangerous working conditions) requires that we honor our oath to protect our patients, and report to the Board of Pharmacy.

Thank you,

Vermont Pharmacists Association Board of Directors

Pharmacists and MOUD continuing education

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:23:25 GMT

On September 23rd, there will be an online continuing education opportunity on Pharmacy and MOUD, sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health.

Content includes review and facilitated discussion of:

Strategies for pharmacist-MOUD team information-sharing:
Lines of Communication – modalities, barriers, and strategies
Pharmacist-MOUD team prescription collaboration
Unifying Patient-Pharmacist-MOUD team Interactions

This interactive program also plans to facilitate discussion of current levels of pharmacist engagement with MOUD teams at Vermont settings and potential for increased coordination.

Learn more: https://mailchi.mp/a926b91ab9eb/5dd98l9ka1

Looking for more Continuing education as well as time with the Vermont pharmacist community? Register for our Fall Meeting here:

Vermont Pharmacists Association - VPA Fall 2022 Meeting: Refresh | Reset (vtpharmacists.com)

Sincerely,

Your VPA President,

Amy Yanicak Stoll

Sexual Assault Victims and PEP - Information for Pharmacists to Know

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 13:53:02 GMT

Guidance for Vermont Pharmacists

Voucher for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Pursuant to Vermont State statute Title 13 § 3256, the Voucher for Post Exposure Prophylaxis is provided to victims of sexual assault who present to a medical facility for treatment and are subsequently prescribed medications to treat sexually transmitted infections. Including HIVPEP, antibiotics and antiemetics prescribed with HIV PEP.

(g) Upon request of the victim at any time after the commission of a crime involving a sexual act under subsection (b) of this section, the State shall provide any of the following services to the victim:

(1) counseling regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);

(2) testing, which shall remain confidential unless otherwise provided by law, for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and syphilis;

(3) counseling by a medically trained professional on the accuracy of the testing, and the risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases to the victim as a result of the crime involving a sexual act; and

(4) prophylaxis treatment, crisis counseling, and support services.

(13 V.S.A. § 3256)

Processing the Voucher for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

1. Accept the voucher from the patient; verify the provider section is completed.

2. Submit charges to insurance ONLY if the patient agrees. There may be a safety or confidentiality concern related to billing insurance. Reassure the patient that the voucher will cover any patient portion due after insurance. If the patient DOES NOT want insurance billed, Center for Crime Victim Services will be the primary payor.

3. Complete the pharmacy section on the Voucher.

4. Fill the prescription(s) and give it to the patient without a charge.

5. Mail or Fax the original or copy of voucher and medication receipt showing patient name, cost, and any insurance remittance advice to State of Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.

6. Center for Crime Victim Services will process payment and the state will issue payment to the remittance address you provide on the voucher.

7. State of Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services Attn: SA Program, 58 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676

Sexual Assault Program Phone: (802) 241-1250 x104 Fax (802) 241-1253

8. Do not send payment to the clinic addresses at the bottom of the Voucher. Clinic contact information is for patient information only.

You can access the voucher here.

If a patient discloses SA, how can the pharmacist best share information about the sexual assault nurse examiner(SANE) or Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services(VCCCVS)? If a patient discloses SA to the pharmacist, the pharmacist can recommend any or all of the following:

a. Advise the patient to contact the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. An advocate will speak to the patient and advise them of their options. Vermont Network P.O. Box 405 Montpelier, VT 05601 phone 802-223-1302 info@vtnetwork.org

b. Advise the patient to go to the emergency department and ask for a SANE. A SANE will meet with the patient and do as little or as much as the patient chooses. Anything from simply giving options to a full sexual assault forensic exam.

c. Report the assault to law enforcement. Law enforcement will take a report and inform the victim about a forensic exam at the hospital and the Victim Compensation Program at the VCCVS.

4. IMPORTANT- We are not a direct service provider. Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services does not come into play until the patient presents for care or reports to law enforcement. Once the patient does one of those two things, they are informed about VCCVS and we are able to open a claim for the victim. The victim is not eligible for payment of medications unless we have an open claim. If the pharmacist is receiving a voucher for the victim, that means the victim already presented for care and we would have an open claim.

5. Subsequent RX for HIV PEP- A scenario that came up recently was the patient presented the voucher to a pharmacy for 7 days of PEP. Insurance paid and we paid the copay due. Once the patient followed up with infectious disease they were given a prescription for the remaining PEP. This time they did not have a voucher and they were charged the copay. I’m working on making sure a voucher is given with subsequent prescriptions but I also wonder if there is a way for the pharmacists to flag a patient that was given HIV PEP so when they present with the remaining prescription the patient isn’t charged but instead the bill comes to VCCVS? Something to think about.

CPS is hiring for a Director of Pharmacy for North Country Hospital in Newport,VT

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:17:01 GMT

CPS is hiring for a Director of Pharmacy for North Country Hospital in Newport, VT

About CPS®: Founded nearly 50 years ago and employing over 2,500 clinical, regulatory, and operational pharmacy professionals, CPS Solutions, LLC, is one of the nation’s largest providers of pharmacy services to more than 800 hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. CPS® helps clients tackle a variety of complex issues, such as operational efficiency, rising drug costs, regulatory & compliance, 340B, and specialty pharmacy strategy. CPS® helps healthcare leaders drive best in class pharmacy operations through skill, expertise and proprietary technologies. For more information, visit https://www.CPSpharm.com.

About the Position: As a CPS® Director of Pharmacy, you will oversee all pharmacy operations including planning, organizing, controlling, and supervising activities, according to hospital policies, standards of practice of the profession, and state and federal laws. You will recommend innovations in the practice and function of the pharmacy to hospital administration and carry out mutually agreed upon programs with assistance from a full support CPS team. This role includes oversight and management of 3 FTE Pharmacists and 3.5 FTE Pharmacy Technicians.

About the Facility: North Country Hospital is a 25-bed DNV accredited, acute care facility that offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services including 340B services. In its 100 years, the medical campus has grown to include a surgical suite, obstetrics and gynecology division, 24-hour emergency department, pediatrics ward, an intensive care unit, Medical/Surgical floor and branches for dialysis, orthopedics and sleep disorders, as well as areas for radiology, laboratory and physical therapy. In addition, services are provided at four rural health clinics as well as a full service outpatient infusion center. North Country Hospital is where compassionate professionals, sophisticated technology and quality care come together for your well-being, in all stages of life. It is located on 30 acres near an international lake and some of Vermont’s green mountains. It offers convenient care to the 27,000 residents in Orleans and North Essex County, as well as visitors who travel to enjoy the area’s recreational resources. CPS® has partnered with the hospital to manage the day to day operations of this pharmacy. This position is an employee of CPS®.

About the Pharmacy: The Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am – 4:30pm with remote order entry services when closed. Pyxis, Omnicell and Athena EMR are utilized in the pharmacy. Employee prescription program is serviced by the central pharmacy. In the spring of 2022, there will be a conversion from Athena EMR to Cerner.

Requirements:

BS or PharmD from an accredited School of Pharmacy
Vermont Pharmacist licensure in good standing
3 to 5 years management experience in a healthcare/hospital environment.
Successful completion of a Pharmacy Practice Residency program strongly preferred
Ability to solve problems, establish trust and credibility.
Demonstrated teaching, relevant professional publications and involvement with Professional organizations.
·Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, make critical decisions, respond to client concerns and work cooperatively with other staff

Hospital Requirements:

(PPD) TB Skin Test - Proof of negative TB skin test within the last 12 months
(MMR) Measles, Mumps and Rubella or A Blood Titer proving immunity
Varicella - (2) documented doses or A Blood Titer proving immunity
Hepatitis B3 Series or declination
(Flu) Influenza-required for hire between Oct 1^st-April 30^th

If you are interested in this position, or if you know anyone who would be a good fit for this opportunity, please use the following link below. This link will take you directly to the job posting.

If you cannot click on the link, please copy and paste it into your URL.

https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=COMPREHENSIVEPS&cws=42&rid=13547

If you have any questions in regard to this position, please feel free to contact Chris Teal at chris.teal@cpspharm.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, mental or physical disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Pollard Store's Teenage Pharmacist

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:21:56 GMT

8/6/21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLLARDS STORE’S TEENAGE PHARMACIST

The Pollard general store, operated in Proctorsville for approximately 100 years, selling a wide variety of products, including window shades, glazed windows, tobacco, sugar, medicines, footwear, shawls, rope, carpets, petroleum products, and food products.

Serving both humans and animals, Pollards provided a “compounding” pharmacy service, which made customized medications.

Dan Churchill, the owner of “Commercial Radio,” wanted to be a pharmacist as a kid. Around the age of 12-13, he started hanging out at Pollard’s Store and it wasn’t long before he was employed in the pharmacy department. The longer Dan worked for Park Pollard, the more he turned over the day to day operations to him.

The same year Dan headed off to college, 1955, Park Pollard died, and with it the pharmacy service.

While Park was able to become a pharmacist under the apprentice system, by 1948, the American Council on Education declared that the pharmacy degree should be a 6-year program. Without the funds for such an education, Dan had to opt for “plan B” and went into electrical engineering.

However, Dan never lost his interest in pharmacy and when given the opportunity by the Pollard family, he took part of the store’s apothecary section along with the books of prescriptions.

On Sunday, August 15 at 2 pm, Dan will be speaking at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St (Route 131) in Cavendish about his experience being a teenage pharmacist at Pollard’s store. This program is free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

Per Diem Pharmacist Position

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:24:28 GMT

The NOTCH (Northern Tier Center for Health) has an open per diem pharmacist position open at their Richford, VT pharmacy location. Please send any questions to our VPA Board Member Sandra Rosa at srosa@notchvt.org.

Governor Scott Proclaims February is Pharmacists' Month!

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 22:35:54 GMT

On January 15, 2021, Governor Phil Scott signed a proclamation naming February 2021 Pharmacists' Month!

The Proclamation reads:

State of Vermont

Executive Department

A Proclamation

WHEREAS, 2020 brought an unprecedented pandemic upon the world; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Vermonters have contracted COVID-19 and we've lost neighbors, friends, and patients; and

WHEREAS, a State of Emergency was declared on March 13, 2020 to respond to COVID-19 public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, the Vermont Pharmacist Association and other allied groups, both professional and governmental, quickly coordinated to maintain high levels of patient access to medication, counseling and immunizations; and

WHEREAS, Vermont's pharmacists have served on the front lines as immunizers for over a decade; and

WHEREAS, Vermont's pharmacists are integral for COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Philip B. Scott, Governor, hereby proclaim February 2021 as PHARMACISTS' MONTH in Vermont.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont on this 15th day of January, A.D. 2021.

Philip B. Scott, Governor

Brittney L. Wilson, Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs

You can see the official proclamation here.

Wow, a lot is happening!

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:19:05 GMT

Behind the scenes (and computer screens), VPA has been hard at work this year! We recently sent out our yearly membership letter with many details about our social events, CE, and amazing legislative efforts.

We are sending out a monthly email newsletter with timely updates, national and local opportunities, free CE sessions, social networking events, member-only resources and more.

Our board is very proud to serve members in the state, and the next big event is our Vermont Pharmacists Week starting 10/25/2020. Follow us on facebook and Instagram or renew your membership to stay informed! Without YOU - pharmacists, technicians, and students - then we have no purpose! We are here to serve pharmacists and advance our profession in VT, so let us know what we should be thinking about next. Thank you ALL for your hard work in 2020!

Remembering Anthony Otis

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 01:21:04 GMT

We mourn the loss of a great man and a friend of the profession, Anthony Otis. Anthony was the VPA lobbyist for many, many years as part of Otis & Brooks, LLC, and later Otis & Kennedy, LLC. Our sympathies go out to his widow, Trudy. Those that knew him will never forget him.

Executive Director Jim Marmar presents Anthony Otis (right) with a framed piece of art as a token of our esteem, Oct. 25, 2015.

Anthony Edward Riva Otis, 'Outstanding' Lawyer and Community Leader. You can read the full obituary here.

Anthony Edward Riva Otis of Montpelier, VT, died peacefully from dementia on July 13, 2020 at the age of 71.

Anthony is survived by his wife Trudy McBride Otis of Montpelier, children Janell Otis Niebuhr (Colin) and Brandon Allen Otis (Nicole) of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren, Martin Niebuhr and Scarlett Niebuhr. He is also survived by his older sister, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ducoff (Duke), and half-sisters Mary Ellen Dunn, Rebecca Riva, Susanne Guttenberg and Peggy Festini. He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio Riva, Ruth Ann Merrill Otis, David Otis, maternal grandparents Anne Novak Merrill and Perry H. Merrill.

Anthony was born December 24, 1948 in New York City. He grew up in Vermont graduating from Montpelier High School in 1966, the University of Vermont in 1970 and Willamette University College of Law in 1976. He returned to Montpelier as a clerk and administrator of the VT Supreme Court. In 1982 Anthony opened his first law office and practiced law until 2016. He represented local and national businesses and organizations with legislative matters and public policy. He was often found at the Statehouse in Montpelier with his office a few doors down. He had a very diverse legal career culminating with Concurrent Resolution #401 from Vermont House of Representatives honoring him for “outstanding legal career and his community leadership.”

Anthony was accomplished as a 1st Dan Taekwondo Black belt and often could be found stretching. He loved music, dancing, nature photography and doing artwork with colored pencils. Anthony was passionate about buying local and supporting the arts including Lost Nation Theater. He enjoyed spending time at his family camp on Ricker Pond and motorcycle rides. He was an active and dedicated member of the Montpelier Heritage Group, Montpelier Historical Society, Montpelier Historic Preservation Commission, and Trash Tramps.

Special thanks to his care givers including Tom and Rich, Central VT Council on Aging, Project Independence, Mayo staff, and CVMC for compassionate care and walking miles with Anthony.

A reception and celebration of life will be scheduled for 2021. Contributions to Bethany Church in Montpelier (bethanychurchvt.org) or Lost Nation Theater (lostnationatheater.org) would be appreciated.

Condolences c/o 171 Westview Meadows Rd. Montpelier VT 05602

The family is being assisted in arrangments by Guare & Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.guareandsons.com

News on Racial Injustice, COVID-19, and Important Pharmacy Updates

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:03:16 GMT

The VPA Continues our bimonthly newsletter with timely updates for VT Pharmacists. See an example of the June 11th Newsletter below, and join VPA today for future updates.

News Alert from the VPA
June 11, 2020

National Pharmacy Organizations Unite to Take a Stand Against Racial Injustice

In a Joint Statement, 14 pharmacy organizations have voiced their support of the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination.

The Vermont Pharmacist Association stands with our national pharmacy associations and state organizations in declaring that we will do our part to help solve issues of systemic racism and racial injustice in healthcare and in the communities we serve.

We are compiling resources to help, YOU, pharmacists in Vermont with awareness, education and action:

Pharmacy News Updates

Many lots of Metformin ER have been recalled by the FDA due to NDMA impurities. IR formulations have not been affected and patients should continue taking metformin until talking to their healthcare providers. Read more

FDA Approves Only Drug in U.S. to Treat Severe Malaria. Artesunate is an injection to treat severe malaria in adult and pediatric patients. Read more

Medicare Part D moving forward with a model to cap insulin costs on some Medicare plans. Participating enhanced Part D prescription drug plans will provide Medicare beneficiaries access to a broad set of insulins at a maximum $35 copay for a month’s supply, from the beginning of the year through the Part D coverage gap. Read more

Merck partners with nonprofit IAVI to develop potential coronavirus vaccine, with clinical trials beginning by the end of this year. Read more

Dedicated resource page for COVID-19

VPA continues to update the resource page for VT pharmacists with local and national information to help pharmacists navigate from the front lines: https://vtpharmacists.com/COVID-19-Resources

COVID-19 Testing and Updates

Pharmacists in VT are able to do COVID-19 testing but must aquire their own PPE and tests. Specific State guidance is outlined HERE for testing and reporting requirements.

VPA has compiled some resources here and members can contact us at vpamanager@gmail.com for assistance.

NCPA has compiled resources for determining which tests to order and guidance for billing
OmniSYS has made an online platform to aid pharmacists in all things COVID-19 from testing to billing.
Vermont Health Department Updates: Recent cases and pop up testing sites
APhA Weekly COVID-19 Webinars
Take the time to learn more about COVID-19 testing here and the APhA Practice Resources page

Immunizing during COVID-19

CDC has issued “Interim Guidance for Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic” to help immunization providers in a variety of clinical settings plan for the safe vaccine administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights include:

Considerations for routine vaccination of all recommended vaccinations for children, adolescents, and adults, including pregnant women
General practices for the safe delivery of vaccination services, including considerations for alternative vaccination sites
Strategies for catch up vaccinations

Stay tuned to the OPR for additional updates on Emergency Orders

The OPR COVID-19 Response website is updated multiple times a day with regulatory changes.

Upcoming VPA Events

August Social Event - Virtual Paint and Sip (Date TBA)

Fall CE Program and Meeting - October 25, 2020 in Burlington, VT

About Membership Association	Upcoming Events
The Vermont Pharmacists Association represents the interests of all pharmacists, providing continuing education, creating networking opportunities, and advocating for a forward-looking legislative agenda that supports the profession of pharmacy as well as the health of Vermonters.	Join us for upcoming association events

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"Vermont Pharmacists Association" is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.

Vermont Pharmacists Association 2019.

P.O. Box 267, St. Albans, VT, 05478

VTpharmacists.com

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News You Can Use

Wed, 13 May 2020 20:30:17 GMT

Since March 2020, VPA has been working hard to stay abreast of the news that will affect pharmacists and technicians in our state. We have created a newsletter that goes out every 2 weeks, with more frequent e-blasts as needed for timely information. We have also created helpful member-only resources, such as the therapeutic substitutions document on our COVID-19 resources page. Lastly, we are planning to meet your needs with a social event and even a free live CE event in June. We hope that you have found these updates beneficial as members of this organization.

Please see an example of our May 7 newsletter below and become a member today for more timely updates, legislative representation, networking events, and continuing education.

Amy Yanicak, PharmD, MPH, CDE

VPA 2nd Vice President

News Alert from the VPA
May 7, 2020

Dedicated resource page

VPA continues to update the resource page for VT pharmacists with local and national information to help pharmacists navigate from the front lines: https://vtpharmacists.com/COVID-19-Resources

Good news!

Pharmacists around Vermont are stepping up for patients and we want you to know we are stepping up for YOU! As pictured in this COVID-19 updates email, pharmacy staff at Springfield Hospital are proud to be wearing homemade masks from a fellow pharmacist.

Please send us your pictures and "good news" stories to share and follow our Facebook and Instagram for updates.

VPA met with staff from Senator Leahy’s office to address DIR reform and pharmacists' provider status at the end of April. We are continuing to advocate for pharmacists' important role in promoting patient health through our abilities when operating at the top of our licenses.

Congratulations to our ACPHS Vermont Pharmacy Graduates in Colchester, VT who graduate on May 9, 2020!

RSVP Today for our Spring Social Event May 21, 2020

On May 21st at 7 pm, VPA is hosting a Social Distancing Party on Zoom for all pharmacists and technician in VT. Please RSVP and invite your pharmacy co-workers and friends to attend. This is a way to stay informed and support one another.

VPA Sponsors Free 2 Hour Live CE June 2nd, 2020

Register today for CE on the ABCs of Pharmacy from 6-8 pm on 6/2/2020. This is a live CE event on Zoom, a videoconferencing platform. This is a donation-based event sponsored by VPA. Come to learn about the ABCs - Asthma guideline changes, Deprescribing based on Beers Criteria, and Community Acquired Pneumonia treatment updates.

COVID-19 Testing in Pharmacies

On 4/8/2020, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) released Guidance for Licensed Pharmacists, COVID-19 Testing, and Immunity under the PREP Act, which authorized “licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests, including serology tests, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized.”

The guidance noted that pharmacists ordering and administering tests “will qualify as ‘covered persons’ under the PREP Act,” which provides liability immunity for any loss related to countermeasures to COVID-19.

The guidance did not address state scope of practice considerations, the need for pharmacies to have CLIA Certificates of Waiver, payment for services, and many other factors that could facilitate or limit pharmacists’ ability to order and administer tests for COVID-19.

As of today, Vermont pharmacists are not doing COVID-19 testing, but we want you to be ready for this as it is starting in other states, such as NY. Take the time to learn more about COVID-19 testing here and the APhA Practice Resources page

Drug shortages

We have created a comprehensive therapeutic substitutions guidance document for all VPA members to access. This will be helpful when choosing substitutions for medications during shortages and beyond.

The FDA will temporarily allow hospitals to source hard-to-find drugs from compounding pharmacies to treat certain patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19

Please keep us informed of drug shortages or ordering limits that you are experiencing so that we at VPA can advocate for you.

Assessing the Evidence of COVID-19 Treatments

ASHP continues to publish a report on the evidence for COVID-19 Treatments. This can be found at their resource center.

Precautions as businesses start opening

In Vermont, COVID-19 cases are being assessed and businesses slowly opening as directed in a phased approach led by the governor.

Need signs to post reminding patrons and patients to wear face coverings? These can be found at the CDC website to print.

Stay tuned to the OPR for additional updates on Emergency Orders

The OPR COVID-19 Response website is updated multiple times a day with regulatory changes.

Have you checked out these new VPA resources yet?

Therapeutic substitutions guidance document for all VPA members
2 Hour Live CE event in June for our members - register today

About Membership Association	Upcoming Events
The Vermont Pharmacists Association represents the interests of all pharmacists, providing continuing education, creating networking opportunities, and advocating for a forward-looking legislative agenda that supports the profession of pharmacy as well as the health of Vermonters.	Join us for upcoming association events

Follow on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Follow on Instagram

"Vermont Pharmacists Association" is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.

Vermont Pharmacists Association 2019.

P.O. Box 267, St. Albans, VT, 05478

VTpharmacists.com

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time

VPA Press Release - COVID-19

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:13:18 GMT

March 27, 2020 – Pharmacists have an extremely important role in health care during this COVID-19 pandemic. As stated by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), “Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers and the first touchpoint of patient engagement with the healthcare system. In fact, 90% of all Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy.”

With the strain on our healthcare system during these heightened times, pharmacists are positioned to ensure the public has access to necessary medications and other healthcare services. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are a part of the essential healthcare workforce. Pharmacies are essential, not because of the products in the aisles, but because of the medications and information provided by these highly trained clinicians every day.

Pharmacies are remaining open throughout this crisis, and many pharmacies have taken steps to minimize both patient and staff exposure risk to continue to be able to continue to provide services in a safe way. These procedures may vary by pharmacy, some closing lobbies, making home delivery, drive-through, or curbside pick-up more available. Patients should contact their pharmacy to find out what policies are in place during this pandemic.

Please be patient with your pharmacist and pharmacy staff as they work to ensure the best outcomes for you and your community. Even prior to this crisis, pharmacies were operating on a razor’s edge because of anti-competitive practices from middle men in the prescription insurance sector. Additionally, many pharmacists were experiencing staffing shortages and challenging working conditions. Pharmacists’ commitment to providing safe patient care has not wavered under these conditions, and it will not waver under the threat of COVID-19. That said, like other frontline health care providers, the pharmacy team needs personal protective equipment and measures to help prevent the spread of this disease.

For your health and safety, beware of scams and false treatments for COVID-19. At this time, there are no recommended treatments, so do not purchase anything that purports to prevent or treat COVID-19. This includes chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine if you are currently healthy.

Pharmacists are working with their patients to determine if they should continue receiving one-month (30-day) prescriptions or increase to a 90-day supply. Most insurance companies in Vermont, including Vermont Medicaid, will allow 90-day fills to encourage social distancing and minimize visits to a pharmacy. However, drug shortages and stress on the pharmaceutical supply chain are concerns and may be exacerbated. In the event of drug shortages, pharmacists have the training to perform ‘therapeutic interchange’ to ensure patients receive their necessary medications.

VPA’s President Sandy Rosa, RPh stated, “In the ‘Oath of the Pharmacist,’ which applies to all aspects of the profession it says, ‘I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow, I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.’ Pharmacists are willingly putting themselves on the frontlines to meet the needs of their patients. We are here and ready to help!”

Rob Carpenter, Jr. RPh Awarded the Bowl of Hygeia

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 13:35:16 GMT

March 14, 2020: During an impromptu ceremony, Rob Carpenter, Jr. RPh was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia by the VPA. This national award was established in 1958. The Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in their communities. The award is presented annually by participating state pharmacy associations, including those in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition to service through their local, state, and national pharmacy associations, award recipients devote their time, talent, and resources to a wide variety of causes and community service."

Rob's father, Rob Carpenter Sr., and his uncle Lucian Wiskoski also won the Bowl of Hygeia, an amazing trifecta for this family of Rutland, VT pharmacists.

Rob Carpenter holds his 2020 Bowl of Hygeia Award. His sister holds their father's Bowl of Hygeia, awarded in 1980.