News

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: Webinars on racial justice in Vermont How to talk to patients from Larry Shelton, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at UVM  Report on Health Disparities of Vermonters COVID-19 and Health Disparities in Vermont 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  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

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

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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

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

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!” 

Contact: Lauren E. Bode, PharmD, BCPS - lauren.bode@acphs.edu. 

You can also access the press release here.

St. Albans, VT - Lauren E. Bode Pharm.D., BCPS, has been named the 2019 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year in Vermont. The prestigious award was conferred on Dr. Bode at the recent meeting of the Vermont Pharmacists Association.

Bode is an Assistant Professor at the Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in Colchester.  She practices at Milton Family Practice. She is the 2020 First Vice-President of the Vermont Pharmacists Association.

Bode graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in 2016 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

The Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year award is presented annually to a pharmacist in each state for individual excellence and outstanding contributions in state pharmacy association activities, community affairs and in professional practice.  The award is sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company.

Pharmacists Mutual, rated Excellent by A.M. Best, is a nationally recognized leader and provider of insurance products and risk management solutions for pharmacists and pharmacies, dentists and dental practices, associated businesses, and professionals. For over a century, Pharmacists Mutual has provided peace of mind to its members through comprehensive, quality products and services.

For more information please contact James Marmar at vtpharmacy@gmail.com

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.

Greater Falls Pharmacy is seeking a part time permanent staff pharmacist. The individual considered for this position must possess excellent customer service skills, be highly motivated and enjoy working in a fast-paced retail pharmacy environment. The qualified candidate for this opportunity must be a Vermont licensed pharmacist and also be certified to give vaccinations. 

The hours of operation at Greater Falls Pharmacy are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and we are closed on Sundays. The work schedule would consist of working 16 hours per week from open to close on the scheduled days and would provide a 30 minute meal break for the pharmacist to eat and take a rest from prescription filling duties.

Pharmacists interested in this position should send Vermont pharmacist license and work history to:

Michelle Laurendeau

Greater Falls Pharmacy

78 Atkinson Street

Bellows Falls, Vermont 05101

Or you can e-mail your information to sales@gfpx.com. No phone calls please. We will contact applicants to arrange an interview after resumes have been reviewed.

See offer from VPA member Corey Duteau, RPh: 

I wanted to reach out to all of you to see if anyone would be interested or had a need for some brand new pharmacy shelving. They are brand new Lozier Classic Wall Units that are still in the boxes. https://www.lozier.com/products/pharmacy-line/classic-rx/classic-rx-components/classic-rx-wall-and-island-units/

We moved our pharmacy at the end of June and I had ordered these shelves but they were delayed by six weeks.  I couldn’t cancel the order and of course in the meantime had to come up with another solution as our move date was fast approaching.

Here is what I have on hand to get rid of and the price we paid.  If any of you or someone you might know is interested, please contact me and we can discuss price.  I just want to move them so will be discounting them heavily. 

 

Description	Qty	Unit Cost (each)
Lozier Classic Bay 15" with 7 adjustable shelves	6	$172.00
Lozier Classic Bay 30" with 7 adjustable shelves	12	$230.00
Lozier Classic Bay 36" with 7 adjustable shelves	8	$250.00

 

Thank you.   

Corey Duteau, R.Ph.

Pharmacy Manager

434 Hurricane Lane

Williston, VT 05495

802-655-3544

802-655-0123 (fax)

www.freedompharmacyvt.com

www.facebook.com/freedompharmacyvt

Calling for medication experts (that's you pharmacists!). See below for an opportunity from a local partner in health care education. Of note, this is not sponsored by VPA, but we are passing this on to any interested members. 

Message below:

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at UVM is looking for an adjunct instructor to teach a course entitled "EDCO 387 Therapeutic Psychopharmacology for Counselors." 

Approximately 30 master's level Clinical Mental Health counselors need to take this course during the summer of 2020. A course description, objectives and standards are below. Might you be willing to post this query to the members of the Vermont Pharmacists Association?

Please feel free to contact Lance Smith, PhD with any questions (802) 881-6242.

EDCO 387 Therapeutic Psychopharmacology for Counselors

Course Description 

This course is an introduction to neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and psychopharmacology as they pertain to mental health counseling. Course also covers commonly prescribed medications, issues around prescribing for special populations, ethical issues, and the referral process.

Course Objectives 

1. To gain basic knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and pharmacology in order to allow understanding of the mode of action of psychotropic medications, their intended effects, their side effects, their interactions with other medications, and their potential for abuse and dependence. 
2. To gain familiarity with the more commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of mood, anxiety, thought, attention, and addiction disorders, as well as efficient ways for gathering information about these medications. 
3. To understand research methodology used in determining the safety and efficacy of medications, to be able to analyze research reports critically, and enable evidence-based comparisons of the efficacy of therapeutic options. 
4. To explore ethical, economic, and social issues related to prescription of psychopharmacologic agents. 
5. To explore issues of mental health care in the medical model, as well as professional relationships involving shared care of patients/clients between physicians and counselors. 
6. To gain knowledge of the referral process, and to explore avenues for collaboration among counselors, other mental health care providers, and medical care providers. 

From the United States Pharmacopoeia today:

The three revised standards are undergoing appeal, and per USP Bylaws, enactment is therefore postponed until further notice. The three standards are <795> regarding non-sterile compounding, <797> regarding sterile compounding, and <825> a new chapter on radiopharmaceuticals. More information available at:  https://www.uspnf.com/notices/compounding-chapters-postponement

However, USP <800> will still go into effect on December 1, 2019. Is your pharmacy ready? Attend the Fall CE meeting on October 27th for updates on the USP 800 chapter. Register here today!

At VPA, we know that pharmacists are essential to the health of our communities, so we are very pleased to ally with other national and state pharmacy organizations on the Pharmacists for Healthier Lives campaign. Stay tuned for ways to get involved in this needed public awareness campaign and learn how VPA is advocating for the profession!