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?
About Membership Association
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| 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. |
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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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