Hot Topics
A Pandemic is Declared
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. Seventy-four countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths. The number of state health department confirmed cases may be higher than the CDC reported numbers due to the fact that the CDC reviews the states' results before confirming a case. (posted 6/12/09)
(read more) (CDC updates)
CDC Health Advisory Regarding the Swine Flu
The most recent CDC information may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. The potential of this type of outbreak is especially of concern to those in the pharmacy profession. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be among the first to see sick patients and to be exposed. Now is the time for pharmacies to activate their plans for dealing with a contagious disease outbreak. The CDC notes further that most people in the U.S. will not have immunity to this new virus, and as it continues to spread - more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
For Hospitals, the AIMS system has been activated. The log in site is: https://www.al.aimslive.org/AIMS/Login.aspx. Most hospitals and many hospital pharmacists have been given AIMS training or updates and should be familiar with this program. (read the CDC Advisory)
Alabama Has Identified One Hundred and Sixteen Cases of Swine Flu
The Alabama Department of Public Health states that four probable and 112 confirmed cases of swine flu have been identified. For additional information on swine flu in Alabama visit www.adph.org.
(ADPH press release 5/8/09)
Medicaid Integrity Program Provider Audit Fact Sheet, November 2008
(download tip sheet)
Red Flags Rule
FTC Will Grant Three-Month Delay of Enforcement of ‘Red Flags’ Rule Requiring Creditors and Financial Institutions to Adopt Identity Theft Prevention Programs
(read the news release)
Alabama Pharmacy Association Goes to Capitol Hill
The Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA) is teaming up with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) to educate Members of Congress and their staff about the importance of pro-pharmacy policy and the need for healthcare reform! (read more)
APA Member’s Good Deed Makes National Headlines
Danny Cottrell's version of an economic stimulus plan gets national attention (read more)
Reminder: Discontinuation of the Original E1...
As originally announced on June 6, 2008, CMS will discontinue support for the original E1 eligibility query and continue to support only the “Enhanced E1” effective April 1, 2009. As a result of the change, all pharmacies will have access to the improved functionality of the enhanced E1; including the additional data elements and explicit messaging that assists pharmacists with processing beneficiary prescriptions. (Download E1 Tip Sheet)
News You Can Use
Current industry news and updated information on pharmacy regulations.
• CMS Announces Course of Action to Identify Protected Classes of Prescription Drugs
• Medicare Clarifies ‘Negotiated Prices’ Under Part D
• WellPoint Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Contracts Enrollment Suspended
• DMEPOS Accreditation Deadline Reminder
• CMS Issues Final Rule Requiring Surety Bonds for DMEPOS Suppliers
• New Rules for How Medicare Pays Suppliers for Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment
• Clarification of CMS’ Requirement for Part D Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training
• Self-Certification for Sale of Pseudoephedrine - Training Required Yearly by DEA
• CDC Primary Changes and Updates in the 2008 ACIP Recommendations
(read more)
Notice: Correction on ID Cards for SEIB Members
Cards Were Printed With Incorrect RxPCN of MBG
IRS Extends the Deadline for the 90% Rule
Deadline Moved to June 30, 2009
New FDA Labeling Regulations - Compliance Date Changed
FDA LABELING REQUIREMENT EFF. 7/1/09
CMS Delays Ban on Faxed Prescriptions
Deadline Moved to Jan. 1, 2012
EPA Publishes Proposed Rule for Pharmaceutical Waste
Respond by February 2nd
The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule for hazardous pharmaceutical wastes, which applies to pharmacies, hospitals and other health care facilities. The rule would classify hazardous pharmaceutical waste as universal waste, a category which currently includes batteries, mercury-containing equipment, lamps and pesticides. The Agency is accepting comments on the rule through February 2nd. (read the proposed rule)
NOTE: Members are encouraged to forward comments for consideration as part of ASHP’s official response to the rule to quality@ashp.org.
APA Constitution and Bylaws
APA Constitution(pdf) & ByLaws (pdf)
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