As of June 10, 147 state provider status-related bills have been introduced in 39 states in the 2019 session. NASPA identifies “state provider status-related bills” as those that pertain to pharmacist scope of practice, payment for pharmacist-provided patient care services, and the designation of pharmacists as providers. Of the three categories, scope of practice is […]
Pharmacists Save Lives When Given Authority to Directly Dispense Naloxone
A summary published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Journal Watch concluded that laws that allow pharmacists to directly dispense naloxone may reduce fatal opioid overdoses. The summary cited a recent study examining fatal and nonfatal overdoses in all 50 states and D.C. after the implementation of three types of access laws: direct authority, […]
Secretary Azar Reinforces Commitment to Vaccination As Measles Cases Surpass 1,000
The CDC reported earlier this month that the number of measles cases nationwide has now surpassed 1,000. In response to this report, Health and Human Secretary Alex Azar is reinforcing his commitment to vaccination; “We cannot say this enough: Vaccines are a safe and highly effective public health tool that can prevent this disease and […]
Over 100 Organizations Urge Congress to Oppose Importation of Non-FDA Approved Drugs
Over 100 health, patient advocacy, and law enforcement organizations, including NASPA and state pharmacy associations, signed on to a letter sent to President Trump and members of Congress asking them to safeguard patients and protect the secure U.S. prescription drug supply. The letter reminds the president and members of Congress that four previous FDA commissioners […]
NASPA Welcomes New Staff
NASPA is excited to welcome Allie Jo Shipman to the team! Allie Jo is a South Carolina native and a 2017 graduate of Mercer University College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA. Interested in advancing the pharmacy profession, she moved to Alexandria, VA after graduation to begin her career in association management as the 2017-2018 National […]
CDC Releases “Dear Provider” Letter to Clarify Measles Recommendations
The CDC released a new “Dear Provider” letter this month to clarify adult MMR recommendations and immunity questions. In the letter, the CDC states: Providers do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity. This is because of high population immunity and low risk of disease among adults in non-outbreak areas in the […]