A Note from the Chairman of the Board
A Message from the Executive Director
Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy
Senior Care Pharmacy '07
- Get Your Session Handouts Beforehand
- Time Running Out to Save $200 on Audio Recordings!
- Four Products for Pharmacists to Launch at Annual Meeting
- Correction
For Members Only
- 'Just Do It'—Nominate a Colleague for the ASCP Board of Directors By December 31
- Senior Care Pharmacist Award Nominations Due December 31
- Member Notes
- In Memory
ASCP News
- Clark to Start a New Clinical Affairs Position at the ASCP Foundation
- Organizations Urge Congress to Provide Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Home Infusion Therapies
- Mark Your Calendar for Geriatrics '08
- ASCP's Journal Wants Your Papers!
- Submit Your Letters for 2008–2009 Executive Residency By January 31
- Internship Gives Pharmacy Students Experience in Government Affairs, Applications Due March 7
- ASCP Internships Continue to Be Popular
- CMS Announces Two Phases for Prescription Pads Law
ASCP Foundation
- Board Approves New Strategic Plan
- Online Auction Open for Bids
- Stepping Out Under the Stars
- Feeling Lucky? Win the Vehicle of Your Choice in the 2007 Raffle!
A Note from the Chairman of the Board
Dear Colleagues,
In November of each year, the Nominating Committee begins the process of drafting a slate of officers to run for election to the ASCP Board of Directors. To participate in the leadership of this great Society is an extreme honor, but more important, a professional responsibility.
For some it is a natural process and for others it must be learned. The first step is informing the Nominating Committee that you have an interest. Don’t hesitate. Guiding the future of your profession is one of the most exciting volunteer experiences you will ever have. To be nominated is a privilege, to be elected an honor, and an opportunity to make a difference in the future for you and your colleagues.
For me it all began in 1986 as a member of a leadership group, then referred to as the Professional Affairs Council. Once exposed to this exciting role I knew it was just the start, and in a few weeks—21 years later—I will conclude my extraordinary leadership journey as Chairman of the ASCP Board of Directors. This marks the culmination of a very exciting career and an experience, I assure you, is one not to be missed. For me the end is not in sight and as the Nike folks say, “Just do it!”
President Joseph Gruber will chair the 2007–2008 Nominating Committee that convenes at ASCP's annual meeting in Philadelphia. For information about the nomination and election process, visit ASCP's Web site at: http://www.ascp.com/about/leadership/board.cfm.
If you need some guidance on how to start the process, drop me an e-mail at Bob2121mpc@aol.com and we can chat.
Sincerely,
Bob Miller, RPh, FASCP
Immediate Past President and Chairman of the Board
A Message from the Executive Director
ASCP to Announce MTM Partners at Senior Care Pharmacy ’07, and More!
You have heard a lot about medication therapy management (MTM) over the last couple of years, and may have wondered how you could be more involved. For many pharmacists, the idea of developing a full time MTM business on their own is intimidating. Many MTM companies are actively recruiting pharmacists, but which ones have good track records and good patient care practices?
If you ever wondered about how to become more involved in MTM for older patients using the skills you have developed over a lifetime, please join us on Friday, November 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during Senior Care Pharmacy ’07, ASCP's 38th Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Philadelphia. We have created a partnership with two of the most important companies providing MTM nationally, and we will use this opportunity to talk about the program, let you meet the company leaders, and ask questions. President Joseph Gruber will introduce the new program during the Opening General Session, held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14. Additionally, you will have a chance to talk in detail with these companies in the Exhibit Hall. Come and learn more about how ASCP is working to bring you new opportunities!
Our Philadelphia meeting will be more exciting than ever. Our Opening General Session keynote speaker, Dr. Oren Harari, will tell us how to “Break from the Pack” to create new products and services in a competitive environment. On Thursday, November 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Matthew Grissinger will discuss “To Err is Human: Anticipating and Preventing Medication Errors.” Then on Friday, November 16, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Dr. Ruth Westheimer will present the Peter P. Lamy Memorial Lecture, and the ASCP Board of Directors and Officers for 2007–2008 will be installed. Our focus on business and management issues as well as clinical education will continue with Daniel Mendelson Saturday, November 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., discussing “The Future of Long-Term Care Pharmacy: Proving Value in a Changing Market.”
This is all in addition to the best clinical education in senior care pharmacy anywhere. Come network with new and old colleagues, learn about the latest clinical and business innovations, and explore new career opportunities. See you soon in Philadelphia!
John Feather
Executive Director and CEO
Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy
Schedule Your 2008 CCGP Exam By January 31!
Missed the deadline to take the CCGP Certification Examination in conjunction with Senior Care Pharmacy '07?
If so, just get ahead of the game next year by opting to take the exam online. The January/February testing window registration deadline is January 31, 2008.
Register today at https://www.ccgp.org/pharmacist/certification/register_form.cfm. To receive a Candidate Handbook containing exam policies and procedures, application materials, and test preparation tips, visit https://www.ccgp.org/pharmacist/certification/request.htm.
CCGP to Meet at Senior Care Pharmacy '07
The Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) will hold its 10th Annual Meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Room 105AB. The meeting is being held in conjunction with ASCP's 38th Annual Meeting and Exhibition. The evening will begin with a report on CCGP activities for this year, followed by an exclusive program for CGPs, Marketing Your Credential to Your Customers, and conclude with a light reception.
Get Your Session Handouts Beforehand
Want to review session handouts before Senior Care Pharmacy ’07? If so, just download them in advance! Session handouts are made available online as they are submitted by the presenters. Study them ahead of time, prepare questions for the speaker, and share examples of your experiences at the meeting. Paper handouts will not be distributed at the conference. However, complimentary handouts on CD-ROM will be available at the Eisai Booth at the Exhibit Hall. To download your copies, visit http://www.ascp.com/annual/sessions today, and click on the sessions that interest you. Or, bring you laptop with you to Philly. It’s that simple!
Time Running Out to Save $200 on Audio Recordings!
For the first time, ASCP offers Senior Care Pharmacy ’07 registrants the opportunity to pre-order the full set of educational session audio recordings for the low price of $199. ACT NOW! You must order by November 5. Audio includes most in-track educational sessions, nearly 40 programs, in MP3 format or on a CD-ROM. To order, select through your online registration. Price increases to $399 for onsite purchase and $499 for purchase after the annual meeting ends. Already registered for the meeting? Complete and send the order form located online at: http://www.meetingarchives.com/images/AM07order.pdf
Four Products for Pharmacists to Launch at Annual Meeting
The second edition of the Consultant Pharmacist Handbook: A Guide for Consulting to Nursing Facilities will be released at Senior Care Pharmacy ’07. This comprehensive how-to guide for consultant pharmacists is completely revised to reflect the expanded role of the consultant pharmacist in the nursing facility. This edition is reorganized to reflect the recent changes to the interpretive guidelines of the State Operations Manual and includes information on how to effectively use the MDS, quality indicators, and quality measures. Development supported by a grant from GeriMed.
The new Medication Administration in the Nursing Facility in-service training program will educate nursing facility staff about proper preparation and administration of medication and help ensure residents receive quality care as the facility complies with regulatory guidelines. This program includes a step-by-step guide for preparation and presentation and a CD containing the lesson plan in PowerPoint.
Insomnia in the Elderly: Assessment and Treatment, a new clinical reference card, provides an overview of medications and conditions that cause or contribute to insomnia, non-pharmacologic interventions, and tips regarding sleep hygiene, pharmacologic management of insomnia, off-label use of medications to treat insomnia, and considerations for treating insomnia in skilled nursing facilities. Development supported by a grant from sanofi-aventis, U.S. LLC.
Diabetes: Oral Medications, a new clinical reference card, covers antidiabetic medications in the geriatric patient, special considerations for individualization of drug therapy; blood glucose control guidelines; signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia; renal, hepatic and geriatric considerations; and combination therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Note: ASCP now offers reference cards in two convenient combinations: Clinical Reference Cards combo and Medication Management Cards combo.
Correction
The Fundamentals of Consultant Pharmacy Practice Workshop to be held November 13–14 in conjunction with Senior Care Pharmacy '07, ASCP’s 38th Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Philadelphia, is not approved for the Professional Development Program for Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) Recertification. The October 2007 issue of ASCP Update incorrectly identified this workshop as approved for CGP recertification.
‘Just Do It’—Nominate a Colleague for the ASCP Board of Directors
By December 31
Surely you know a qualified person to serve on the Society’s 2008–2009 Board of Directors. So why not take the time to submit a nomination? Take advantage of the opportunity. Shape the future of your professional association. Just be sure your nominees for vice president and president-elect have current or previous experience on the board. Qualifications for directors are:
- Two years membership in ASCP
- Attendance at two or more ASCP meetings
- Productive service and involvement in ASCP leadership groups
Submit your nominations to the Nominating Committee c/o ASCP headquarters no later than December 31, 2007. For more information, contact Heather Henson, Leadership Coordinator, ASCP, 1321 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-739-1316, ext. 147; hhenson@ascp.com, or visit: http://www.ascp.com/about/leadership/board.cfm.
Senior Care Pharmacist Award Nominations Due December 31
Do you know anyone who is deserving of the ASCP Senior Care Pharmacist Award? The award, which will be presented at Geriatrics ’08, ASCP’s 30th Midyear Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, honors a senior care pharmacy practitioner who exemplifies his or her knowledge in geriatrics, geriatric pharmacotherapy, and the unique medication-related needs of the senior population; applies that knowledge in the provision of pharmaceutical care; improves the quality of life of the senior population; and contributes significantly to the goals of ASCP.
Want to submit a nomination? Nominees must be members of ASCP for at least three years and not currently members of the ASCP Board of Directors. Self-nominations are encouraged. Whether nominating a colleague or yourself, be sure to include the person’s curriculum vitae and a narrative endorsement describing the qualifications of the candidate when you submit your nomination. Three separate ASCP members must support each individual who is nominated.
Nominations must be received no later than December 31, 2007, and should be sent to the Senior Care Pharmacist Award Selection Committee, c/o Heather Henson, Leadership Coordinator, ASCP, 1321 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; fax 703-739-1321; e-mail hhenson@ ascp.com. For more information visit: http://www.ascp.com/about/awards/scpaward.cfm.
Member Notes
- Bob Bunting, RPh, of Alexandria, Kentucky, is the new chair of the Kentucky Pharmacy Association’s Academy of Consultant Pharmacists.
- Amy DeWein, RPh, and Hedva Barenholtz Levy, PharmD, CGP were featured on October 22 in the St. Louis Dispatch about their consulting practices examining medication regimens for private clients. Tom Clark, RPh, MHS, director of policy and advocacy at ASCP, also was interviewed for the article.
In Memory
Jack H. Ziskin, 64, of West Hartford, Connecticut, a lifetime ASCP member, died Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at St. Francis Hospital. He was a founding member and past president of the Connecticut Chapter of ASCP. He was a graduate of University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and for many years owned and operated pharmacies in Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Fund, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit http://www.weinsteinmortuary.com/.
Clark to Start a New Clinical Affairs Position at the ASCP Foundation
Tom Clark, RPh, MHS, director of policy and advocacy, and recipient of the 2005 Archambault Award, ASCP's most prestigious award, will join the ASCP Foundation as director of clinical affairs starting January 1, 2008. ASCP will begin an aggressive national search for a new director of policy and advocacy.
Clark first joined ASCP in 1994 as director of education and professional affairs. In 2003, just as the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) was being finalized, ASCP’s Professional Affairs and Government Affairs Departments were merged into what is now the Policy and Advocacy Department. As director of policy and advocacy, Clark’s primary focus has been on helping to shape policies related to the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and long-term care, and assisting ASCP members with the transition into the new era for long-term care pharmacy. During this time, he became recognized as a leading expert regarding long-term care issues and MMA.
For more information, visit: http://www.ascp.com/about/media/ascpnews.cfm.
Organizations Urge Congress to Provide Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Home Infusion Therapies
Eight organizations advocating on behalf of Medicare Beneficiaries, including ASCP, sent a letter to Congress urging the enactment of a bill (H.R. 2567) that would provide coverage under Medicare Part B for supplies and services associated wit infusion therapy.
Medicare remains virtually the only health program in the country where this gap exists for home infusion therapy. Medicare Part D does cover most infusion drugs usable in the home, but Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concluded that it does not have the authority to cover the professional services, supplies, and equipment that are essential to the safe and effective provision of infusion therapy.
The Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007 would give Medicare beneficiaries full access to home infusion therapies—coverage for infusion medications under Medicare Part D and coverage for supplies, equipment, and professional services under Medicare Part B.
Mark Your Calendar for Geriatrics ’08
Be sure to join the Society for Geriatrics ’08, ASCP’s 30th Midyear Conference and Exhibition, May 14–16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada! As a pharmacist in attendance, you will access up-to-date clinical information for the geriatric population through a variety of sessions for continuing education. You also will enjoy networking opportunities and the Exhibit Hall.
To that end, ASCP currently is seeking applications for satellite symposia and exhibitors. Satellite symposia are presentations and discussions that provide valuable scientific and educational benefits, along with modest meals, in an environment conducive to learning. The Exhibit Hall is the central meeting place for ASCP convention registrants and the location for convention events such as refreshment breaks, special drawings, and product demonstrations.
For more information about satellite symposia, application, and guidelines visit: http://www.ascp.com/education/meetings/2008/midyear/ASCP-Satellite-Symposia.cfm.
For more information about ASCP’s Exhibition, visit: http://www.ascp.com/education/meetings/2008/midyear/Industry-Information.cfm.
ASCP’s Journal Wants Your Papers!
The Consultant Pharmacist journal, indexed by the National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, EMBASE.com, Excerpta Medica, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, offers an efficient peer-review process. Approved manuscripts generally are published within six to nine months of acceptance. We welcome reports of original, well-designed research that is applicable to consultant pharmacy and senior care practice, and in addition to original research, we encourage submission of literature reviews, case reports, and opinions on important clinical or professional issues.
Interested? Our editorial process is designed not only to select the best articles for peer review and publication, but also to help you conceive and develop publishable manuscripts. Sharing research findings, clinical innovations, and practice management insights in the journal is an excellent way for you to expand the knowledge base of the entire profession—and to help improve the lives of seniors.
For the official “Instructions for Authors,” visit: http://www.ascp.com/publications/tcp/authorinstructions.cfm
Submit Your Letters for 2008–2009 Executive Residency By January 31
Interested in professional association management? The one-year ASCP Executive Residency, which commences in June or July, offers a unique opportunity for a pharmacy graduate to gain experience and pursue a career in association management. Just send a letter of interest no later than January 31, 2008, to: ASCP Executive Resident Search, c/o Stephanie Spence, 2007–2008 Executive Resident, 1321 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information and application materials, visit: http://www.ascp.com/student/resident/execresident.cfm
Internship Gives Pharmacy Students Experience in Government Affairs,
Applications Due March 7
ASCP is seeking candidates for the Cano Legislative Internship, created in 1991 in memory of former ASCP Director of Government Affairs Paul G. Cano. The internship gives pharmacy students experience and training in federal and state legislative and regulatory processes. The deadline for application materials is March 7, 2007. For more information about the application procedure, visit: http://www.ascp.com/student/canointernship.cfm.
ASCP Internships Continue to be Popular
More interns have been hosted by ASCP this summer and early fall. They are:
- Salvatore Bottiglieri, Albany College of Pharmacy, New York
- David Bondarenka, Albany College of Pharmacy, New York
- Kwadwo Bekoe, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
- Shannon Reid, Hampton University, Virginia
- Pratish Patel, Nova Southeastern University, Florida
- Phiphung (Jenny) Vu, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
- Willie Bawarski, Albany College of Pharmacy, New York
- Joe Shin, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
- Marsha Joseph, Hampton University, Virginia
Here is one recent intern’s reflection on his five weeks at ASCP:
"Ordinarily, the first day of my rotation is an uneventful experience. Unlike my previous rotations in community and hospital settings, ASCP offered a non-traditional office setting. Initially, the concept of not directly interacting with patients every day was mind-boggling. But I soon learned about the many hats a consultant pharmacist wears.
Upon hearing this, my ears instantly perked up as I have always aspired to do something more rewarding with my degree than push pills. On that first day I was quite overwhelmed, as I was handed a folder full of required readings. One of these readings, an AARP Bulletin entitled ‘The Pharmacist Who Says No to Drugs,’ struck a chord within me. Yet again I was baffled—this time by the outrageous headline. Admittedly the retail setting has sheltered me, but I had never heard of pharmacists who didn’t endorse what they’re dispensing.
That September 2004 AARP cover story [about ASCP member Armon Neal] will forever be engraved in my mind because of this ‘rebel’ pharmacist’s unconventional philosophy. One word can explain what makes people here so unique—passion. This passion shines through every day and it’s truly contagious."—Willie Bawarski, Albany College of Pharmacy
To read 5th year pharmacy student Bawarski's reflections in its entirety, visit: http://www.ascp.com/student/resident/.
Interested in a student experiential rotation? Visit: http://www.ascp.com/student/.
CMS Announces Two Phases for Prescription Pads Law
The Transitional Medical Assistance, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 (H.R. 3668) signed into law by President George W. Bush in September delays the implementation date for all prescriptions to be written on tamper-resistant pads. Under the new law, as of April 1, 2008, all written Medicaid prescriptions must be on tamper-resistant prescription pads.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently provided guidance on the law, stating two phases for implementation. For the first phase, a prescription must contain at least one of the three tamper-resistant characteristics in order to be considered “tamper-resistant.” For the second phase, prescriptions must contain all three characteristics. At least one of the three tamper-resistant characteristics is required on April 1, 2008. All three characteristics are required on October 1, 2008. For more information, including CMS' background paper outlining the three tamper-resistant characteristics, visit the ASCP Web site at its Medicaid Tamper-Resistant Requirement Briefing Room http://www.ascp.com/advocacy/briefing/tamper.cfm.
Board Approves New Strategic Plan
The ASCP Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently approved a strategic plan for the next three years. Work on the plan began last year under the chairmanship of Trustee Joan Hyde, PhD.
The plan was formulated after ASCP member surveys, focus groups, and a two-day strategic planning meeting that included leaders from eight other national organizations in the field of aging discussing population and programmatic trends. The Foundation’s vision and mission statements and the goals that will be pursued through 2010 are as follows:
- Vision: Optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons.
- Mission: To foster appropriate, effective, and safe medication use in older persons.
- Goals:
- Research—Research results that enhance geriatric pharmacotherapy and advance senior care pharmacy practice
- Education—Programs, tools and resources that generate better medication management and improved health outcomes for older persons
- Visibility—Leading authority providing reliable and unbiased information on appropriate, effective and safe medication use in older persons
- Capacity Building—Robust, viable, self-sustaining organization
The complete strategic plan will be available on the ASCP Foundation’s Web site soon.
Online Auction Open for Bids
The ASCP Foundation’s 2007 online auction has begun. In addition to original paintings featured on the cover of The Consultant Pharmacist, this year’s auction includes items donated by ASCP members, including their own works of art, vacation getaways, and fine wines.
Click here to get in on the bidding! And tell your friends, family, and colleagues too!
Additional items can be added to the auction at any time, so it’s not too late to contribute something. Contact us at info@ascpfoundation.org if you would like to make a donation.
Stepping Out Under the Stars
John the ASCP Foundation in Philadelphia on November 15 for “Stepping Out Under the Stars” celebrating the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. This special event will be literally “under the stars” at the renowned Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania’s most popular museum.
Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous three-course dinner with wine, live music and dancing, and a unique view of the universe. In addition, there will be a live auction of a photograph by ASCP President Joseph Gruber. Part of his "Beach Series" body of work, it is the first print in a limited print series and is hand signed by Joseph.
Space is limited and seats are going fast, so reserve yours now! To RSVP, visit http://www.ascpfoundation.org/steppingout/index.htm or contact Carina Pascual at 703-739-1316, ext. 144; email cpascual@ascp.com.
Proceeds of this special event benefit the mission of the ASCP Foundation and The Tim Webster Endowment.
Feeling Lucky? Win the Vehicle of Your Choice in the 2007 Raffle!
There’s still time to enter the ASCP Foundation’s 2007 raffle. The drawing will be held when 1,000 tickets are sold.
Last year, the Foundation offered its donors the chance to win something great in exchange for their support, and three lucky people did. Based on feedback from the raffle participants, this year’s raffle offers even more options with a choice of vehicle as the top prize. It could be a new car, truck motorcycle, boat . . . it’s the winner’s choice!
When you buy a raffle ticket, not only do you have great odds of winning, but you also help support the Foundation’s mission. To enter, visit http://www.ascpfoundation.org/raffle.
ASCP thanks Allied Members GeriMed and INRange for supporting ASCP Update.
