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February 5, 2013

NCPA to FDA: Rescheduling hydrocodone combo products to create headache for legitimate pain patients

The National Community Pharmacists Association submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to preserve access to hydrocodone-containing pain relief products, as FDA considers moving the medications from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule III list of controlled substances to the more restrictive Schedule II list.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Monday submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to preserve access to hydrocodone-containing pain relief products, as FDA considers moving the medications from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule III list of controlled substances to the more restrictive Schedule II list.

February 4, 2013

NACDS, NCPA urge expanded role for pharmacists in new healthcare models

Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

January 31, 2013

NCPA and three Oregon legislators push for greater oversight, transparency of PBMs

The National Community Pharmacists Association urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

NCPA has identified four issues of import:

January 29, 2013

NCPA, NGA and NACS together file a 'friend of the court' brief in support of suit v. American Express

In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae, or "friends of the court," in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant.

January 24, 2013

NCPA: Mandatory mail raising 'serious concerns' among seniors

Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

January 23, 2013

New ad promotes independents' agenda in Washington

A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

The National Community Pharmacists Association ad lays out the group's legislative agenda for the 113th Congress and the Obama administration.

January 10, 2013

NACDS adds new specialty pharmacy session to Regional Chain Conference agenda

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has expanded its program lineup for the upcoming 2013 Regional Chain Conference to now include a new session of specialty pharmacy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has expanded its program lineup for the upcoming 2013 Regional Chain Conference to now include a new session of specialty pharmacy.

The conference will take place Feb. 3 to 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is designed to address the challenges facing senior retail executives who operate up to 250 stores.

January 2, 2013

NCPA: Congress' 'fiscal cliff' bill could force independents out of Medicare diabetes business

While the "fiscal cliff" bill heads off the most severe tax implications for most Americans, the 25.8 million Americans with diabetes may find this bill a bitter pill to swallow, suggested the National Community Pharmacists Association in a press release.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — While the "fiscal cliff" bill heads off the most severe tax implications for most Americans, the 25.8 million Americans with diabetes may find this bill a bitter pill to swallow, suggested the National Community Pharmacists Association in a press release issued Wednesday.

December 19, 2012

NACDS' Jim Huber to retire; David Fitzsimmons named SVP, finance and administration

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that Jim Huber, EVP and CFO of NACDS, is retiring after 25 years of service.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that Jim Huber, EVP and CFO of NACDS, is retiring after 25 years of service. He will be succeed by David Fitzsimmons has been promoted to SVP of finance and administration.

Fitzsimmons currently serves as VP finance and accounting. He will succeed Huber effective Dec. 21, 2012.

December 17, 2012

NACDS recognizes U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan on behalf of pharmacy patient care

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores recognized U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan for her continued leadership on behalf of pharmacy patient care.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Monday recognized U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) for her continued leadership on behalf of pharmacy patient care. Hagan, joined by seven U.S. Senate colleagues, sent a bipartisan letter of support for medication therapy management to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

December 3, 2012

Gallup poll: Nurses, pharmacists most trusted professionals across all professions

Medical professionals continue to rank among the most-trusted officials, according to the latest annual Gallup survey around popular perception of professional honesty and ethics, particularly pharmacists.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Medical professionals continue to rank among the most-trusted officials, according to the latest annual Gallup survey around popular perception of professional honesty and ethics, particularly pharmacists.

November 29, 2012

NCPA releases progress report on medication adherence initiative

The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday released Moving Forward on a Solid Foundation: Year One Progress Report, which examines the success of the association's strategic initiative Pharmacists Advancing Medication Adherence.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday released Moving Forward on a Solid Foundation: Year One Progress Report, which examines the success of the association's strategic initiative Pharmacists Advancing Medication Adherence.

November 28, 2012

NACDS Foundation collects nearly $1.8 million at New York dinner

The 14th annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation dinner raised nearly $1.8 million to fund research, charity and scholarships, the foundation said Wednesday.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The 14th annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation dinner raised nearly $1.8 million to fund research, charity and scholarships, the foundation said Wednesday.

November 20, 2012

Safeway reaffirms commitment to National Guard employees

Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated.

"We are honored to reaffirm Safeway's support for our employees in the National Guard and Reserve," Burd said. "No other public service could be more important than providing support to our men and women in uniform."

November 16, 2012

Meijer partners with ADA in diabetes initiative

Midwestern mass merchandise retailer Meijer will serve as a regional sponsor for an initiative led by the American Diabetes Association, the ADA said.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Midwestern mass merchandise retailer Meijer will serve as a regional sponsor for an initiative led by the American Diabetes Association, the ADA said.

The group said it had signed a deal whereby Meijer would serve as a regional sponsor for the next five years for the Stop Diabetes Movement in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Activities will include diabetes camps, walks and others.

November 16, 2012

NACDS joins advocacy, other healthcare groups in battle against prescription drug diversion, abuse

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that it has joined pain care advocacy and other healthcare organizations in urging members of Congress to help address the problem of prescription drug diversion and abuse.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that it has joined pain care advocacy and other healthcare organizations in urging members of Congress to help address the problem of prescription drug diversion and abuse.

November 15, 2012

NACDS emphasizes importance of Rx compounding amid congressional hearings on meningitis outbreak

As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives examined the meningitis outbreak this week, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores distinguished between the types of pharmacy compounding and the settings in which they take place, and emphasized the critical, life-saving benefits of pharmacy compounding.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives examined the meningitis outbreak this week, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores distinguished between the types of pharmacy compounding and the settings in which they take place, and emphasized the critical, life-saving benefits of pharmacy compounding.

NACDS stated that it has sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce — both of which held hearings on the outbreak on Nov. 14.

November 15, 2012

NACDS lauds Tricare retail pharmacy vaccination program for enabling 1 million vaccinations

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

November 14, 2012

NCPA submits comments in support of compounding to congressional committees

The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday submitted comments to two congressional committees holding separate hearings examining the meningitis outbreak at the New England Compounding Center, including the the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, respectively.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday submitted comments to two congressional committees holding separate hearings examining the meningitis outbreak at the New England Compounding Center, including the the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, respectively.

November 13, 2012

NCPA survey: Most independents provide compounding services

As many as 85.5% of independent community pharmacies offer patients traditional compounding services, and while it accounts for a small portion of their business, the health-enhancing effect for patients can be dramatic, according to a new survey released Tuesday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As many as 85.5% of independent community pharmacies offer patients traditional compounding services, and while it accounts for a small portion of their business, the health-enhancing effect for patients can be dramatic, according to a new survey released Tuesday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

November 7, 2012

NCPA commends Congress leaders for urging CMS to maintain diabetes delivery for independents

The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday commended seven U.S. Representatives for recently writing the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to urge the agency to allow independent community pharmacists to continue same-day home delivery of diabetes test supplies to certain Medicare beneficiaries.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday commended seven U.S. Representatives for recently writing the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to urge the agency to allow independent community pharmacists to continue same-day home delivery of diabetes test supplies to certain Medicare beneficiaries.

November 6, 2012

Pa. governor signs legislation enabling indie pharmacies to match reimbursement terms of mail order

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett last week signed into law S.B. 201, a bill that takes critical steps toward leveling the playing field between large pharmacy benefit managers and the mail-order pharmacies they own and local, independent community pharmacies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett last week signed into law S.B. 201, a bill that takes critical steps toward leveling the playing field between large pharmacy benefit managers and the mail-order pharmacies they own and local, independent community pharmacies. The legislation was applauded by community pharmacists.

November 2, 2012

Meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy spawns new proposed legislation

Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., on Thursday announced plans to introduce legislation that would strengthen federal regulations of compounding pharmacies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., on Thursday announced plans to introduce legislation that would strengthen federal regulations of compounding pharmacies. The legislation is borne out of the recent meningitis outbreak linked to the New England Compounding Center, which is located in Markey's district, that has drawn much criticism on how regulators oversee compounding pharmacies.

October 26, 2012

Walgreens re-ups alliance with American Diabetes Association through 2013

The American Diabetes Association on Wednesday announced that Walgreens has reaffirmed its commitment as a National Strategic Partner and will continue to help the program Stop Diabetes by supporting the association's Type 2 diabetes prevention initiative for consumers called CheckUp America.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association on Wednesday announced that Walgreens has reaffirmed its commitment as a National Strategic Partner and will continue to help the program Stop Diabetes by supporting the association's Type 2 diabetes prevention initiative for consumers called CheckUp America.

October 25, 2012

NACDS applauds NEHI report demonstrating importance of medication adherence

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation on Thursday applauded a report illustrating the impact medication adherence can and should have on reducing hospital readmission rates, and the critical role community pharmacists play in coordinated care approaches to enhancing patient medication adherence.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation on Thursday applauded a report illustrating the impact medication adherence can and should have on reducing hospital readmission rates, and the critical role community pharmacists play in coordinated care approaches to enhancing patient medication adherence.