Content about Congress

June 11, 2013
Convenient care clinics, NPs and PAs take center stage at RCEC 2013

The importance of convenient care clinics within the U.S. healthcare system, along with the nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in them, rang loud and clear at the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May.

The importance of convenient care clinics within the U.S. healthcare system, along with the nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in them, rang loud and clear at the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May.

June 7, 2013
Rare diseases burden patients, caregivers

For those suffering from heart or lung disease, cancer, systemic infections or other all-too-common conditions, the science of medicine has made extraordinary advances over the past few decades. But millions of patients afflicted with an uncommon and little-understood disorder often are consigned to the far margins of medical care, in many cases, for years.

For those suffering from heart or lung disease, cancer, systemic infections or other all-too-common conditions, the science of medicine has made extraordinary advances over the past few decades. But millions of patients afflicted with an uncommon and little-understood disorder often are consigned to the far margins of medical care, in many cases, for years.

May 30, 2013
DSN, CCA host 6th Retail Clinician Education Congress

The Drug Store News Group, in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, hosted the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino last month.

LAS VEGAS — The Drug Store News Group, in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, hosted the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino last month. In addition to the annual CARE Awards (i.e., Clinician Achievement in Retail Excellence), which celebrate the excellence in patient care delivery at the nurse practitioner/physician assistant level, the event also featured a special roundtable discussion with top retail clinic leaders.

May 30, 2013
The REAL tipping point

"A number of factors are driving the explosion in convenient care…." That's what a May 4 article, "Retail clinics at tipping point," on the website ModernHealthcare.com had to say about the growth of retail clinics, and the role the model can be expected to play as healthcare reform hits full stride.

"A number of factors are driving the explosion in convenient care…." That's what a May 4 article, "Retail clinics at tipping point," on the website ModernHealthcare.com had to say about the growth of retail clinics, and the role the model can be expected to play as healthcare reform hits full stride.

May 22, 2013
CMS decision on diabetes-testing supplies would disrupt care, members of Congress say

Several members of Congress are requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reverse a decision to prohibit independent pharmacies from delivering diabetes-testing supplies to homebound seniors.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Several members of Congress are requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reverse a decision to prohibit independent pharmacies from delivering diabetes-testing supplies to homebound seniors.

May 21, 2013
NACDS submits statements for Senate, House hearings advocating Medicare enhancements

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced that, in written statements submitted for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committee hearings this week, it noted the essential role of community pharmacy in the success of the 10-year-old Medicare Part D prescription drug program and urged program enhancements focused on the quality and affordability of care.



ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced that, in written statements submitted for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committee hearings this week, it noted the essential role of community pharmacy in the success of the 10-year-old Medicare Part D prescription drug program and urged program enhancements focused on the quality and affordability of care.



May 17, 2013
Spotlight on practice, graduate nursing education partnership shining brighter

During the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress last week in Las Vegas, a select group of leaders in graduate nursing education and nursing practice gathered for a historic roundtable discussion.

The roundtable discussion was indeed historic and marked an important event within the convenient care industry as nurse leaders and universities came together to talk and strategize on ways to strengthen the relationship between practice and graduate nursing education in emerging models of care.

During the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress last week in Las Vegas, a select group of leaders in graduate nursing education and nursing practice gathered for a historic roundtable discussion.

May 15, 2013
CDSC joins NFL wideout Larry Fitzgerald Jr. to educate Congress on value of supplements

The Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus held an educational briefing, “Sports Health and Fitness: The Role of Dietary Supplements,” for Capitol Hill staff.

WASHINGTON — The Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus on Monday held an educational briefing, “Sports Health and Fitness: The Role of Dietary Supplements,” for Capitol Hill staff. This is the second DSC educational briefing for the 113th Congress and the 17th briefing since the DSC was formed in 2006. 

May 15, 2013
CEO/Leadership Panel, CARE awards among highlights at this year's RCEC

Among the highlights of this year’s Retail Clinician Education Congress, currently taking place here in Las Vegas, was a CEO/Leadership Panel and the Clinician Awards for Excellence.

LAS VEGAS — Among the highlights of this year’s Retail Clinician Education Congress, currently taking place here in Las Vegas, was a CEO/Leadership Panel and the Clinician Awards for Excellence.

 The 2013 RCEC conference, which is hosted by the Drug Store News Group in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association and Partners in Healthcare Education, is being held at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. It runs from May 14 to May 16.

May 15, 2013
Leaders in graduate nursing education, nursing practice gather for 'historic' roundtable during RCEC

A select group of leaders in graduate nursing education and nursing practice came together Wednesday during the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress to participate in a historic roundtable discussion on strengthening the relationship between practice and graduate nursing education in emerging models of care delivery.

LAS VEGAS — A select group of leaders in graduate nursing education and nursing practice came together Wednesday during the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress to participate in a historic roundtable discussion on strengthening the relationship between practice and graduate nursing education in emerging models of care delivery.

May 14, 2013
Convenient care health professionals gather for 2013 RCEC

Healthcare professionals working within the growing field of convenient care convened Tuesday for the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress, a three-day educational and networking forum that is accredited for both nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

LAS VEGAS — Healthcare professionals working within the growing field of convenient care convened here Tuesday for the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress, a three-day educational and networking forum that is accredited for both nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

The 2013 RCEC conference, which is hosted by Drug Store News Group in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association and Partners in Healthcare Education, is being held at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. It runs from May 14 to May 16.

May 10, 2013
Congressional leaders are actively listening to what today's health and wellness leaders have to say

More than 300 community pharmacists helped educate their legislators over crucial small business issues as part of the NCPA's 2013 Legislative and Government Affairs conference. All told, the pharmacists conducted more than 500 meetings with congressional offices.

There is a reason why our industry is poised to play a larger role in health reform. Five years ago or more, the PBMs had Washington's ear. But today, pharmacy is doing a much better job of telling its story. Counting NACDS' recent RX Impact day, retail pharmacy has conducted more than 900 meetings with legislators in the past eight weeks or so.

More than 300 community pharmacists helped educate their legislators over crucial small business issues as part of the NCPA's 2013 Legislative and Government Affairs conference. All told, the pharmacists conducted more than 500 meetings with congressional offices. 

May 8, 2013
CRN, NPA bring Congress up to speed around value of dietary supplement industry

The Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Natural Products Association announced they have met with the entire freshman class of the 113th Congress, including 83 offices in the House of Representatives and 14 offices in the Senate, as part of their educational efforts to ensure that newly elected members of Congress have accurate information about dietary supplements and their role in good health.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Natural Products Association on Wednesday announced they have met with the entire freshman class of the 113th Congress, including 83 offices in the House of Representatives and 14 offices in the Senate, as part of their educational efforts to ensure that newly elected members of Congress have accurate information about dietary supplements and their role in good health. 

April 26, 2013
From top to bottom, retail pharmacy will prove pharmacist role in improving patient outcomes

Pharmacy's value as part of an outcomes-based healthcare alignment was the highlight of the closing business presentation at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' 2013 Annual Conference. And now it's up to NACDS members to expose Congress leaders to that value quotient on a regular basis.

That was the message shared by incoming NACDS chairman Bob Narveson. It goes to show that even as the gavel passes from the head of one of the industry's largest pharmacy chains to one of the smaller chains, innovation in patient care is happening at all levels.

Pharmacy's value as part of an outcomes-based healthcare alignment was the highlight of the closing business presentation at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' 2013 Annual Meeting. And now it's up to NACDS members to expose Congressional leaders to that value quotient on a regular basis. 

April 26, 2013
Senate to make final decision on Marketplace Fairness Act May 6

The Marketplace Fairness Act is one step closer to passing. The Senate voted 63-30 to end debate on the bill, which would compel online retailers to collect state taxes, and will make a final decision on the bill on May 6.

WASHINGTON — The Marketplace Fairness Act is one step closer to passing. The Senate voted 63-30 Thursday to end debate on the bill, which would compel online retailers to collect state taxes, and will make a final decision on the bill on May 6. 

April 24, 2013
The Foundation for Health Smart Consumers' Inspire Program to launch at RCEC

The Foundation for Health Smart Consumers has announced a major expansion of its smoking cessation initiative through the Inspire Program, which will launch at the annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May in Las Vegas.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — The Foundation for Health Smart Consumers has announced a major expansion of its smoking cessation initiative through the Inspire Program, which will launch at the annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May in Las Vegas. The initial phase of Inspire will continue through 2014.

April 21, 2013
Retail execs act as Capitol Hill advocates

Hundreds of community pharmacy executives, pharmacy students and other pharmacy advocates representing 41,000 chain pharmacies took to Capitol Hill from March 13 to 14 for the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day and conducted more than 400 meetings with U.S. senators and representatives.

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of community pharmacy executives, pharmacy students and other pharmacy advocates representing 41,000 chain pharmacies took to Capitol Hill from March 13 to 14 for the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day and conducted more than 400 meetings with U.S. senators and representatives. In support of the event, DSN published the third edition of its special RxImpact supplement.

April 21, 2013
Twitter, social media amplify RxImpact conversation

This year at the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day, the voice of community pharmacy reached far beyond the office walls of U.S. senators and representatives as community pharmacy advocates — and even members of Congress — took to Twitter, Facebook and other social media.

This year at the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day, the voice of community pharmacy reached far beyond the office walls of U.S. senators and representatives as community pharmacy advocates — and even members of Congress — took to Twitter, Facebook and other social media.

"It definitely seemed that we had even better engagement in using Twitter at NACDS RxImpact this year than I think we've had at pretty much any other NACDS event," said Chris Krese, SVP marketing, communications and media relations for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

April 19, 2013
Obama budget provides a mixed bag for health care

President Barack Obama sent his $3.8 trillion budget proposal to Congress on April 10, and the plan includes a number of provisions designed to cut spending on health care and promote health and wellness.

Overall, the budget is something of a mixed bag for the healthcare industry. While it would provide incentives for expanding the use of generic drugs, for example, it would also cut spending on Medicaid that have drawn opposition from pharmacy retailers, and even generic drug makers disagree with some of its provisions for that industry.

President Barack Obama sent his $3.8 trillion budget proposal to Congress on April 10, and the plan includes a number of provisions designed to cut spending on health care and promote health and wellness.

Overall, the budget is something of a mixed bag for the healthcare industry. While it would provide incentives for expanding the use of generic drugs, for example, it would also cut spending on Medicaid that have drawn opposition from pharmacy retailers, and even generic drug makers disagree with some of its provisions for that industry.

April 15, 2013
Executive Session agenda set for 2013 RCEC

The Convenient Care Association and Drug Store News have announced the agenda for the Executive and Health Systems Leadership Colloquium for this year’s Retail Clinician Education Congress, which will be held in May in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS — The Convenient Care Association and Drug Store News have announced the agenda for the Executive and Health Systems Leadership Colloquium for this year’s Retail Clinician Education Congress, which will be held in May in Las Vegas.

April 15, 2013
Register for RCEC and be entered for chance to win an iPad mini

Win an iPad mini while earning CE at the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress? Yes!

LAS VEGAS — Win an iPad mini while earning CE at the 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress?

Yes! During the event, held May 14 to 16 in Las Vegas, RCEC will be giving away  an iPad mini every morning to one attendee. In order to participate, simply register today and be automatically entered into the drawing.

April 12, 2013
CME credit for physician assistants approved for 2013 RCEC

The Physician Assistant Review Panel has granted its approval for CME credit for physician assistants at the upcoming 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress.

LAS VEGAS — The Physician Assistant Review Panel has granted its approval for CME credit for physician assistants at the upcoming 2013 Retail Clinician Education Congress.

The sixth annual RCEC conference, which is hosted by Drug Store News Group in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, will be held May 14 to 16 at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. The three-day educational and networking forum is designed to meet the needs of the growing field of convenient care practitioners.

April 11, 2013
Congress leaders call out energy drink marketers to list caffeine content in investigative report

Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration.

WASHINGTON — Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from 14 energy drink companies received by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., from their investigation into the industry.

April 5, 2013
District Court orders FDA to lift prescription restriction of Plan B One-Step for underage women

The Food and Drug Administration has 30 days to approve over-the-counter availability of the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step to women of all ages, according to a decision issued by Judge Edward Korman of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has 30 days to approve over-the-counter availability of the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step to women of all ages, according to a decision issued Friday by Judge Edward Korman of the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. In a second decision, Korman declined to intervene on Teva Pharma's behalf in extending patent exclusivity for Plan B One-Step. 

April 3, 2013
NCPA responds to CMS call letter

The recent call letter released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services addresses issues that can have an adverse effect on the program's cost and quality of care, a trade group representing independent retail pharmacies said Wednesday.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The recent call letter released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services addresses issues that can have an adverse effect on the program's cost and quality of care, a trade group representing independent retail pharmacies said Wednesday.

Commenting on the CMS' announcement, the National Community Pharmacists Association said it had prepared a detailed list for its members.