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Statute 151, A report to the US Surgeon General, Melendy Lecturer Giberson Urges Pharmacy Unity

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Page 1: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist
Page 2: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

2 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

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Page 3: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 3

in this issuePresident’s desk The Future Looks Bright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

executive’s rePort We Heard You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Presidential candidate 2012-2013 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

viewPoint §151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Financial Forum The Reality of Investing During Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Pharmacy and the law E-Prescribing and E-Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Features A Report to the U .S . Surgeon General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Melendy Lecturer Giberson Urges Pharmacy Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Please Contribute to AWARxE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Prescription Monitoring Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Health Outreach and Access: Northern Minnesota Pharmacists Make a Difference at Project Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2012 mPha annual meeting and conFerence . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

advertisersDakota Drug Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28McKesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 23Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 22MPhA Career Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8PACE Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16, 23Pharmcists Mutual Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Pharm PAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Pharmacy Quality Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11VSL #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Spring 2012 Volume 66. Number 2, ISSN 0026-5616

mPha Board oF directorsExecutive/Finance Committee: President: Scott Setzepfandt

Past-President: Brent Thompson President-Elect: Martin Erickson

Secretary-Treasurer: Bill Diers Speaker: Meghan Kelly

Executive Vice President: Julie K . Johnson

Rural Board Members: Eric Slindee

Mark Trumm

Metro Board Members: Cheng Lo

James Marttila

At-Large Board Members: Tiffany Elton

Tim Cernohous Amy Sapola

Jill Strykowski Jason Varin

Student Representation: Duluth MPSA Liaison: Jeremy LeBlanc

Minneapolis MPSA Liaison: Kandace Schuft

Ex-Officio: Rod Carter, COP

Julie K . Johnson, MPhA MSHP Representative

Pharmacy Technician Representative:

Barb Stodola

minnesota PharmacistOfficial publication of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association. MPhA is an affiliate of the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, and the National Community Pharmacists Association.

Editor: Julie K . Johnson

Managing Editor, Design and Production: Anna Wrisky

The Minnesota Pharmacist (ISSN # 0026-5616) journal is published quarterly by the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 252, St . Paul, MN 55114-1469 . Phone: 651-697-1771 or 1-800-451-8349, 651-290-2266 fax, info@mpha .org . Periodicals postage paid at St . Paul, MN (USPS-352040) .

Postmaster: Send address changes to Minnesota Pharmacists Association, 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 252, St . Paul, MN 55114-1469 .

article submission/advertising: For writer’s guidelines, article submission, or advertising opportuni-ties, contact the editor at the above address or email julie@mpha .org .

Bylined articles express the opinion of the contribu-tors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association . Articles printed in this publication may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without specific written permission of the publisher .

Acceptance of advertisement does not indicate endorsement .

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4 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

What an exciting time for pharmacy, especially Minnesota phar-macy . Minnesota pharmacists’ names are popping up all over the country .

Kathy Schultze, a Minnesota pharmacist, is the new president of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists .

Steve Simenson, another home-grown pharmacist and past-president of MPhA, is the new president-elect of the American Pharmacists Association . And just recently Steve was honored with the APhA Daniel P . Smith Practice Excellence Award .

Steve Schondelmeyer, who has been a key advisor to national health policymakers for years, was also honored recently with the Hubert H . Humphrey Award (another familiar Minnesota name) .

Another notable pharmacist who has been making a bit of a stir lately is Rear Admiral Scott Giberson . Scott most recently was appointed US assistant surgeon general and chief pharmacy officer for the US Public Health Service . Along the way in his career, Scott spent some time at the Fond du Lac Tribal Health Clinic in northern Minnesota as chief pharmacist . So we can call him one of ours, too, as far as I am concerned .

While it is exciting to see all these Minnesotans being recognized for their contributions, what is even more exciting is the gentle rumble that is gaining volume about the expanding role of phar-macists . Especially with the ongoing dialogue about Health Care Reform (I would be remiss not to mention Brian Isetts’ advisory role to leadership in Washington, DC) . All the state and national pharmacy associations are making waves and raising the attention for pharmacists .

Also making waves is a report written by Scott Giberson titled “Improving Patient and Health Systems Outcomes through Advance Pharmacy Practice: A Report to the US Surgeon General 2011 .” The essence of his report is that in order for pharmacists to continue to improve patient and health system outcomes, they need to be recognized and compensated for their service, and many have taken note .

But it will take more than reports and accolades for the evolution to continue . It will take strong advocacy and grassroots support from all areas of pharmacy .

Having been in a government affairs position for the past 20 years, I have experienced time and again the value of people

speaking up . The old saying “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” still stands today — especially in the world of politics .

On that point, I would like to make a “shout out” to all the young pharmacists out there, especially those who are graduating in May . The future is yours, but you have to get out there and make it happen . The times are changing and it will be you who will be practicing 20 years from now . So wouldn’t it be best for you to help mold the practice you would like to see yourself in?

But how? What can you do? Sounds like work … but really it isn’t . It can be fun .

All you have to do is start getting involved . Join your professional association . The Minnesota Pharmacists Association is a good one to start with, the association represents all facets of pharmacy so no matter what area you choose to specialize, there will be people of similar interest .

MPhA has a number of committees, in which you can choose to participate . Volunteers are always welcome . There are also a vari-ety of meetings for you to socialize with others and share ideas . And you will be informed of actions going on at the Capitol in Minnesota and the Board of Pharmacy, especially those that may affect how you practice directly .

There is a lot going on these days and the future looks bright for pharmacy . I hope some of the more recent grads take me up on the challenge and get engaged in the debate for their future .

The MPhA Annual Meeting is just around the corner . It is in the Brainerd Lakes Area and will be a lot of fun again this year . I’ll be there and will be more than happy to talk with anyone who is interested in getting more involved and sharing their ideas .

I am looking forward to hearing from you . See you at Maddens!

Scott Setzepfandt, R .Ph . President

president’s desk

The FuTure Looks BrighT by Scott Setzepfandt, R.Ph., MPhA President

See you at Madden’s in the

Brainerd Lakes Area!

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 5

Upcoming EventsVisit www.mpha.org

for more information

Spring pharmacy nightS, April-May

128th annual meeting, June 8-10, 2012

Madden’s Resort, Brainerd

herbie cup golf invitational, June 8, 2012

Madden’s Resort, Brainerd

pharmacy technician conference

mShp/mpha event, July 19, 2012

Crowne Plaza, Plymouth

fall clinical SympoSium, September 16, 2012

Crowne Plaza, Plymouth

fall mtm SympoSium, November 16, 2012

DoubleTree Hotel, Bloomington

Moved, graduated, or have a name change? Update your profilethrough your online

MPhA Member Portal page.

Presidential Candidate • 2012-2013 Board oF directors

JiLL sTrykowski

What a joy to be in a position to help serve pharmacists in the state of Minnesota! It is a pleasure to introduce myself and share with you a little about me and the variety of pharmacy practice experiences that I have enjoyed over the years . My goal is to use my experience as a springboard to listen and support the diverse membership of MPhA .

I received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Science in hospital pharmacy from the University of Minnesota . My master’s thesis was entitled “Implementation and Outcome Analysis of an Anticoagulation Clinic .” I have published in this area and lectured about various aspects of antithrombotic care; but importantly, it was through this work that I became passionate and interested in the potential of leader-ship in pharmacy practice .

I am the eldest of three girls and the eldest grandchild of 25, and as such have found my position in life to be one of caretaker of others . My husband, Paul, and I met when we were both resident assistants (house fellows) in the dorms at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . We moved around after graduation, finding ourselves in Connecticut (my original state of licensure!) and then Germany . While in Connecticut, I worked for Boehringer-Ingelheim research in the pharmaceutics department; my job was to make stable ophthalmic solutions for new entities that our chemists synthesized . After Germany, we found ourselves back in the Midwest with my husband’s role at the University of Minnesota, and I began work in hos-pital pharmacy while raising three wonderful children . Ben is 27, Rachel is 24 and Andrew (Buddy) is 20 .

Fast forward to the Anticoagulation Clinic work – the development of competi-tors to warfarin started to pick up steam with an “almost FDA-approved” targeted therapy, Ximelagatran . A transition to Allina led to a wonderful role as clinical manager at Unity Hospital and then movement to director of pharmacy for Mercy and Unity hospitals . In the last 15 years as both manager and director, I have enjoyed precepting students and have mentored fourth-year Pharm .D . students as well as residents . My greatest joys in being a preceptor have been to assist students in reaching their potentials and fulfilling their goals .

My personal interests include participation in global health using the practice of pharmacy to advance healthcare – one person at a time . As an empty nester, I have found a new passion through traveling abroad to assist with pharmacy services, most recently with Pharm .D .-IV students . Professional interests include advanc-ing clinical services for pharmacists and distributive services for technicians . I am also interested in healthcare public policy, patient safety initiatives, and new busi-ness opportunities for the profession . My volunteer activities beyond global health include mentoring students at the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic; there is no better way to see multidisciplinary teams in action than to witness both dispensing medi-cations and assessing patients as one team!

It is with great joy and privilege that I personally introduce myself and welcome you in conversation .

Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 5

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These three words are the most important ones to MPhA leader-ship and staff . Serving Minnesota pharmacists is the goal we have in mind every day, at every event, in every initiative, and in every publication .

MPhA has undertaken a major initiative to improve the service we provide on your behalf . The MPhA office move and staff reor-ganization accomplished in late 2010 has positioned us to achieve this vital transformation . We engaged the new staff members (including a trained facilitator) to help us look at our challenges, ask the hard questions, and hear from all of you about how and what things need to change to ensure the Minnesota Pharmacists Association is around for many years to come and truly serves the needs of its members . Association experts have studied MPhA’s total workings for the past several years studying trends and drawing on lessons learned from other associations . They helped us develop both a short-term and long-term plan . Staff and volunteers together have helped to launch what we need to be meaningful — and substantial changes in the way MPhA looks, operates and thrives in our challenging environment . Many of you participated in focus groups held during March and provided very important input to assist us in this process . We thank the members, non-members and supporters who responded, attended meetings, and participated in conference calls to provide input .

We appreciate the recognition of the valuable things we do and are dedicated to making significant changes to better serve you.

• We asked you to tell us to describe your best or ideal associa-tion because we want to be it!

• We asked you what your perceptions of MPhA are and what people are saying because we want perception to be reality and we want people to be able to know MPhA!

• We asked what we do well and where we can make improve-ments because we do some things well but other things not so well, and it matters to us that we change those things!

What you told us you want in a strong state association is to:

• Clearly define what our mission is and keep focused on the mission and urge that most of the association members buy into the mission . Get buy-in from members on the mission and communicate it well .

• Provide networking on local, state and national levels with peers and potential employers .

• Boldly set the bar and motivate me to think outside of the box as to how we can contribute to the profession .

• Consider members’ family priorities when scheduling meet-ings and events .

• Provide a variety of forums to bring people together and unite for a common purpose .

• Provide relevant information by methods allowing me to tap into other professionals and get quick responses to my ques-tions .

• Help me feel connected to the association and provide me the ability to ask questions and contribute in ways meaning-ful to me and to the community .

• Keep me updated with what’s going on in my profession .

• Provide communications electronically and in print, if I choose .

• Contact me and tell me how you want me to get involved; suggest what I would be good at doing or what role I can play .

• Provide information to run a pharmacy .

these and countless other suggestions were gathered and incor-porated into our plan. by working to achieve these we hope to:

• Encourage broader participation from pharmacists through-out the state .

• Continue and promote Pharmacy Nights as a great opportu-nity for pharmacists statewide .

• Elevate a good organization to a great organization .

• Maintain a strong presence at the Legislature and communi-cate the value .

• Maintain traditions while fostering innovative thinking and making changes .

• Support subgroup gatherings and opportunities .

• Dispel the perception that MPhA only represents commu-nity practice and retail pharmacists .

executive’s report

we heard youby Julie K. Johnson, PharmD, MPhA Executive Vice President/CEO

We Heard You continued on page 8

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We asked what would motivate you to have more interactions than you currently do because MPhA is you and the more you interact and guide MPhA the better and stronger we can become!

We asked what would you like the MPhA board or me to know because we care about our profession and wish to serve it at a high-er level and to more members than we currently do!

To be honest, that is really what this is about, increasing member-ship numbers by serving pharmacists better . We will no longer do things as we always have done them . You likely have begun to see an increased effort in outreach to include more members in our processes . Improved Web site capabilities and updates per your suggestions are happening daily . Committee activities post-ings are made available . Opportunities for pharmacists to receive short updates or participate in discussions through methods like Facebook and Linked In have been created and are catching on fast! Want to volunteer for a short time at an event or want to write an article for the journal? CAPS Newsletter, eNews, and News Flash contain constantly refreshed information for your practice setting . Our readership survey says you like the journal but would like it available electronically as well! That will be accomplished shortly! Member access to other members through a Web-based database directory will also be available soon too . The mpha .org pharma-cist resource page is being updated as we speak . check out the Immunization tab for the latest information if you are an immu-nizer . There are many more things in the works for you .

Look for webinars from members of MPhA as they describe to you why they belong!

And that’s just for starters, folks . MPhA is a good organization .

MPhA will be a great organization with your help!

Julie K . Johnson, Pharm .D . MPhA Executive Vice President/CEO

We Heard You continued from page 7

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viewPoint

§151by Lowell J. Anderson, D.Sc., FAPhA

Last fall, I reported to you an initiative of the Center for Leading Healthcare Change to examine our Practice Act (Chapter 151), and make recommendations to the profession and the Board of Pharmacy for changes . The goal of the 12-member committee is to recommend to the profession ways to change the Act that would allow pharmacist practitioners to more effectively and efficiently address the health needs of Minnesotans .

Well, the Working Group on the Minnesota Pharmacy Practice Act has finally completed its recommendations . It took a year and one-half to complete, and we believe that if it results in changes to the Practice Act it can significantly affect the ways in which Minnesota pharmacists provide needed services .

As previously noted, our practice act originated in 1927 (along with the practice acts for horseshoers, embalmers, attorneys, physi-cians and surgeons, and others) . A significant rewrite occurred in 1937 . The 1937 Act is the foundation for pharmacy practice today . Otherwise, 1937 was remarkable as well: Amelia Earhart disap-peared, the Hindenburg went up in flames and F . Scott Fitzgerald was still writing!

Both the board and the profession (as well as others) have periodi-cally sought to amend the Act in efforts to provide for a practice that recognizes contemporary abilities of the pharmacist as well as the needs of the consumer and patient . But those efforts have only built on the concept of practice as it was envisioned in 1937 .

As the Working Group studied Chapter 151, we focused on ele-ments that impede practice innovation, limit participation in emerg-ing delivery systems and maintenance of safe distribution and clini-cal practices . Ultimately, pharmacists, as with any other educated and licensed practitioner, should be allowed to practice at the top of their education .

Let me share a few examples of our recommendations:

The entire Act rests substantially on the definitions . Starting with the most basic: What is a pharmacist?

The Working Group believed that the definition of “Pharmacist” should clearly state that practice is not tied to the location from which a pharmacist provides a service . Clearly, contemporary soci-etal needs for pharmacists’ services extend to facilities and residences other than a licensed pharmacy .

Therefore, we recommend that the language in the current Act be changed from the current language: “The term ‘pharmacist’ means an individual with a currently valid license issued by the Board of Pharmacy to practice pharmacy .”

Our recommendation is that it be changed to: “Pharmacist” means an individual currently licensed by this State to engage in the Practice of Pharmacy . A Pharmacist may engage in the Practice of Pharmacy, as defined in this Chapter, within or outside of a licensed Pharmacy, as defined in the Rules of the Board .

OK, so the term “pharmacy practice” is used . What does that mean? The current definition is quite prescriptive: “Practice of pharmacy” means (abbreviated):

Interpretation and evaluation of prescription drug orders; com-pounding, labeling, and dispensing; participation in clinical inter-pretations and monitoring of drug therapy for assurance of safe and effective use of drugs; participation in drug and therapeutic device selection; drug administration for first dosage and medi-cal emergencies; drug regimen reviews; and drug or drug-related research; participates in immunizations; participation in the practice of managing drug therapy and modifying drug therapy according to a written protocol; participation in the storage of drugs and the maintenance of records; responsibility for participa-tion in patient counseling on therapeutic values, content, hazards, and uses of drugs and devices; and offering or performing those acts, services, operations, or transactions necessary in the conduct, operation, management, and control of a pharmacy .

We looked at this description of practice and considered that the focus of pharmacy practice is changing from primarily a dispensing function to primarily a clinical-services function . Therefore, the defi-nition should reflect the clinical training and competencies of the pharmacist . The definition should reflect the need for the pharma-cist to oversee the management of the product distribution function, but the focus should be the on the service side .

Further, the definition of practice should allow for innovation and full participation in emerging delivery systems, e .g ., accountable-care organizations (ACOs) and health homes .

Even though the process of collaborative practice is currently defined, functionally it will most likely change, as ACOs and health

§151 continued on page 10

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10 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

§151 continued from page 9

homes become a standard for delivery of services . There is a strong possibility that these new entities will be given authority to define collaborative practice to reflect the needs of the populations for which they are responsible . Therefore, these entities will obviate the need for statute or rule to prescribe the manner in which an agree-ment will be reached and function .

Our recommendation for a replacement definition is:“Practice of pharmacy” means the practice in which a pharmacist accepts responsibility for a consumer’s drug or medicine-related needs, which may include but not be limited to:

(1) the management of drug or medicines-related consumer and patient needs, which may include but is not limited to

(a) modify, initiate, and discontinue medications, (b) order and collect information to inform medication man-agement, (c) document appropriately

(2) the control, dispensing, preparation, and compounding of drugs or medicines (3) collaboration with other practitioners in the management of the care of a consumer or patient (4) administration of drugs or medicines

It is unlawful for any person to practice pharmacy as defined in sub-division 27 in this state unless the person holds a valid license issued according to this chapter .

We also added a definition of “collaborative practice”: “Collaborative Practice” means a pharmacist and other practitioner(s) practicing together within the framework of their respective professional scopes of practice . This collaborative agreement reflects both independent and cooperative decision making and is based on the preparation and ability of each par-ticipant .

Pharmacy technicians will be increasingly important to a compe-tent and sustainable practice as the cost-control initiatives of health reform come into play . It was particularly perplexing that the current statute restricts a technician from using any professional judgment – not just the judgment of a pharmacist, but even the judgment that a competent technician can exhibit .

The current language defines technician: The term “pharmacy technician” means a person not licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacist intern, who assists the pharmacist in the preparation and dispensing of medicines by performing computer entry of prescription data and other manipulative tasks . A pharmacy technician shall not perform tasks specifically reserved to a licensed pharmacist or requiring professional judg-ment .

As long as the Statute explicitly states that the technician is not to enter into professional judgments restricted to pharmacists, the elabo-ration in sentence one serves no purpose as it does not fully describe the capabilities of a technician . There is also a need for defining accountability . In situations where there are multiple pharmacists present, which pharmacist is accountable?

Technicians also appear in the body of the Act . In that discussion the Working Group said §151 .102 is restrictive in the extreme and does not recognize the value and contribution of a properly trained technician . Neither does it recognize the ability of the pharmacist to manage the staff . It is the recommendation of the Working Group to incorporate the principles of accountability to the pharmacist and restricted from making decisions that require the professional judg-ments of a pharmacist, thereby recognizing that a properly trained technician makes professional judgments . Further, the number of trained and credentialed technicians working in a pharmacy should not be subject to arbitrary ratios, but rather be left to the professional judgment of the pharmacist .

Our recommendation in the definition of a Technician is: The term “pharmacy technician” means a person not licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacist intern who is registered with the Board as a Technician, who assists the a pharmacist and is accountable to a pharmacist . in the preparation and dispensing of medications by performing computer entry of prescription data and other manipulative tasks . A pharmacy technician shall not perform tasks specifically reserved to a licensed pharmacist or requiring professional judgment of a pharmacist .

We encourage you to read the entire report in the belief that it is an important review of the Practice Act by members of the profession . Whether or not it results in positive changes will be up to the profes-sion and the Board – and, ultimately the Legislature . For the profes-sion to succeed in changing the Practice Act, it will require all of the Minnesota professional associations and the Board working together, as well as individual pharmacists . We recognize there is a lot of word- smithing between now and a bill being presented to the Legislature . In the meantime we need to agree in concept on changes and the need for change .

It is my belief that true and lasting reform of the health system must begin at the interface of the practitioner and the person who uses the services – consumer and patient . To force change on either the pro-vider or the consumer is inefficient because legislated changes gener-ally ignore the market and cultural forces that truly govern much of the way we individually use health-care services . We believe that this report can begin the discussion among those responsible for patient care .

The full report is available on the Center for Leading Healthcare Change Web site www .pharmacy .umn .edu/clhc/practiceact/ or the MPhA Web site .

Lowell J. Anderson, D.Sc., FAPhA, practiced in community pharmacy for most of his career. He is a former president of MPhA, Mn Board of Pharmacy and APhA. In addition, he has held positions in the Accrediting Council on Pharmacy Education, National Association of Board of Pharmacy and the United States Pharmacopeia. Currently he is Co-director of the Center for Leading Healthcare Change, University of Minnesota and co-editor of the International Pharmacy Journal. He is a Remington Medalist.

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 11

Call toll free (866) 365-7472 or go towww.pqc.net for more information. PQC is brought to you by your state pharmacy association.

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The PQC™ Program: • Legally protects reported data through a federally listed Patient Safety Organization (PSO) • Helps increase efficiency and improve patient safety through a continuous quality improvement (CQI) process • Provides easy-to-use tools to collect and analyze medication near miss and error data • Presents a turnkey program to help you meet obligations for QA and CQI requirements • Includes simple method to verify compliance • Offers excellent training, customer service and ongoing support

Not all programs are the same, make sure your pharmacy and your data is protected. Pharmacies that license PQC™ andreport patient safety events are provided federal legal protection to information that is reported through the Alliance for Patient

Medication Safety (APMS) – a federally listed PSO. To learn more about PSOs, visit www.pso.ahrq-gov/psos/fastfacts.htm.

TM

Fraud and Abuse TrainingPseudoephedrine Log

OSHA RequirementsHIPAA Privacy and SecurityPolicies and Procedures

Quality Assurance (QA)Program

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Feature

a reporT To The u.s. surgeon generaL by Anusha Raju, Pharm.D. Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

The Office of the Surgeon General, under the direction of the surgeon general, oversees the operations of 6,500 members of the Commissioned Corps of the U .S . Public Health Service, including Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Services . Our current surgeon general is Dr . Regina M . Benjamin, MD, MBA, and she serves a four-year term appointment by the president of the United States . She also appoints several members, one of whom is Rear Admiral (RAdm) Scott Giberson, the chief professional officer of phar-macy . He led the revision of the report to the surgeon general on improving patient and health system outcomes through advanced pharmacy practice at the end of 2011 .

The report provides rationale and compelling discussion to sup-port health reform through pharmacists delivering expanded patient care services, and focuses on four points: pharmacists integrated as health care providers, recognition as health care pro-viders, compensation mechanisms, and evidence-based alignment with health reform . The education and accessibility of pharmacists allows a unique and under-utilized position to play a larger role in primary care in the U .S . health care system . They can meet the needs of medication expertise, the growing shortage of primary care providers, and overall health and healthcare delivery for the nation .

Currently, pharmacists deliver patient care services in various practice settings through collaborative practice agreements allow-ing them to perform patient assessment, have prescriptive author-ity, manage laboratory tests, formulate clinical assessments and plans, provide care coordination, manage and prevent disease, and develop patient relationships for ongoing care . The benefit of pharmacists included in interprofessional teams has been abun-dantly clear from as early as the 1960s in federal infrastructure such as the Indian Health Services (IHS), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Department of Defense . All but six states allow for collabora-tive practice agreements between physicians and pharmacists .

The recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers through legislation and policy will promote, support and fully sustain these value-added services that are proven to improve patient outcomes

and healthcare delivery . Pharmacists in the IHS and VA, as well as a growing number of states (New Mexico, North Carolina, and Massachusetts), already allow for prescriptive authority to phar-macists through collaborative practice . There are also a number of references to pharmacists as part of the healthcare team in the Affordable Care Act .

The lack of compensation mechanisms is a current barrier for the expansion and sustainability of pharmacists’ involvement in clini-cal roles . Currently, pharmacists are eligible to receive some com-pensation through Medicare Part D, but multiple attempts have been made to compensate pharmacists federally through Medicare Part B . No further action was taken since December 2010 . On a state level, Medicaid programs pay clinical pharmacy services in New Mexico and Minnesota .

The last focus point addressed in the report cites a plethora of evi-dence proving how pharmacists can address the need of improving quality of care and patient outcomes, disease prevention and man-agement, cost-effectiveness and cost-containment, diminishing pri-mary care workforce, and access to care . The need and evidence is apparent, and it seems pharmacists constantly need to present it to prove the value they bring to a healthcare team . It will take a para-digm shift of healthcare professionals and society to accomplish the four focuses sited in the report to the surgeon general, but this is a start to supporting healthcare delivery improvement and the advancement of the health of the nation .

Reference: Giberson S, et al. Improving patient and health system outcomes through advanced pharmacy practice: A report to the U.S. Surgeon General 2011. Office of the Chief Pharmacist. Dec 2011.

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 13

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Feature

Melendy lecturer Giberson urGes

pharmacy uniTy by Randall Seifert, Pharm.D., Senior Associate Dean, University of Minnesota Duluth

On March 5-6, 2012, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting Rear Admiral (RAdm) Scott Giberson as our Student Melendy Lecturer . RAdm Giberson is a dynamic and visionary leader, and I believe he is in the right place at the right time for our profes-sion . RAdm Giberson released his report to the surgeon general titled “Improving Patient and Health System Outcomes through Advanced Pharmacy Practice” in December 2011 . This report is a must read for all pharmacists and pharmacy students . The report is a road map for expanding pharmacist patient care services . It is critical for us to understand the important points made in the report:

1) No pounding the table for prescriptive authority; instead we must broaden our collaborative practice agreements to allow for granting of privileges for patient care services locally, including prescriptive authority .

2) We must come together as pharmacists no matter where we practice to work with our congress members and senators to be recognized as health care providers in the Social Security Act, Title 18, Part E, Section 1861 .

3) Similarly, we should be recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as health care providers or Non-Physician Practitioners .

4) Pharmacists should receive compensation for services that is stable and sustainable .

One of the college’s missions is to advance the practice and pre-pare students to provide patient care services in those advanced practices . We are very capable of accomplishing that mission and have done so, not only in our education program but in our development of medication therapy management services at the Department of Health Services and public and private employers in Minnesota . However, the college cannot and should not lead on advancing the practice by ourselves . We need to come together, all of us as pharmacists, no matter where we practice to accomplish the four critical points outlined by RAdm Giberson’s report . Is it now time for the college, the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, the Minnesota Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and other regional colleges, associations, and societies to come together to take that road for the good of the profession .

“We need to come together, all of us as

pharmacists, no matter where we practice to

accomplish the four critical points outlined

by RAdm Giberson’s report.”

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14 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

The reaLiTy oF inVesTing during reTiremenTAs retirees live lonGer, their portfolios need to be stronGer

Decades ago, the “typical” retiree left work for good between age 60-65 and typically passed away at about age 70-75 . Retirement lasted 10-12 years for many Americans . Now the picture has changed: some of us will spend 30, 40, perhaps even 50 years in retirement . (Imagine retiring at 55 and living to be 105 … it is possible .) We may live much longer than our parents, and if we do, we will need a lot more money .

a slight shift in outlook . Years ago, retirees were urged to invest conservatively – often, very conservatively . The idea was to build up your savings and net worth aggressively across two or three decades, and then adopt a risk-averse investment strategy for the “golden years .” But the reality of a 20- or 30-year retirement has changed that mentality .

The new presumption is that today’s retirees should never retire from accumulating wealth . Most Americans will not walk away from their careers with assets equivalent to 20 or 30 years worth of income . If you have $3 million in assets today, you may think you’ll have $100,000 a year to live on for 30 years . Sounds great, right? But that may not be enough . Questions of liquidity and taxes aside, what about the runaway costs of healthcare and elder-care? What about the effect of inflation across 30 years – do you remember what a gallon of gas or milk cost 30 years ago?

a new reality . You’re now seeing people in their 60s with the kind of portfolios that people used to have in their 40s – portfolios with stocks, mutual funds, and other investments with appreciable risk . Sometimes they have to invest this way because they haven’t accumulated sufficient wealth for retirement . Or, they are simply being pragmatic about their long-term need to sustain wealth and keep their retirement assets growing .

What kinds of investments should you retire with? The answer to that question can only be determined after you carefully con-sider some variables, such as the age at which you retire, the assets you have saved up, the lifestyle you want to enjoy, family and

health considerations, and how comfortable you are with certain types of investment . Be sure that you speak with a financial advi-sor who specializes in retirement planning before you make a decision to revise your investment portfolio . Even if you are ten or more years from retirement or plan to keep working into your 70s, I think you will find it eye-opening and useful . Most people underestimate their retirement income needs .

Provided by courtesy of Pat Reding, CFPTM of Pro Advantage Services Inc., in Algona, Iowa. For more information, please call Pat Reding at 1-800-288-6669.

Registered representative of and securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD & SIPC.

Pro Advantage Services, Inc./Pharmacists Mutual is independent of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services Inc. Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. does not provide legal or tax advice. Before taking any action that would have tax consequences, consult with your tax and legal professionals. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a recommendation or solicitation of any securities or market strategy.

This series, Financial Forum, is presented by Pro Advantage Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, and your State Pharmacy Association through Pharmacy Marketing Group, Inc., a company dedicated to providing quality products and services to the pharmacy community.

PHarMaCY MarKetinG GrOUP, inC. • FinanCial FOrUM

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 15

e-prescriBing and e-errorsby Don McGuire, R.Ph., J.D.

PHarMaCY MarKetinG GrOUP, inC. • PHarMaCY and tHe law

This series, Pharmacy and the Law, is presented by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company and your State Pharmacy Association through Pharmacy Marketing Group, Inc., a company dedicated to providing quality products and services to the pharmacy community.

E-prescribing is here to stay, but it is not the cure-all for prescrip-tion errors that some people think . Through my years of handling pharmacy professional liability claims, physicians’ handwriting is much less of an issue than most pharmacists would believe . More often than not, illegible prescriptions result in a phone call for clarification, not an error . While not a significant cause of errors, illegible prescriptions definitely impact the pharmacy’s workflow and efficiency .

E-prescribing is going to take care of all of the prescription errors, right? Consider the following prescription: Erythromycin oint-ment, 1 tube, apply UD . The pharmacy filled the prescription with a 25 gram tube of topical erythromycin ointment . The prob-lem was that the physician meant to prescribe a 3 .5 gram tube of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment . So the pharmacy had a per-fectly legible, incomplete prescription . What can a pharmacist do in this situation?

Patient counseling is the solution! The patient was not counseled with this prescription . However, a few simple questions would have uncovered this error . “What did the doctor tell you this was for?” and “How did the doctor tell you to use this?” The answer to either of these questions would have indicated the ophthalmic route that was not found on the prescription . Patient counseling provides many benefits for both the patient and the pharma-cist . First, patient counseling, or at least an offer to counsel, is required by law or regulation . This alone makes patient counsel-ing a good risk management tool . But the real benefit for you and your patients is found when you practice up from this baseline . Counseling allows the pharmacist to detect hidden errors in pre-scriptions prior to the patients taking them home . Experience shows that many patients will take or use whatever is dispensed to them . Verifying the intent of the prescription and what is being treated is vital to know prior to dispensing .

Also, patient counseling educates the patient about the proper use and storage of their prescription drug . A proper counseling session will allow you to assess the patient’s health literacy and provide the proper information to improve their outcomes . Many times phar-macists assume that patients know more about their medications than they really do . This assumption leads to a poor, or even non-existent, patient counseling interaction . Patients do not always ask good questions because of the fear of embarrassment or because they simply don’t know what to ask . It is up to the pharmacist to take charge of this interaction and make sure that patients know what they need to know about their medications .

When the answers provided during the counseling session don’t match what the pharmacist or patient expected, then it is time to call the prescriber . This method is much more efficient than calling to verify every e-prescription received . Vague terms in a prescription such as 1 bottle, 1 tube or directions as UD should be red flags to a pharmacist . If the pharmacist can’t discern the quan-tity, directions or the indication from the prescription, then they should interact with the patient to make sure that the patient does . If the pharmacist is still uncertain after talking with the patient, a call to the prescriber is warranted .

Technology can fix many problems, but it can’t fix every problem . E-prescribing shouldn’t cause pharmacists to let their guard down . It remains for the pharmacist to be diligent and make sure that the patient leaves with the correct medication and knows how to use it .

© Don R. McGuire Jr., R.Ph., J.D., is General Counsel at Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company.

This article discusses general principles of law and risk manage-ment. It is not intended as legal advice. Pharmacists should consult their own attorneys and insurance companies for specific advice. Pharmacists should be familiar with policies and procedures of their employers and insurance companies, and act accordingly.

Page 16: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 17

awarxe

AWARxE was founded by the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation (MPF) in 2009 . MPF strongly believes that pharmacists have a critical role in providing medication safety information and helping raise awareness of the dangers of abusing and misusing medications .

The foundation is providing specific AWARxE educational materi-als in the state of Minnesota . St . Cloud, Minn . was the home of Justin Pearson, the young man whose death was the inspiration of AWARxE . Due to Justin’s story, Minnesota feels an elevated responsibility to educate the public on the vital public safety and public health issue of prescription drug abuse and misuse .

The Minnesota focused initiatives include AWARxE school and corporate presentations, which directly align with the following goals:

• Inform parents and children of prescription drug abuse and misuse dangers .

• Inform people of safe and proper medication disposal options .

• Alert parents and children of the danger of unregulated online pharmacies . Let people know there is a chance they could be getting counterfeit medications .

• Help people understand the importance of their relation-ship with their pharmacist in obtaining their prescription drugs .

• Address the public perception gap – medicine is more than a commodity and individuals must take personal responsi-bility for their health care .

Progress to date includes:• AWARxE provides a wide variety of educational tools and

programs for youth .

• During the 2010-2011 school year, student pharmacists delivered 100 presentations about prescription drug use and abuse to middle school students in the Twin Cities and Duluth, impacting 2,582 students . Middle school students are targeted because 12- and 13-year-olds are the most common abusers of prescription drugs . These educational presentations provide vital information and a mentoring opportunity for college and middle school students . The goal for the 2011-2012 school year is to deliver a minimum of 150 presentations, primarily in the Twin Cities metro area .

• AWARxE billboards can be found on major highways across Minnesota, and the campaign’s commercials and radio spots are broadcast on major stations . Educational brochures are distributed to students during presentations .

• AWARxE has created a guide for the safe disposal of medi-cation that can be used at “take back” events across the country . Keeping old prescriptions may lead to misuse, and disposing the drugs by flushing them down the toilet can be harmful to the environment .

• At “take back” events, police officers collect prescription drugs and dispose of them in a health-conscious, environ-mentally friendly manner . Community organizations desir-ing to hold a “take back” event can contact the AWARxE campaign administrator for the safe-disposal guide and planning materials . AWARxE volunteers are available to help with these events . AWARxE personnel provided coor-dination for sites across Minnesota for the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Event on April 30, 2011 . Nationwide, this effort resulted in the collection of 376,593 pounds (181 tons) of prescription medication for proper disposal .

• AWARxE has created a comprehensive curriculum for pre-scription drug safety that is available for nationwide use . South Dakota and Arizona have replicated Minnesota’s AWARxE campaign with the help of this curriculum .

The foundation leads the Minnesota AWARxE effort with the full support and commitment of local and national partner organiza-tions, including the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, Justin V . Pearson Memorial Fund, Genentech Pharmaceuticals and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy .

Minnesota pharmacists are urged to join us in changing and saving lives through education about prescription drug use and abuse by donating to the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation (MPF) . You may send checks to MPF at 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 252, St . Paul, MN . 55114 . Your donation is tax deductible .

President, Board of Trustees: Marilyn Eelkema

Trustees: Howard Juni, Debbie Anderson, Todd Sorenson, Linnea Forsell, Justin Anderson, Leslie Helou, Chuck Cooper, Steve Simenson, Zachry Wyman and Michelle Aytay

minnesota Pharmacists FoundationThe AWARxE consumer protection program is brought to you by the NABP Foundation® .

Please Contribute to AWARxE!

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18 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

Pharmacy Professionals for Political ActionContributions play a significant role in electing and supporting pharmacy friendly legislators who understand the importance of pharmacies and pharmacists. These legislators are willing to author bills we need and vote for our issues in committee meetings and in legislative sessions. PharmPAC funds help make the Legislature as pharmacy-friendly and pharmacy-knowledgeable as it can be.

What is PharmPAC?PharmPAC is a legal, transparent, state monitored, bi-partisan Political Action Committee (PAC) whose major purpose is to influence the nomina-tion or election of candidates who support the profession of pharmacy and pharmacists. PharmPAC is a means to express united interests with one powerful voice. It is power in numbers.

How does PharmPAC influence the political process?PharmPAC solicits contributions from individual pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Minnesota and combines them to make larger contributions to candidates and party units. PharmPAC funds are also used to attend fundraiser events for candidates and party units.

Who can receive PharmPAC funds?Candidates and incumbents who run for state office in Minnesota may receive PharmPAC funds. House of Representative members, Senators, the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General or any other state candidate who promotes and supports pharmacy can receive PAC funds.

Which funds are accepted by PharmPAC?Individual contributions are accepted, but corporate contributions are pro-hibited. For each contribution over $20.00 a record of the donor will be kept. Anonymous contributions can not be accepted by PharmPAC. Other political committees, political funds or political party units registered in MN may also contribute to PharmPAC.

Is PharmPAC regulated?PharmPAC is regulated by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. The state of Minnesota has some of the most strict campaign finance laws in the nation. All information from PharmPAC, other PACs and party units is re-corded and filed with the Board. This information is available to the public at www.cfboard.state.mn.us

Are there limits to how much a person can contribute?An individual may contribute unlimited amounts to PharmPAC. But PharmPAC is limited as to how much it can contribute to candidates and party units.

How does PharmPAC determine who to contribute to?Contributions are determined with recommendations by the Chair, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, the Volunteer Committee, contributors, and others. Contributions are given to candidates or elected officials who are determined to be pharmacy friendly in a non-partisan manner.

What are the guidelines PharmPAC uses to disperse funds?Recommendations on candidates are made by those most involved with the political process, i.e., lobbyists and PAC volunteers, chair or vice chair who lobby or have legislative and campaign experience. Contributions are dis-bursed in a non-partisan manner. The qualification is “pharmacy friendly”

not party friendly. Persons who shall receive preference when determining contributions, or ways to define “pharmacy friendly”:• Elected officials who have sponsored or authored legislation for phar-

macists or pharmacy.• Chair persons of the committees who deliberate issues relevant to

pharmacy.• Elected officials who made difficult votes in favor of pharmacy initia-

tives.• Elected officials who attend and speak at pharmacy events.• Elected officials or challengers who pledge support and demonstrate

willingness to sponsor pharmacy initiatives.• Caucus contributions are determined based on how many candidates

or officials from the caucus attend the event, timing and effectiveness of contribution amount.

Why have a PAC?PACs are an important part of the American political process. They have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. PharmPAC is another way the profession of phar-macy maintains its presence in a crowded arena of special interests in the state’s political process.

What’s in it for me?PharmPAC is an exciting way to be directly involved in the political process. Being involved with PharmPAC enables you to affect your profes-sional livelihood in a powerful, positive way. By contributing to PharmPAC you will receive information about candidates and events in your area. You will know who supports your professional interests at the Minnesota state legislature. You will be a part of influencing the political process.

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 19

prescripTion moniToring program by Lindsay Sorge, Pharm.D., Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

It is important not to make assumptions about patients and their controlled substance use because they are in need of addi-tional care — whether it is mental health care for addiction or other ways to manage chronic pain . Patients who seek controlled substances may be selling the medicine, getting the medicine for others to sell, have an addiction to the medicines, or have a pseudo-addiction or they have chronic conditions that are treated with controlled substances and they appear have an addiction . The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is a helpful resource in determining how a patient is using controlled substances .

On a weekly basis, questions arise about patients’ controlled sub-stance use at the family medicine clinic where I work . In order to quench or validate those concerns we are able to refer to PMP . This tool has been useful to the clinic providers to dispel concerns they may have or to determine the next step for the patients’ care plan .

A patient recently presented to clinic and discussed how she was in pain and has not been able to obtain any of her medicine for the past couple of months because she could not afford it . She was on many medications for pain, diabetes, hypertension, and choles-terol . Her main concern today was to only refill her prescription for an opioid . This raised a red flag for the provider who was con-cerned she may be seeking controlled substances . We looked her up in PMP and found she had not filled her opioid medication for the past couple of months and per physical exam she was experi-encing pain . In this case, we focused on a plan to help the patient obtain all of the medicines indicated for her, including the opioid to help manage her pain .

It is important to remove preconceptions about a patient’s con-trolled substance use and find a way to objectively review their current use to develop the most appropriate care plan for patients .

A family medicine clinic is just one of the settings where one can access the PMP, which obtains prescription information about substances scheduled II, III, and IV from pharmacies in Minnesota and is updated daily . Be sure to remind nurses, physi-cians, and pharmacists you work with that they can register to use the Prescription Monitoring Program at http://pmp .pharmacy .state .mn .us .

student PersPective

The Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation works to create a strong future for pharmacy by investing in its pharmacists of tomorrow . The Foundation backs this

commitment by providing annual scholarships to pharmacy students attending the University of

Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Minneapolis .

Visit our page on Facebook or the MPhA site to learn more about how you can help us achieve our goals!

Page 20: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

20 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

heAlth outreAch And Access:

norThern minnesoTa pharmacisTs make a diFFerence aT proJecT careBy Laura Palombi, Pharm.D. Candidate, College of Pharmacy – Duluth

What is project care?

Project Care is a free clinic that provides health outreach services to people in northeastern Minnesota communities regardless of insurance status or ability to pay . Clinics are located in Hibbing, Ely, and Grand Rapids and are staffed on a volunteer basis by local health care providers and volunteers .

Project Care, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 2006 to provide quality health care services to individuals on the Minnesota Iron Range and surrounding communities without regard to insur-ance status or ability to pay . Office visits, labs, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, diabetic education classes and help with medica-tion assistance programming are available at no cost to those who qualify . Project Care started with one clinic in Hibbing, but new clinics have now been established in Grand Rapids and Ely, and the number of patients seen every year continues to climb . In 2010, Project Care clinics had 206 patient contacts . This number grew sharply in 2011, when Project Care saw 516 new patients for a total of 1,126 patient contacts in 2011 . It is worth noting that 93 percent of Project Care patients fall below the 200 percent poverty guidelines, and the other 7 percent are barely above this .

project care: a team approach

All volunteers at Project Care work together as a team . After the receptionist greets the patient, the patient proceeds to intake, and then sees a care provider before they meet with a pharmacist to ensure they are able to find a way to afford their medication . Dozens of care providers from rural Minnesota communities, including allopathic and osteopathic physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants, volunteer at Project Care . Pharmacists, however, are currently under-represented at Project Care even though their role is critical .

What does the pharmacist do at project care?

The pharmacist plays an important role at Project Care, help-ing patients to find drugs they can afford and aligning them with patient assistance programming . Project Care patients received an estimated $120,000 worth of drugs in 2011; the vast major-ity of these drug costs were covered by indigent programming . Pharmacists who volunteer at Project Care come from local hospi-tals, clinics, independent community pharmacies and large-chain

Project care continued on page 21

clinic locations and hours Hibbing Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 PM 3112 6th Avenue East, Hibbing, MN 55746 Phone: 218-263-8549

ely First and Third Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7 PM 232 West Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731 Phone: 218-365-2940

grand rapids First and Third Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 PM 613 1st Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Phone: 218-326-7008

student PersPective

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 21

pharmacies . Student pharmacists have also spent time volunteer-ing at Project Care . According to Carrie Estey-Dix, executive director of Project Care, “Our providers work with the pharma-cist as a team to provide the best possible care for our patients at the best price for the clinic . It is very self-fulfilling to be a part of something so wonderful .”

how can i help?

Additional pharmacist volunteers are needed at each of the Project Care clinics . Any person interested in volunteering at any of the Project Care sites should contact the site coordinator at the clinic in which they would like to volunteer . Each volunteer is required to fill out an interest form and meet with the site coordi-nator prior to volunteering .

Pharmacists living outside of Northern Minnesota are encouraged to volunteer at any one of the many other free clinics established in other parts of Minnesota . There is, for example, a clinic in Red Wing very similar to Project Care (contact Julie Malyon at juliemalyon@hotmail .com or Neela Mollgaard at neela@care-clinicrw .com, or visit www .careclinicrw .com) and another well-established free clinic in Rochester (The Good Samaritan, contact Wendy at 507-529-4100) . Please consider volunteering your time and clinical skills at a free clinic in your community!

Project care continued from page 20what do Pharmacists and Pharmacy students say aBout Project care?“Some of the problems with indigent drug programs are the lack of patient knowledge that the programs exist, and the lack of physician or pharmacists to help patients complete the required enrollment forms . if someone takes the time to help the patient, then it is quite easy to get them free drugs. We have seen so many patients who simply stop taking their medications when they have no insurance. It often comes down to the patient being able to afford food and other necessities or drugs and, unfortunately, they have to eat so cannot afford the drugs . Project Care has helped many patients with chronic conditions get free medications, which they otherwise would have gone without . I know from my experience that the clinics do not take the time to enroll patients, and quite often neither do pharmacies . It is a unique environment to work as a pharmacist in a non-dispensing clinic, and to be able to make recommendations on affordable medications and get help for those patients that need assistance .”

Neal Walker, Pharmacy Manager, Fairview Range

"Making sure each medication is indicated, safe, effective, and con-venient for patients is one of the most important things we do as pharmacists . As such, what I most enjoyed about Project Care was the opportunity to consult with providers on the most appropri-ate medication for a patient, given their health status, comorbidi-ties, and financial situation . If a patient cannot fill a prescription because he or she cannot afford to have it filled, that med is nei-ther effective nor convenient. By discussing medication choice with providers and patients and then helping those most in need find different ways to defray the cost of necessary medications, I feel that I am truly able to help optimize patient outcomes ."

Chris Frazer, Pharm.D. Candidate

“It was nice of Project Care to include pharmacists as part of their team . It shows the further recognition of the valuable service the pharmacist can provide and I feel it is part of being a professional to participate in these endeavors when given the opportunity . it also gives me the chance to interact with other healthcare profession-als and this relationship does prove very useful as the pharmacist becomes more involved in clinical activities. These other profes-sionals seem to feel comfortable in accepting my suggestions, and I feel more comfortable in making them . And it is the patient both in the Project Care clinic as well as our everyday practice that benefits from this .”

Jeff Shapiro, Pharmacy Manager, Walgreens of Hibbing

"Project Care provides an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to utilize their knowledge from pharmacotherapy in recommending cheaper alternative medications ."

Jacob Osell, Pharmacist, Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital and Nursing Home

true story

Project Care Patient Hi, my name is Dawn and I'm a 50-year-old woman who has many health issues . January 2011 was the first time I have been without a job or insurance in about 20 years . I was in a terrible place with my depression, due to los-ing my job and insurance, and not knowing how I would pay for my needed medication . My diabetes was out of control . I was referred to Project Care Free Clinic by the Diabetic Clinic . I went there for a check-up and to see if they could help me with my medications . What I found was a wonderful place . Everyone was very friendly and very helpful . They told me that the free clinic was for people just like me, people down on their luck . They were so helpful; they helped me find cheaper medications and helped me pay for the prescriptions . They got me signed up for a program that would pay for my insulin, and that would deliver my medication right to me . I couldn't believe how much they were doing for me . And this was all on the first visit . The second visit the doctor put me on insulin, and right away Carrie Estey-Dix got me signed up on another program that would help me get that insulin . Once I get healthier I would love to volunteer at Project Care, so I hope that they are able to get the grants they need to keep the doors open, so they can help many oth-ers . Thank you for letting me tell my story about how Project Care saved my Life .

Sincerely,

Dawn

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22 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

The Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation is an organization that invests in public health through the profession of pharmacy.

The Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation formed in May 2003 to enhance patient care practices and the development of leadership opportunities for Minnesota pharmacists . The foundation promotes and communicates leading-edge practice innovations that consistently demonstrate improved patient outcomes .

Foundation GOALS:Create a strong future for pharmacy by investing in its pharmacists of tomorrow .

Award annual scholarships to pharmacy students attending the University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Minneapolis .

Support leadership training to potential Minnesota pharmacist leaders .

Foundation Activities:Created the AWARxE campaign to educate communities and individuals on the dangers of prescription medications .

Hosts the annual Herbie Cup to raise money for the Herb and Addie Whittemore scholarship .

Developed the Student Education Fund to invest in our future pharmacy leaders .

Awards scholarships annually to pharmacy students at the University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Minneapolis .

Helped bring the Meth Watch program to Minnesota to help educate consumers and retailers on meth awareness .

“We get closer to achieving our goals every day with your support...any level of support is appreciated.”

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Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 23

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– McKesson’s Generics Purchasing Rewards Program

– ASAPSM and ASAP PlusSM generics autoship programs

– GenericsConnectSM, a regularly scheduled call from a dedicated generics specialist

– Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS)

Perform at Your Peak with Health Mart®

In addition to monthly rebates of up to 13% (or more) on qualified OneStop purchases, Health Mart pharmacies can earn up to $10,000 per year in technology rebates through the Pace Peak Performance Rewards program.1 Pace Peak Performance Rewards is available exclusively to Health Mart franchisees who participate in:

– McKesson’s Generics Purchasing Rewards Program

– ASAPSM and ASAP PlusSM generics autoship programs

– GenericsConnectSM, a regularly scheduled call from a dedicated generics specialist

– Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS)

– AccessHealth®

– McKesson Reimbursement Advantage

Two Great Ways to Earn RewardsWith McKesson and Pace Alliance

Pace and McKesson: A Complete Solution for Independent Pharmacy

Since 1985, Pace Alliance has been working on behalf of independent community pharmacies to help them decrease costs, while generating revenue for state pharmacy organizations. Today, Pace is owned by 19 state pharmacy organizations and is dedicated to protecting and advancing the profession for community pharmacies nationwide.

Together, Pace and McKesson are dedicated to helping community pharmacies thrive in today’s marketplace. As part of this continued commitment to your success, Pace members can benefit from McKesson’s revenue-building solutions and cost-reducing programs and services.

©2012 McKesson Corporation. All rights reserved. RTL-05874-02-121 An enrollment agreement that includes applicable terms and conditions is available on request.

“By strengthening our partnership with McKesson, Pace Alliance can continue to focus on our advocacy efforts and deliver even greater value to our members.”

Curtis J. Woods, R.Ph. President and CEO

Pace Alliance

Page 24: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

24 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

Herbie CupGOLF INVITATIONAL

Friday, June 8, 2012 • Madden’s Resort • Brainerd, MN

including the

Friends and colleagues,

Join me and fellow pharmacy colleagues in Brainerd this year for the 2012 Annual Meeting!

We are excited to bring you great sessions on timely topics – some of which include: Medication Pipeline Update, Leadership Skills for Managed Care Pharmacists in a Time of Healthcare Reform; and the Top Five Challenges for MTM in Geriatric Patients.

I encourage you to attend the meeting; meet industry leaders, connect with students in school or just entering the pharmacy world – or perhaps share your experiences with them and become a mentor. There will be many opportunities to network and reconnect with old friends while enjoying the nightly bonfires and meetings.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in June – please send in your registration today!

Scott SetzepfandtMPhA President

What to BringCamera • Sunscreen • Bug Spray • Comfortable ShoesDress for the conference is casual/resort casual. The evenings can be cool, and so can the session rooms, so pack a light sweater or jacket. For the President’s Banquet, many dress on a business/semi-formal level. Men may choose to wear a nice shirt and slacks or a suit. Women may want to consider a nice dress set or slacks and blouse. Please feel free to dress at your own comfort level.

Join us in Brainerd for the 2012 MPhA Annual Meeting and Conference!

Friday CE• Medication Pipeline Update • Leadership Skills for Managed Care

Pharmacists in a Time of Healthcare Reform

• Board of Pharmacy Update on Laws and Rules

Saturday CE• The Minnesota Research and Practice

Innovation Forum• Achieving the Medication

Effectiveness, Safety and Care Transition Goals of the National Quality Strategy

• Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) and Pharmacies

• Exiting and Entering Pharmacy Ownership

• Top Five Challenges for MTM in Geriatric Patients

Sunday CE:• The Goals of Accreditation of

Pharmacies

Page 25: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012 25

MPhA REGISTRATION2012 ANNUAL MEETING/CONFERENCE

FULL WEEKEND: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Program/Non-member $395 MPhA Member $295 Pharmacy Student Member $225

FRIDAY ONLY: CE, Break, Dinner & Opening Re-ception

Program/Non member $185 MPhA Member $135 Pharmacy Student Member $100

SATURDAY ONLY: CE, Break, Meals & Banquet Program/Non-member $235 MPhA Member $185 Pharmacy Student Member $145

SUNDAY ONLY: CE, Break & Honors Brunch Program/Non member $135 MPhA Member $110 Pharmacy Student Member $75

NAME ORGANIZATION

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE: HOME WORK CELL EMAIL (REQUIRED FOR EVENT CONFIRMATION)

MPhA PAYMENT BY: Check Visa Mastercard Discover

If paying by credit card, all fields below are required.

CARDHOLDER NAME (PRINT)

CARD NUMBER SEC CODE EXP

CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE

BILLING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN ABOVE)

ADDITIONAL GUEST(S)I will bring a guest(s) with me to the following events: (Do not include yourself)

Friday BBQ 12 & Under: $20 x ___; Adult: $40 x ___; = $_________

Saturday Breakfast 12 & Under: $13 x ___; Adult: $18 x ___; = $_________

Saturday Lunch/Exhibit Hall 12 & Under: $13 x ___; Adult: $25 x ___; = $_________

Saturday President’s Banquet 12 & Under: $20 x ___; Adult: $50 x ___; = $_________

Sunday Honors Brunch 12 & Under: $15 x ___; Adult: $30 x ___; = $_________

IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS, PLEASE LIST HERE: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MPF STUDENT EDUCATION FUNDYour 100% tax deductible donation to the Minnesota Phar-macists Foundation will reimburse student registration and housing costs, supporting our future pharmacists and lead-ers.

Full ($225) Day ($115) Other ____

Enclosed is an additional check payable to the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation.

SESSION HANDOUTS will be avail-able electronically on the MPhA website. Attendees will be notified one week before the conference of their availability.

If you prefer a printed set of hand-outs to be provided for your use at the conference, please check the box below:

I am requesting printed handouts for an additional charge of $20

Event Registration = $ ________

Additional Guests = $ ________

Printed Handouts = $ _________

MPhA TOTAL = $ _________

MAIL OR FAX FORM BACK TO MPhA:1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 252 • St. Paul, MN 55114651-290-2266 fax • www.mpha.org • Questions? 651-697-1771 • 800-451-8349

initialsdate

CK/CCamt. paid

bal. due

fin.(For office use only)

Please do not email credit card information. Fax or mail your registration form to protect this information.

Late Registration: All registrations received after May 18, 2012 will be charged a $25 late fee.

Page 26: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

26 Minnesota Pharmacist n Spring 2012

TWO NIGHT LODGING RATES ARE: SINGLE NIGHT LODGING RATES: Deluxe Room: 199.11 per room; Premium Room: 235.98 per room These lodging rates include lodging, use of 3 swimming pools, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center, and business center. Exhibitors: Refer to package rates and inclusions listed above OR book lodging only, based on availability. Visit our online booking page at www.maddens.com. Pre/Post Stays: The Association’s contracted daily rate will be honored 3 days pre- conference as well as 3 days post -conference for all attendees. Subject to availability. Call Madden’s Reservation Department to make an extended reservation. ROOMS: We will strive to honor your first choice, however, rooms will be assigned on a first come; first served basis. If we are unable to honor your first choice, you will be assigned the next choice and charged accordingly. Reservation and housing requests will not be accepted or honored without payment. Any reservation requests received after May 8, 2012 will be accepted on a space available basis only.

OCCUPANT 1 WITH OCCUPANT 2 Single occupancy______ Double_______ Accessible________ Registering now____ or separately?_______ Accessible__________ Name Mr/Ms___________________________________________ Name Mr/Ms_____________________________________________ Company ______________________________________________ Company________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City ______________________________State_______Zip________ City_________________________________State_____Zip________ Daytime phone___________________________________________ Daytime phone____________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION: The full package payment is required at time of reservation request. Checks payable to MADDEN’S ON GULL LAKE are accepted and must accompany this reservation request form. We accept VISA and MASTERCARD for phone or online reservations. Vouchers and Purchase Orders are not accepted for payment. All guests must present a credit card at check-in. RESERVATION METHODS: 1) MAIL THIS FORM WITH A CHECK TO: MADDEN'S ON GULL LAKE , 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401. 2) Register Online at: http://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?groupID=697115&hotelID=73976 3) Call Madden’s Reservations Office at 800-642-5363. * Credit card will be charged when the reservation is made. CANCELLATION POLICY: Reservations made online MUST be canceled through online booking system. You are responsible for your entire stay; early departures or reservations reduced in length are not refundable. Package payments are refundable, less a $25.00 cancellation fee, if you cancel by May 8, 2012. Any cancellations made after May 8, 2012 will not receive a refund. (Replacements are gladly accepted.) Reservations made after the deadline are non-refundable. FOR INTERNAL USE: Reservation made by ___________________________________Phone ________________________Date ______________

RESERVATION REQUEST DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Check in: 4:30 PM Check out: 11:00

AM

#11194 MN Pharmacist Assn

Arrival: Friday, June 8, 2012 Departure: Sunday, June 10, 2012

DELUXE ROOM ___$398.22 per room

PREMIUM ROOM ___$471.96 per room

Page 27: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

A probiotic so potent it has to be supervised and refrigerated Too cool.

VSL#3 Medical Food SKU UPC

VSL#3 Box of 30 packets 7-45749-01778-9

VSL#3 Box of 30 unflavored packets 7-45749-01780-2

VSL#3 Bottle of 60 capsules 7-45749-01781-9

VSL#3 DS Rx only Medical Food SKU UPC

VSL#3 DS Box of 20 packets 7-45749-01782-6

• Up to 100 times more potent than the average probiotic1

• Clinically proven in double-blind, placebo-controlled

trials to provide significant benefit in the dietary

management of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative

colitis and an ileal pouch

• Over 80 published studies in less than 12 years

• Refrigerated VSL#3 contains 8 proprietary strains

of live bacteria providing 112.5 billion to 900 billion

CFU per serving making it one of the most potent

probiotics available1

• Most potent probiotic medical food with the

lowest cost per colony forming unit (CFU)2

All formulations of VSL#3 are medical foods and must be used under medical supervision.

Source: 1. AC Nielsen 12.2009 Average CFU claimed by product manufacturer was approx. 4 billion CFU per capsule or tablet 2.www.drugstore.com, Accessed March 2012.

www.vsl3.com

PharmAd_new2.indd 1 4/25/12 5:37 PM

Page 28: 2012 Spring Minnesota Pharmacist

the upper Midwest’s independent healthcare distributor

As the Midwest’s only Independent Drug Wholesaler, Dakota Drug has grown and developed by

addressing the needs of you, the Community Pharmacist, and by

providing assistance to ensure your success .

We are committed to personal service and welcome the opportunity to assist you.

every customer counts!

Dakota Drug Inc. 1101 Lund Boulevard

Anoka, MN 55303 phone (763) 432-4333

fax (763) 421-0661 www .dakdrug .com