Expanded Convention Coverage Inside C

August/September 2018 Inside: 7 BIG PROTECTIONS FOR GEORGIA PHARMACISTS FAREWELL TO RUTH ANN

Check it out! Expanded convention coverage inside C

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15 OUR NASHVILLE SENSATION You won’t want to miss this expanded photo coverage of the 2018 Georgia Pharmacy Convention in Nashville!

3 26 prescript contact us Rockin’ Nashville Who does what at GPhA — CEO Bob Coleman looks back at and how to reach us the Nashville convention — and what members had to say about it. 27 postscript 4 You asked quick hits Incoming president Tim Short What’s happening in the 28 tackles your questions and Georgia pharmacy world concerns We bid adieu to Ruth Ann, 24 plus meth makes a comeback 8 12 in Georgia, ACA marketplace shout outs GPhA by the chances, and much more New members, plus the latest numbers entries into GPhA’s 100% Club What we saw in our 2018 and President’s Circle member satisfaction survey

10 20 legal injection PharmPAC 28 A reference for your rights Investors in the future of 28 Why Georgia pharmacists pharmacy in Georgia the back page enjoy some of the country’s The lighter side of pharmacy 4 best legal protections 3 and healthcare news

SUBSCRIPTIONS Georgia Pharmacy is distributed as a regular membership service, paid for with membership Georgia Pharmacy magazine Chief Executive Officer Editor dues. Single issues are $10 per issue domestic and $20 international. Practicing Georgia pharmacists is the official publication of the Bob Coleman Andrew Kantor who are not members of GPhA are not eligible for Georgia Pharmacy Association. Director of Communication President and Chair of the Board subscriptions. [email protected] Tim Short Unless otherwise noted, the entire Art Director POSTAL contents of this publication is licensed President-Elect Carole Erger-Fass Georgia Pharmacy (ISSN 1075-6965) is published under a Creative Commons Attribution- Chris Thurmond bi-monthly by GPhA, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International 100 Sandy Springs, GA, 30328. Periodicals postage Immediate Past President license. Direct any questions to the editor at paid at Atlanta, GA and at additional mailing offices. Liza Chapman ADVERTISING POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Georgia [email protected]. All advertising inquiries should be directed to Pharmacy magazine, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite Dianne Jones at [email protected] or 100, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. (404) 419-8129. Media kit and rates available upon request.

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 1 We all know the challenges — but we also see opportunity Health Mart believes in the bright future of independent pharmacy, and we’d like you to be a part of it with us.

With Health Mart® you can count on: • The power and savings of the largest independent pharmacy network • Flexible programs and services that Ready to hear grow your business more? Let’s talk. • Access to the tools that can improve Call 855.458.4678 or visit your pharmacy’s performance join.healthmart.com and profitability

Health Mart is proud to be a member of the McKesson family, sharing in the collective industry knowledge and experience residing within all of the McKesson corporate affiliates. Since 1833, McKesson has been committed to the success of independent pharmacies through the delivery of innovative programs and reliable distribution services. Learn more at mckesson.com. ©2018 Health Mart Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. HM-224545-06-18 PRESCRIPT

From the CEO By the numbers, convention edition

In my last Prescript, I said I On to membership would provide some of the We’re happy to report that as of June, total results of our latest Member active membership has grown 5.8 percent over Satisfaction Survey and mem- the same period last year. And total members bership information. I promise (includes affiliates, academicians, technicians, I’ll get to that, but before I do, and students) has grown more than 12.4 percent. I just wanted to thank ev- In fact, GPhA is up over last year in every mem- eryone who came to the 2018 ber category, with the lone exception of three BOB COLEMAN Georgia Pharmacy Convention affiliate members! in Nashville. What a great con- Comparing the results of the 2015 member vention, great members, and a GREAT TIME! survey to the 2018 survey results, we find that Over and over again members expressed some things remain the same, or very close — what a fantastic location Nashville was and how like the type of pharmacy organizations GPhA impressed they were with the Omni Nashville members work for. Hotel. I even had several tell me that they had In 2015, 37 percent of the members reported We all know the challenges — considered not attending because of the location working for independent pharmacies versus (translation: “It wasn’t the beach!”), but how hap- 39 percent in 2018; 25 percent reported working py they were they made the decision to come. for retail chains in 2015 versus 22 percent in but we also see opportunity Keynote speakers Brad Montgomery, Randy 2018. (Hospitals and health-system employees McDonough, and Brian Crabtree delivered pow- remained about the same.) Health Mart believes in the bright future of erful presentations whose real-world message Overall member satisfaction with GPhA mem- resonated with the audience. About 1,200 hours bership remains very high: 89 percent, which independent pharmacy, and we’d like you of CPE credits were registered, with members ex- appears to be an improvement over the results to be a part of it with us. pressing their appreciation for the quality, topics, in 2015 when 80 percent of the membership and presenters of the courses offered. responded their GPhA membership was of high And attendees rated the Expo Hall the second value to them. highest event, with vendors manning 67 booths In what some researchers consider the most and aisles packed with attendees. important measure of an association’s success or Yes, I also heard about the food. There was too failure, the net promoter score, i.e., the likelihood With Health Mart® you can count on: much, and it was too good. Sorry, you’re going to that a member would recommend membership have to take some personal responsibility and to a non-member, 91 percent of GPhA members • The power and savings of the largest lose those pounds you gained yourself! would recommend GPhA membership, with 69 independent pharmacy network Finally, the President’s Bash! The Downtown percent of those strongly recommending it. Ready to hear Band rocked it like never before. Members GPhA remains strong financially and in mem- • Flexible programs and services that commented, “That’s the best band we’ve ever had, bership numbers thanks to you. Programs like grow your business more? Let’s talk. and I’ve been coming to this event for decades!” the President’s Circle and the 100 Percent Club Call 855.458.4678 or visit and “The Downtown Band was incredible” on the are excellent ways to bring in new members. • Access to the tools that can improve convention survey. Again, our congratulations to Joe Ed Holt, the your pharmacy’s performance join.healthmart.com I also express my personal thanks to the GPhA charter member of the President’s Gold Circle!

Georgia Pharmacy and profitability staff. They tirelessly work to make sure members As always, if there is anything you think weASSOCIATION have a great time at convention and all survey should be doing or things we could be doing BLACK & WHITE OPEN

results so far say they exceeded your expecta- better, please don’t hesitate to let us know.GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR tions once again! 1 We hope you notice and enjoy the expanded Bob Coleman is chief executive officer of the Health Mart is proud to be a member of the McKesson family, sharing in the collective industry convention coverage in this issue as well. Georgia Pharmacy Association. knowledge and experience residing within all of the McKesson corporate affiliates. Since 1833, McKesson has been committed to the success of independent pharmacies through the delivery of innovative programs and reliable distribution services. Learn more at mckesson.com. August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 3 ©2018 Health Mart Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. HM-224545-06-18 QUICK HITS

DONT MISS IMMUNIZE GEORGIA THIS A farewell to Ruth Ann SEPTEMBER She’s been a much-loved fixture of heck of a dancer. Registration is opening soon Georgia’s pharmacy community for Ruth Ann’s first order of busi- for the 2018 Immunize Georgia more than 27 years, but now GPhA’s ness upon retirement is to take a Conference. It’s being held at the Ruth Ann McGehee is retiring. long-awaited trip to France. And so Columbus Convention and Trade Ruth Ann has served GPhA we wish her a bittersweet bon voy- Center on Friday, September through 27 presidents and five age ... and many happy years ahead. 14, and as always will cover the CEOs (or EVPs as they latest recommendations and were once known). best practices in immunization She has been an or- services. Get more info at ganizer, liaison, calming immunizegeorgia.com. voice, detailed plan- ner, office expert, cat herder, voice of reason, GEORGIA spark of life — and AND METH worn many other hats over the years, always The Georgia Bureau of Inves- with grace, humor, and Left: The Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution tigation says meth-related professionalism. Her honoring Ruth Ann; she was presented with a copy by Representative deaths in Georgia saw a spike communication skills Buddy Harden. Right: On June 23, a surprised and tearful Ruth Ann last year (from 243 in 2016 are without par — ask was presented with the Larry L. Braden Meritorious Service Award — to 343 in 2017.) The reason? the highest honor bestowed by the Georgia Pharmacy Association. It anyone who’s had the is given to those those people who have, over their careers rendered Price. Demand has pushed up pleasure of speaking similar invaluable service to GPhA and has made extraordinary the price of heroin, so Mexican with her. And she’s a contributions to the practice of pharmacy in our state. meth is a lot cheaper. In fact, for the seventh straight year meth won the title of Most Confiscated Drug in Georgia the GBI said. Cocaine TWO DRUG COMPANIES SUE PRISONERS takes the #2 spot, followed by Xanax, oxycodone, heroin, and Endo International and Mallinckrodt claim that — contrary to what a hydrocodone. group of Tennessee counties and towns has said— it’s not the drug com- And where are opioids hot? panies that are responsible for the opioid crisis, but illegal drug dealers. According to the GBI’s figures, They’re putting their lawyers where their mouths are and suing several Cobb County tops the list with convicted drug dealers (e.g., a man serving 10 years for possessing fen- the most samples confiscated, tanyl with an intent to distribute) as well as Internet sites they say are followed by Gwinnett, Fulton, illegally offering opioids. DeKalb, and Chatham.

4 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 REMINDER: ITS RENEWAL TIME

It’s time to renew your GPhA mem- Pharmacy Convention, and bership! You should have received events throughout the year your renewal notice by e-mail and • Live classes, certifications, and THE ACA in your (paper) mailbox as well. training Your renewed membership • The latest state and national MARKETPLACE helps GPhA continue to do our news affecting pharmacy and important work for all Georgia’s medicine 2019 premium changes pharmacists. So please be sure to • Professional insurance and pay- (Georgia edition) renew soon if you havent already roll services, including liability Georgia’s health insurance — just go to GPhA.org/renew and coverage (for individuals), group companies are asking for do it right now! health (for pharmacy owners), rate hikes of two to about 15 While we continue our legisla- HR services, and more percent for their exchange tive efforts on your behalf, we also policies — much less than the hope you’re taking advantage of Important: Save time in the future 50+ percent increases of 2018. your other member benefits. by opting for annual auto renewal The good news is that these so you dont have to think about it increases won’t have much ef- • A large and growing library of every year. And don’t forget to sup- fect on consumers, because the on-demand CPE courses on cur- port PharmPAC; that investment ACA caps the amount they’re rent topics like opioids, diabetes, helps us elect legislators who un- required to pay for coverage. and pharmacy management derstand and appreciate the value (especially important in a dues- of pharmacists across the state. It looks like more insur- renewal year) ers will be entering the • Great networking opportunities: Please renew by August 31 to avoid marketplace region meetings, the Georgia cancellation of your membership. A preliminary look at the overall ACA marketplace for 2019 has some good news: We’re on track to add more insurance Georgia leads with patient protection carriers. (In 2018 a lot of carriers exited the marketplaces.) Something like 26 states have taken And Georgia goes even further That’s based on preliminary Georgia’s lead and enacted laws simi- — we not only prohibit copay rate filings in 12 states and the lar to what we did in 2017 — laws that clawbacks, gag clauses, and District of Columbia. protect patients from PBM abuses. For adjudication fees, we also ban example: recoupment outside of the audit read more process, delivery, and retaliation. @gphabuzz • Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, For more about this, check out Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Greg Reybolds “Legal Injection” Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New on page 10. York, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia passed legislation allowing a pharmacist to provide patients with info about alternative For those tasked with navigating medications and/or alternative pur- the complexities of healthcare, chasing options that can save patients Cardinal Health brings scaled solutions that help our customers money. thrive in a changing world. • Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, For more information, visit Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, cardinalhealth.com New York, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia passed legislation prohibiting © 2017 Cardinal Health. All Rights Reserved. CARDINAL HEALTH, the Cardinal Health LOGO fees related to claim adjudication un- and ESSENTIAL TO CARE are trademarks of Cardinal Health and may be registered in the US and/or less certain conditions are met. in other countries. Lit. No. 1RI17-721139 (10/2017)

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 5 1RI17-721139 Georgia Pharmacy Sponsorship Ad_FINAL.indd 1 10/6/17 4:17 PM DRUG SHORTAGES QUICK HITS Worldwide supply of antibiotics is in trouble

The Amsterdam-based Access to to receive newer and stronger drugs. ASPIRIN: ONE Medicine Foundation published a This issue of excess now has the LOW DOSE white paper in which it explained political attention it so desperately DOESNT FIT ALL that there is little investment in the deserves, the group wrote, but there supply chain for antibiotics because is less attention being paid to another You know that a daily low-dose of the low profit they generate for vital component, namely access. aspirin is supposed to help drug companies. That means the This comes on the heels of a study prevent cardiovascular disease. supply is patchy, complex, and at in Nature Climate Change that found But a new study in the Lancet risk of collapsing, which adds to the Patients in warmer climates face finds that the typical 81mg dose danger of resistant bacteria and higher risk of drug-resistant infec- is not effective for 80 percent of superbugs. tions.” As the co-author explained, patients over 154 lbs. The irony, the group points out, Places in the South tend to show People who weigh more is that while the issue of antibiotic more [drug] resistance than places than about 154 pounds saw no overuse has received a lot of at- in the North, and a good chunk of benefit to the 81-mg. dose, but tention, the rise of drug-resistant that variability can be explained by higher doses (say, 325 mg) are bacteria means more people will need temperature. effective for heavier patients. Thinner folks can and should continue that low-dose regimen. Drug shortage is “serious concern”

Besides the issue of antibiotic access, the U.S. is facing more traditional shortages — significant in some cases — of at least 100 drugs, the FDA acknowledged. According to the agency’s deputy commissioner, “It’s a serious concern not just in routine, everyday clinical care, but also in the context of a shortage of life-saving Representing pharmacists products at a time of a public health and pharmacies before the emergency.” Georgia Pharmacy Board, That’s not a surprise to the Amer- GDNA and DEA. ican Medical Association, which AREAS OF PRACTICE issued a formal declaration that the shortage of some critical drugs in the Professional Licensing U.S. is both a public health crisis and Medicare and Medicaid a national security issue. Fraud and Reimbursement For example, due to some seri- Criminal Defense ous problems at a Pfizer factory in Administrative Law Kansas — a factory that makes 60 Healthcare Law percent of the country’s injectable opioids — a whopping 98 percent Legal Advice for Licensed of hospitals now report ‘moderate Professionals or severe’ shortages of morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone, as WWW.FRANCULLEN.COM well as locally injected anesthesia, (404) 806-6771 • [email protected] according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

6 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 Committed to providing you the Workers’ Compensation Coverage You Deserve!

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Georgia Pharmacy Association has built a valuable relationship with AmeriTrust Group, Inc. formerly Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. who can provide you a competitive, no obligation workers’ compensation insurance quote.

GPhA Member Benefits Include: • Dividend opportunities for eligible participating members • Superior claims handling • Personal customer service representative • Access to Safetysurance.com, a virtual library that delivers the accident-prevention and safety information you need to improve your daily operations

Contact Dianne Jones at GPhA today to get started.

Dianne Jones | Georgia Pharmacy Association | P (404) 419-8129 F (404) 237-8435

Edition Date: 07/2018 Georgia Pharmacy SHOUT-OUTSASSOCIATION

UGA APPLAUDS TWO NTS E D R

S GPHA MEMBERS

E L

E R

P Congrats to GPhA pharma- 8 cist members Ben Ross of 1 Statesboro and Rhondo- These are the newest members lyn Smith of Winterville GP.Logos.Final.indd 1 3/21/18 1:02 PM of the GPhA’s President’s Circle — — they were named as GPhA members who recruit their two of UGA’s “40 Under fellow pharmacists, technicians, 40” for 2018. W00t! academics, and others to become part of the association. Recruit a member and join! Gold Level: Joe Ed Holt, Valdosta NEW MEMBERS Silver Level: PHARMACISTS Corine Ferebee; Fairburn Catherine Akin; Atlanta (AEP) Michael Ferguson; Valdosta Ashley London, Evans Monica Arbogast; Niceville, Fla. Dana Flores; Madison, Ala. (ACHP) Mike Forehand, Vienna Kiah Baker; Bossier City, La. (AEP) David Freeman; Savannah Pedro Valentin, Columbus Ajay Banga; Atlanta Haylee Gamblin; Evans (AEP) Rob Dykes, Cochran Candace Barnett; Atlanta Emad Gharavi; Monroe (AEP) William Hussey, Eastman Kimberly Barwick; Dexter (AEP) Sheena Ghorbani; Cumming (AEP) Jessica Bearden; Albany (ACHP) Mounika Godavarthi; Cumming Leonard Bennett; Jacksonville, Fla. Brian Gosa; Selma, Ala. La-Kasia Best; Ocala, Fla. Lakisha Hamilton; Marietta Jessica Blackburn; Auburn, Ala. Hayley Hardin; Kathleen Brittany Blain; Bonaire (AEP) Robin Helmstadter; Dacula (AEP) Club Camron Boyd; Pooler (AEP) Stephen Henken; Montgomery, Ala. Georgia Pharmacy Georgia PharmacyASSOCIATION Pamela Boyd; Pooler (AEP) (ACHP) ASSOCIATION Brandon Brooks; Marietta Donna Higdon; Lafayette (ACHP) These are the newest members Jordan Brown; Odum Charity Holt; Douglas (AIP) GP.Logos.Final.indd 5 3/21/18 1:02 PM of GPhA’s 100% Club — Georgia Harry Burg; Newnan (AEP) Leslie Hornsby; Iron City pharmacies where 100 percent of Craig Burks; Smyrna (AIP) Brittany Horton; Daphne, Ala. employees are GPhA members. Matthew Burnette; Dublin (AEP) Jessica Horton; Ooltewah, Tenn. Find out more at Jennifer Campbell; Alabaster, Ala. Jihan Howard; Atlanta GPhA.org/100percent. John Mark Carter; Savannah (AEP) Ramonda Howard; Conyers Rebecca Cash; Columbus, MS (AEP) Amitie Hussey; Eastman (AEP) John Chafin; Jonesboro (AIP) Sara Ivanov; Atlanta Barnes Pharmacy, Baxley 1 Stephanie Chang; Alpharetta Amreen Jivani; Lawrenceville Owner: Mark Barnes 1 Ryan Chavers; Kennesaw Kimberly Kaminski; Cornelia (AIP) Blake Cheek; Cumming (AEP) Maggie Kavanaugh; Bloomington, Ind. Dublin Drug Company, Dublin Mark Cifelli; Jacksonville, Fla. Tammi Knight; Reynolds (AIP) Owner: Trent McDaniel Brian Clark; Chapin, S.C. (AIP) Mary Kunyiha-Shelton; Bowdon Lynn Clavo; Atlanta (ACHP) Shayroz Ladhani; Mareitta Pineview Pharmacy, Pineview Quwanna Clemons; Atlanta Margaret Leech; Newnan (AEP) Owner: Forehand Robert Mike Anna Coggins; Valdosta (AEP) Austin Lively; Newnan (AEP) Marshall Curtis; Augusta (AIP) Suleena Mahajan; Sterling Heights, Mich. Senoia Drug, Senoia Hardave Deol; Fresno, Calif. (ACHP) Monica Masters; Covington Owner: Chad Daniels Frederique Dunham; Valdosta (AEP) Rashada McGhee; Perry Anat Eshed; Alpharetta Julie McLeod; Valdosta (AEP)

8 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 Laura Miller; Dublin Regina Bonner; Colbert Juli Moore; Griffin Marla Mitcham; Augusta (AEP) Brandy Carr; Tifton Lauren O’Neal; Williamson Corinne Mueller; Fairborn, Ohio Brenda Clark; Pineview Lisa Perkins; Griffin Lan Namgoong; Marietta Holly Collins; Pineview Nikki Pike; Griffin Hali O’Malley; North Salt Lake, Utah (AEP) Kimberly Cornelius; Doerun Kristin Pitts; Reynolds John Ostrander; Woodstock (AEP) Desiree Cross; Stone Mountain Dianne Posey; Moultrie Abigail Otumi; Midland, Tex. Chad Daniel; Hapeville Rhonda Priest; Cordele Michelle Pennington; Evans Brittany Disharoon; Axson Keri Radney; Dudley David Pope; Evans (ACHP) Melissa Ann Ellington; Jackson Jennifer Roberson; Moultrie Ronnie Rael; Gallup, N.M. Miiah Eubanks; Reynolds Katy Roberts; Milner Elizabeth Reynolds; Opelika, Ala. (AEP) Kissa Floyd; Phenix City, Ala. Lyntrell Robinson; Dublin David Schoenbaechler; Louisville, Ky. Kayla Foster; Griffin Marcelle Robinson-King; Cadwell Karl Simon; Sugar Hill Mathew Fowler; Cochran Cathy Sheffield; Locust Grove Natalie Smith; Dayton, Ohio (AEP) Brenda Frasier; Tifton Jack Shepherd; Dublin Cortlan Smith; Snellville Abigail Gentry; Douglas Pam Sightler; Macon Shawn Spencer; Suwanee (AEP) Andrew Green; Auburn, Ala. Kenneth Smith; Kathleen Joseph Thomas; Dunwoody (ACHP) Tammy Griffin; Commerce Tina Smith; Senoia Dominic Torchia; Power Springs Shannon Hester; Tifton Lauren Smithline; Athens Matthew Turner; San Antonio, Tex. Xavier Hill; Atlanta Martina Snead; Lenox Nina Weidle; Atlanta (AEP) Harold Hodgson; Bishop Amy Tinsley; Warner Robbns John White; Dalton Nancy Holcomb; Sugaqr Valley Cardizia Turner; Tifton Ericka Wilkins; Bellport, N.Y. Jimmy Huckaby; Griffin Sarah Turner; Perry Erica Womble; Newnan (AEP) Jennifer James; Griffin Brittany Webb; Donalsonville Melissa Wood; Cummings (AEP) Melissa Jewell; Douglas Cora Williams; Adrian Shari Woods; Atlanta (AEP) Shonda Jordan; Douglas LaTerrell Williams; Newnan Matthew Wrigley; Villa Rica Amanda Langley; Senoia Ashley Williams; Senoia Karen Wyman; Williston, Vt. Monik Lawson; Dublin April Worley; Griffin Tsion Yohannes; Buford Breanna Lowery; Dublin Victoria Young; Griffin Shauntrice Loyd; Dublin Katherine Zellner; Culloden TECHNICIANS Carley Loyd; Tennille Matthew Beck; Decatur Kristin Marvin; Atlanta AFFILIATE Ariel Bennett; Griffin Deborah Mathews; Griffin Bobby Melnick; Allied Pharmacy Exchange

For details, registration, and more info visit calendar GPhA.org/calendar.

All CPEasy courses are APhA’s Pharmacy-Based Pharmacy Abbreviations and Basic Training: 30 Medications conducted by webinar Immunization Delivery: Calculations for Technicians and Classifications Pharmacy from the comfort of your A Certificate Program for (CPEasy) Technicians Need to Know Pharmacists October 4; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. (CPEasy) home, office, or wherever August 12; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 1.5 Hours CE October 18; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. you have an Internet Georgia Pharmacy Association HQ, Free to all 1.5 Hours CPE connection. Visit GPhA. Sandy Springs 2018 NCPA Annual Convention 2018 AIP Fall Meeting org/cpeasy for more The Dreaded OSHA Update Saturday, October 6, 1:00 AM Sunday, October 21, 8:00 AM information. (CPEasy) Laws and Regulations in Georgia: APhA’s Pharmacy-Based August 14; 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. What Pharmacy Technicians Immunization Delivery: Visit GPhA.org/education August 23; 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. for all our education Must Know (CPEasy) A Certificate Program for September 6; 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. October 11; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Pharmacists offerings. 1 Hour CE 1.5 Hours CE December 2; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2018 New Laws Update (CPEasy) Georgia Pharmacy Association HQ, September 13; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Sandy Springs 1.5 Hours CE

All CPEasy courses are given live via our free Learning Express software; you just need a computer and and Internet connection (headphones recommended; a microphone if you want to ask questions of the instructors). Visit GPhA.org/cpeasy for more info.

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 9 LEGAL INJECTION

A reference for your rights

Greg Reybold, GPhA‘s vice president of public policy u Recoupment of funds can occur only after the and association counsel, offers his perspective on issues final internal disposition of audit. specific to pharmacy. As a reminder, nothing in this Pharmacies can complain to the commissioner of column constitutes legal advice. If you have a legal issue insurance, who has enforcement authority. or question, consult your own attorney. MAC PRICING Georgia’s MAC law can be found at O.C.G.A. 33-64-9 Nationally, 2018 has been and requires, amongst other things, the following: an exciting year for PBM u PBMs must identify the sources used to deter- legislation and the federal mine multi-source generic drug pricing; level (in large part thanks to u PBMs must update MAC pricing at least every Georgia’s own congressmen five business days; Buddy Carter and Doug u PBMs must reimburse pharmacies based upon Collins — along with our that updated pricing; friends at the National Com- u There are restrictions on what drugs can be GREG REYBOLD munity Pharmacy Associa- placed on a MAC list; tion) and at the state level. u PBMs must have a MAC-appeal process; Surprisingly, despite several years of legislative u Pharmacies have right to appeal a MAC reim- success, I’ve had numerous pharmacists inquire about bursement within 14 calendar days following gaining protections in Georgia that exist already. reimbursement of the initial claim; Indeed, I am happy to report that Georgia has u Pharmacy appeals must be upheld if the drug was some of the most robust PBM legislation in the na- not reimbursed based on updated pricing or if the tion and that much of what has been accomplished drug should not have been placed on MAC list; in other states this year is based on what Georgia u If the appeal to the PBM is successful, the price has already done. must be adjusted the next day and the pharmacy So here is a refresher for Georgia pharmacists on must be allowed to reverse and rebill the claim the breadth of protections that they enjoy in Geor- giving rise to that appeal; gia. (And no, this is not an all-encompassing list!) u If the appeal is unsuccessful, the PBM must provide reason(s) and the NDC of a drug that can be AUDITS purchased at or below reimbursement. Georgia’s Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights can be Pharmacies can complain of any violations to the found at O.C.G.A. 26-4-118 (see the box on the oppo- commissioner of insurance, who has enforcement site page). It provides, amongst other provisions, authority. the following: u PBMs must provide 14-day notice on initial on- PHARMACY PATIENT PROTECTION site audits; Georgia’s pharmacy patient protections can be u Pharmacies have 30 days following receipt of found at O.C.G.A. 33-64-11. They prohibit PBMs from: audit report to appeal u Restricting pharmacies from providing patients in- u Pharmacies have right to correct clerical errors; formation regarding less-costly prescription drugs; u PBMs are Prohibited from recouping for cor- u Restricting pharmacies from offering delivery rected clerical errors where no overpayment services to their patients; occurred; u Charging patients copays that are higher than the u Recoupments for clerical errors where overpay- cost of the drug (copay clawbacks); ment occurred are limited to only the amount u Charging pharmacies adjudication (transaction) that was overpayed; fees related to claim processing; u The audit period is limited to two years from date u Recouping money from a pharmacy outside the claim was submitted; audit process;

10 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 DO YOU HAVE AN ISSUE YOU’D LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED IN THIS COLUMN? LET US KNOW — SUBMIT IT TO GREG AT [email protected].

u Penalizing or retaliating against a pharmacy for and requiring plan sponsors to: seeking to enforce its rights under the law. u Annually report all pharmacy claims; and Pharmacies can complain of any violations to the u Itemize all administrative fees, rebates, or process- commissioner of insurance, who has enforcement ing charges associated with each claim. authority. DCH will provide a report on these claims utilizing aggregated data to the chairs of the House and MANDATORY MAIL ORDER Senate Appropriation Committees. Georgia’s AMMO law can be found at O.C.G.A. 33- 64-10 and prohibits PBMs from: [BOX] O.C.G.A? u Imposing mandatory mail order for group, blan- Notations such as “O.C.G.A. 33-24-59.21” refer to the ket, and individual accident and sickness policies, Officical Code of the State of Georgia’s title, chapter or violating O.C.G.A. 33-30-4.3 which contains ad- and section, e.g., Title 33, Chapter 24, Section 59.21.

Georgia Pharmacy ditional restrictions. (Large swaths of the market You can look upASSOCIATION the exact wording of the are not impacted.) law on sites such as Justia; our shortcut is BLACK & WHITE OPEN

Pharmacies can complain of any violations to the GPhA.org/ocgaGLOSS/GRADIENT . FLAT COLOR commissioner of insurance, who has enforcement 1 authority. Use of this article, or the information it contains, does not con- stitute any legal advice, does NOT establish any attorney-client MEDICATION SYNCHRONIZATION relationship, and does NOT create any legal duty on the part of Georgia’s med sync law can be found at O.C.G.A. the author or the Georgia Pharmacy Association. When making 33-24-59.21 and provides, amongst other things, the a decision that may have legal consequences, readers should following: consult with qualified legal counsel. u Prescription drug programs must apply a prorated daily cost sharing rate to rescriptions dispensed for fewer than 30 days if the prescriber or pharmacist indicates a fill or refill could be in best interest of a patient, or for purpose of synchronizing medication; u It prohibits plans from denying coverage for filling prescriptions to synchronize refilling of multiple prescriptions in ac- cordance with patient, practitioner, and pharmacist; and u It prohibits plans from prorating dispensing fees for partial fills in connec- SOME THINGS WORK tion with med sync. Pharmacies must be REALLY WELL TOGETHER. paid full dispensing fees. Mike Tarrant, CFP® proudly announces PBM REGISTRATION his recogniion as a GPhA Corporate Sponsor PBMs are required to be licensed by the Mike has extensive experience working with commissioner of insurance and are subject pharmacists and pharmacy owners, to oversight by the commissioner, who offering a ‘no generics’ approach has enforcement authority for any PBM to financial planning. violation of the law. Learn more at www.financialplanningrx.com

PBM TRANSPARENCY Georgia’s 2018/2019 budget includes a direc- tive to DCH to collect information related Integrated Financial Group | 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30338 Securiies oﬀered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services to pharmacy claims from state health ben- oﬀered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Integrated Financial Group and IFG Advisory, LLC, are separate ennnes from LPL Financial. efit plan and managed-care organizations

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 11 MEMBER SURVEY GPhA by the numbers

Every year GPhA does a litmus test — we poll mem- stand what members are looking for and how well bers about various aspects of the work we do. We we’re providing it. want to be sure we’re focusing on what’s important, Finally, we ask for members’ personal feedback and we want members’ feedback. — a chance to write about the specific issues they’re Some of those questions are broad and general, concerned about, and to give more detailed explana- and some focus on specifics of our four pillars: tions and perspectives. advocacy, engagement, education, and information. Here’s a selection of the responses from this year’s After collecting the responses, the GPhA Board of survey, including some of the comments that stood Directors and staff review the answers to under- out to us as we reviewed them.

AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE

Overall, I am satisﬁed with I view GPhA as the leading organization advocating for legislative my GPhA membership. and regulatory matters aecting Georgia pharmacists.

% 1.% 8.8% %

8.% 8.1%

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION GPhA provides information that is useful to my GPhA Buzz, GPhA's daily e-mail of pharmacy- and pharmacy practice. association related information, is relevant/useful

1.% 1.% .7% 11.%

.8% 87.%

I’m generally aware of GPhA’s legislative and In the past 12 months, I have used GPhA-provided regulatory priority issues. information in my pharmacy practice. .% 11.% .7% 1.%

8.% 8.7%

12 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 ADVOCACY & ISSUES

In the past twelve months, GPhA’s advocacy e orts AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE have contributed to my ability to practice to the full NEUTRAL extent of my training and licensure.

DISAGREE .% 1.8%

The work of PharmPAC, GPhA’s political 7.% action committee, is important to my success as a pharmacist. .% 1.8% GPhA is e ective at engaging pharmacists in meeting % with local legislators to explain and discuss issues of importance to Georgia pharmacists. 8.% 18.8% .%

78.%

NOTABLE COMMENTS: %

“Thank you for all the recent advancements in pharmacy practice (immunizations, MAC transparency).”

“It is great that you have student involvement in GPhA advocacy.”

“Let’s give pharmacists the ability to administer any CDC-recommended vaccine without a prescription, like other states do.”

“Help improve the working conditions [of] retail pharmacists.”

“I would like the Board of Pharmacy to require that all pharmacy technicians in Georgia be required to be certified. Let’s update our profession into the 21st century like other states.”

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 13 CONVENTION FEEDBACK

We also polled members who attended the Georgia Pharmacy Convention — same idea, of THE 87 PERCENT SOLUTION course: find out what we did right and what we can improve. As Bob Coleman mentioned in his Prescript More than 87.1% column (p. 3), attendees were very happy about of attendees said they were the convention — the education, networking, planning to come to the 2019 and the location. Georgia Pharmacy Convention What were the hits (besides, of course, getting on Amelia Island! some great continuing ed)? Band, band, band, food, and band! So many comments told us how much people enjoyed the food at the various luncheons — including the two product the- But the most common part of convention people aters provided by Lilly — and at the President’s enjoyed? “Reuniting with old acquaintances,” “Inter- Bash. acting with colleagues,” “Visiting with old friends,” Speaking of which, everyone seemed to love and “Meeting new friends.” the Downtown Band. (We didn’t need the survey (What could we do better? The one issue that to tell us that, though. Just look at the photos!) came up most was location — several respondents The family-friendly hotel also got its share of want the convention to be held at the beach, specif- great comments, and it even got a thumbs up ically Amelia Island, Florida. Good news! It will be from one member simply for being pet friendly. there next year and again in 2021, 2023, and 2025!)

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14 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 CONVENTION 2018 Our Nashville sensation

WELL THAT WAS AMAZING. Nashville, your friends and colleagues, see what you that is, and the 2018 Georgia Pharmacy missed (if you weren’t there) or smile and Convention. Chalk up another convention remember (if you were). We’ve got you success. We learned, we gabbed, we demoed, covered. we ate, we drank, we talked, we danced .... Without further ado, enjoy our pictorial But you aren’t reading these pages for review of the 2018 Georgia Pharmacy Con- this intro text, are you? You’re here to spot vention from the Music City!

You can see plenty more pictures from the Nashville convention at GPhAconvention.com/2018photos!

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 15 THE EXPO HALL

More than six dozen vendors filled the Expo Hall, offering samples, demos, information, advice, and a chance to see some of the newest products and services for pharmacists and technicians. (Oh, and the food spreads were pretty impressive, too.)

16 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 The Expo Hall was also the perfect place to meet and connect with friends and colleagues.

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 17 LEARNING & KEYNOTES

Three keynote sessions, plus dozens of classes added up to attendees racking up more than 1,200 hours of continuing education credits.The sessions offered the latest information (e.g., updates on federal and Georgia law) from experts — the people who work at the forefront of the topics they’re speaking on.

18 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 The convention keynoters — Brian Crabtree, dean of Mercer Univeristy College of Pharmacy (above); humorist Brad Montgomery (top right); and pharmacist, entrepreneur, and APhA past president Randy McDonough — brought a mix of humor, anecdote, and experience to packed sessions.

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August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 19 AWARDS

TOP: Outgoing president Liza Chapman recognizes Georgia pharmacists celebrating 50 years in the profession: Nelson Anglin, William Wolfe, Richard Smith, Terry Shaw, Herbert Hatton, and Jack Cantrell.

MIDDLE: Chapman presents Sharon Sherrer of Marietta with Georgia’s 2018 Bowl of Hygeia; her President’s Award went to Jim Bartling of the Mercer University College of Pharmacy; and Joe Ed Holt of Valdosta was named the 2018 Mal T. Anderson Outstanding Region President.

ABOVE: CEO Bob Coleman presents Ruth Ann McGehee with some French accoutrements in preparation for her retirement trip to France.

TOP RIGHT: Hutton Madden confers on Hannah Head of Warner Robins the Pharmacist Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist award.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Ira Katz of Marietta speaks after being recognized by the Academy of Independent Pharmacy for an act of heroism that saved the life of a young man suffering from an overdose.

NOT PICTURED: The Excellence in Innovation: Pharmacy Practice award was presented to Charlie Barnes of Valdosta, who could not attend.

20 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 LEADERSHIP

GPhA’s 2018–19 volunteer leadership was sworn in on Saturday, June 23.

LEFT: GPhA region presidents Matt Crist, Josh Kinsey, Joe Ed Holt, Angela Wampler, Andrew Holt, and Nikki Bryant

LEFT: Liza Chapman inaugurates incoming president Tim Short, who then addresses the crowd.

ABOVE: The traditional Passing of the Gavel between GPhA’s past presidents— pictured: Sharon Sherrer (2007–08) passes it to Dale Coker (2010–11) — concludes the inauguration ceremony.

The 2018 class of LeadershipGPhA graduated on Thursday, June 21: Michelle Cruson, Mandy Davenport, Jamie Diagostino, Valeana Domercant, Sonali Dinani, Christopher Griner, Kevin Hempe, Christopher Laguerre, Dakota Mallery, Kendra Manigault, Luke Riley, Ivy Simmons, Heather Staton, Kreema Sullivan, and Shirin Zadeh.

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 21 BASH

The Saturday-night President’s Bash featured the animated and electrifying Downtown Band, which brought out the dancing skills* of attendees — and their families — for a night of music, food, and fun to cap off the convention. See you next year on Amelia Island — June 13–16!

*some more skillful than others

22 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 WHAT’S THE BIG

DEALWITH BECOMING A CPA® MEMBER PHARMACY?

CPA makes me feel like someone is looking out for me. They regularly help me to solve the everyday problems of retail pharmacy.

RYAN MOORE | MOORE'S FAMILY PHARMACY

Member Owned + Transparent | Leveraged Buying Power | Dedicated Support | Data + Analytical Services

Visit compliantrx.com/thebigdeal or call 888.434.0308 and learn how the Big Deal will work for you. INVESTING IN PHARMPAC IS INVESTING IN YOUR PRACTICE.

2018 PHARMPAC INVESTORS The following pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students, and others have joined GPhA’s PharmPAC for the 2018 calendar year. The contribution levels are based on investment through June 30, 2018.

Diamond Investors ($4,800 or $400/month)

RALPH BALCHIN CHARLES BARNES MAC McCORD SCOTT MEEKS FRED SHARPE Fayetteville Valdosta Atlanta Douglas Albany

Titanium Investors ($2,400 or $200/month)

DAVID GRAVES LON LEWIS TOMMY LINDSEY BRANDALL LOVVORN DEAN STONE Macon St. Simons Island Omega Bremen Metter

David Graves, Macon, PharmPAC chairman

24 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 2018 PHARMPAC INVESTORS

Platinum Investors Gold Investors ($1,200 or $100/month) ($600 or $50/month)

BRUCE BROADRICK IRA KATZ JAMES BARTLING BOBBY MOODY THOMAS BRYAN, JR. JEFF LUREY LANCE BOLES SHERRI MOODY WILLIAM CAGLE IVEY MCCURDY WILLIAM BREWSTER SUJAL PATEL HUGH CHANCY AMY MILLER LIZA CHAPMAN BILL PRATHER KEITH CHAPMAN DREW MILLER BARON CURTIS GREG REYBOLD WES CHAPMAN CASSIE RILEY MARSHALL CURTIS DARYL REYNOLDS DALE COKER HOUSTON ROGERS MAHLON DAVIDSON ANDY ROGERS BILLY CONLEY JOHN SANDLIN SHARON DEASON BEN ROSS BEN CRAVEY TIM SHORT BENJAMIN DUPREE SHARON SHERRER BLAKE DANIEL TERESA SMITH KEVIN FLORENCE RICHARD SMITH AL DIXON CARL STANLEY KERRY GRIFFIN JAMES THOMAS JACK DUNN DENNIS STRICKLAND JOHNATHAN HAMRICK WILLIAM TURNER NEAL FLORENCE CHRIS THURMOND MICHAEL ITEOGU CHUCK WILSON ROBERT HATTON DANNY TOTH STEPHANIE KIRKLAND H.D. WILSON, III CASSIE HAYES ALEX TUCKER GEORGE LAUNIUS MKE TARRANT / INTEGRATED MARSHA KAPILOFF TOMMY WHITWORTH EUGENE MCDONALD FINANCIAL GROUP

Silver Investors Willie Latch Mathew Crist Jeffery Felton ($300 or Tracie Lunde Amanda Gaddy Hannah Head $25/month) Hillary Jack Mbadugha Larry Harkleroad Victor Johnson Nelson Anglin Donald Piela, Jr Phillip James Bryan Keen Ann Ayers Terry Shaw Josh Kinsey Kimberly Kaminski Michael Azzolin Jonathan Sinyard Brenton Lake Jonathan Marquess Claude Bates Renee Smith Micheal Lewis Laird Miller James Carpenter Marie Tomblin Wallace Partridge Melissa Olsen Michael Crooks Andy Ullrich David Smith Tri Phan Ed Dozier Amanda Stankiewicz Gina Roland Gregory Drake Bronze Investors Steve Wilson George Sanders James Elrod ($150 or $12.50/month) Austin Tull Marshall Frost Phil Barfield Member Investors James White Kimberly Grubbs Jeffery Bray (up to $150) Waqas Gill Joe Holt Bryce Carter Marla Banks Susan Kane Bob Coleman John Chafin

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL FOR 2018! Visit GPhA.org/PharmPAC to find out more.

Goal: $66,975* $130,000

$0 $130,000

*As of June 30, 2018

GET INVESTED TODAY Visit GPhA.org/PharmPAC or call (404) 419-8118

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 25 Georgia Pharmacy ASSOCIATION

contact BLACK & WHITE OPEN Keep in touch REACH US AT 404.231.5074 OR GPhA.ORG

GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR

GPhA LEADERSHIP For membership questions For operational or Mary Ritchie accounting questions: GPhA’S MEMBER President & Chair of the Board 1 Director of Membership Dianne Jones TIM SHORT, Cumming SERVICE Operations Vice President of Finance & [email protected] PARTNERS (404) 419-8115 Administration

President-Elect [email protected] (404) 419-8129 Alliance for Patient CHRIS THURMOND, Athens [email protected] For questions about our Medication Safety [email protected] educational offerings or the Patricia Aguilar medicationsafety.org Immediate Past President Georgia Pharmacy Foundation Accounting Coordinator Quality assurance LIZA CHAPMAN, Dawsonville Elizabeth Hamilton (404) 419-8124 compliance resources [email protected] Foundation Director & Director of [email protected] (866) 365-7472 Marketing and Education Directors [email protected] InfiniTrak ASHISH ADVANI infinitrak.us For questions about any of [email protected] Track and trace our insurance products compliance software Dianne Jones WES CHAPMAN For assistance with (844) 464-4641 Vice President of Finance & [email protected] independent-pharmacy issues Administration MAHLON DAVIDSON Jeff Lurey, R.Ph. Pharmacy Technician (404) 419-8129 [email protected] VP of Independent Pharmacy Certification Board [email protected] (404) 419-8103 ptcb.org KEVIN FLORENCE For questions about [email protected] (800) 363-8012 [email protected] governmental affairs For questions about your SoFi ASHLEY LONDON Greg Reybold AIP membership sofi.com/gpha [email protected] Vice President of Public Policy Verouschka “V” Betancourt-Whigham (404) 290-9279 Student-loan refinancing AMY MILLER Manager of AIP Member Services [email protected] (855) 456-7634 [email protected] (404) 419-8102 For questions about e-mail, [email protected] FRED SHARPE websites, social media, or [email protected] AIP Member Service magazine Representatives Got a concern about a GPhA JONATHAN SINYARD Andrew Kantor Rhonda Bonner program or service? Want to [email protected] Director of Communication (229) 854-2797 compliment or complain? [email protected] [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Drop a note to For questions about the GPhA Charles Boone BOB COLEMAN [email protected]. board or governance policies (478) 538-6425 [email protected] Merrily Bennett [email protected] Executive Assistant and Governance Manager Melissa Metheny (678) 485-6126 (404) 419-8173 [email protected] [email protected] Gene Smith (423) 667-7949 [email protected] Georgia Pharmacy ASSOCIATION

26 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018

BLACK & WHITE OPEN

GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR

1 POSTSCRIPT

From the President Questions and answers

There has been a lot of con- “Members didn’t seem to get the same level of cern expressed about the communication related to GPhA’s 2018 advo- future of pharmacy this cacy efforts as we have in the past.” year, so let me be clear as I Response: After our big wins in 2017, we were begin my tenure as pres- advised to take a more moderate position in ident, that I’m both posi- 2018, hence less communication was required. tive and optimistic about However, we did get a big win related to PBM TIM SHORT pharmacy’s direction and transparency when language was inserted in its future. We’re looking the 2019 state budget requiring PBMs to report forward to continued member growth, greater an itemization of all administrative fees, re- advocacy in the Georgia General Assembly bates, or processing charges associated with the and in Washington this year and providing claim to DCH. more and enhanced opportunities for GPhA members to network across the state. “Do something about ______[DIR fees] [PBM Speaking of that, I just reviewed the survey s] [provider status] [all of the above].” results from the 2018 Member Survey and the Response: I want to assure you we’re in the post-convention attendee survey. (See more fight at both the state and federal level on all about this on page 12.) the above. We support the National Communi- To those members that took the time to re- ty Pharmacists Association’s efforts on DIR fees spond, thank you very much. I assure you that and APhA’s on provider status. We continue to your time wasn’t wasted and we’re listening! I’d lobby at both levels related to PBM abuses and also like to do a mini FAQ here and respond to are optimistic the tide is starting to turn. . some of items mentioned most frequently in both surveys. “Keep the convention at the beach.” Response: I love the beach too. Unfortunately, “GPhA is only for independent pharmacists.” sometimes the location is already booked or Response: GPhA’s largest membership is in we were offered a package deal that includes the Academy of Employed Pharmacists. And, the beach, but also an incentive to use another as Bob Coleman pointed out in his Prescript location that the hotel is trying to fill. You’ll be column, 61 percent of the member survey happy to hear that we’re currently booked at respondents work in practice settings other the Omni Amelia Island Resort in 2019, 2021, than independent pharmacies. So GPhA rep- 2023, 2025, and 2027. resents all practice settings in pharmacy and is in fact the only organization in Georgia Those were just some of the most frequent that does so. comments made. The board of directors and the GPhA staff will discuss your responses “Georgia should require all pharmacy techni- further as we all work together to make the

Georgia Pharmacy cians to be certified.” best GPhA possible! ASSOCIATION Response: GPhA has a legislative committee It’s an honor to serve as your president and I BLACK & WHITE OPEN

that meets annually and evaluates legislative look forward to hearing from you often.GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR priorities and makes recommendations to the 1 Board of Directors for consideration. We’ll ask Tim Short is GPhA’s 2018–2019 president and the committee to review this suggestion at owner of Sawnee Drug Co. in Cumming. Write their next meeting in August. to him at [email protected].

August/September 2018 Georgia Pharmacy 27 the back page BY ANDREW KANTOR

Are you aware of your armpits? If not, Demira is here to help with its “armpit-awareness push.” The reason: the company’s new anti-sweat treatment — and Scrabble score buster* — Qbrexza.

* Don’t try this at home. You can’t use brand names in Scrabble.

Pharmacies use Barry Manilow to drive away loiterers That isn’t a euphemism: Some Rite Aid stores in California have resorted to “blasting” Barry Manilow music to drive away vagrants*. Not cover songs, either — they’re playing the real thing, baby. Now they’re hoping only happy people pass their way (and the loiterers dance away). Said one local resident, “I thought some older man had died and left a Barry’s Most Depressing Hits CD on repeat.” Ouch.

*Which may or may not violate the Geneva Conventions

ODD MEDICAL FACT OF THE DAY Brown-eyed women are more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

Medical priorities The American Medical Association has formally adopted a policy of warning grillers against the use of wire-bristle brushes for cleaning the grill. “[T]he bristles can break off and stick to the food being cooked on the grill. These bristles have been known to cause injury and can lead to a surgical emergency in some cases when ingested.”

Hold on tight A large study published in the British Medical Journal found that the stronger your grip, the more likely you are to have better health in the future. “Grip strength showed a stronger association with cardiovascular disease than blood pressure and physical activity, which was a bit of a surprise,” said senior study author Stuart Gray. “It highlights nicely just how strong the association is.”

28 Georgia Pharmacy August/September 2018 Pharmacy

C Tomorrow. M

MY Imagine That.

CMY

All products may not be available in all states and territories. Georgia Pharmacy ASSOCIATION

GEORGIA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION, INC. 6065 Barfield Road NE | Suite 100 Sandy Springs, GA 30328

BLACKAIP & WHITE MEMBERSOPEN GET IT

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They get benefits

They get help 4 Audit relief (AIP efforts saved members more They get connections than $320,000) 4 Help working with Medicare and 4 Connections to other independent 4 Services specifically for compounding Medicaid pharmacies throughout the state pharmacies 4 Help with audit relief 4 Partnerships with OTC and nutritional 4 Free business consultations with pharmacy supplement companies 4 Help with MAC appeals experts 4 A chance to learn and network at AIP’s 4 Help buying and selling a 4 Access to the comprehensive AIP Pharmacy fall and spring statewide meetings pharmacy Manual, which offers extensive material about buying, selling, and managing a pharmacy 4 Access to telehealth and chronic care — including information about regulatory management resources through CriticalKey issues and agencies With AIP, independent never means alone. No other state association in the country has an organization like the Georgia Pharmacy Association’s Academy of Independent Pharmacy. We are proud to represent our members and our profession!

For more information, visit GPhA.org or call Verouschka Betancourt-Whigham at (404) 419-8102