NABP Headlines                                                                                         

Maryland Passes Legislation for Comprehensive PBM Oversight
The Maryland General Assembly passed a comprehensive legislative package on April 17, 2008, providing regulatory oversight of pharmacy beneficiary managers (PBMs). The bills require all PBMs to register with the state, disclose certain information before switching a prescription, provide fee schedule information to pharmacies, and ensure that any person responsible for making prescription decisions is authorized to do so. Approximately 95% of all patients with prescription drug coverage receive benefits through a PBM. PBMs manage an estimated 70% of prescription drugs dispensed through retail pharmacies that are covered by private third-party payers.

Debate Continues over Pharmacists’ Conscientious Objections in Wisconsin
The March 25, 2008 appellate court decision to uphold disciplinary action imposed by the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board against a pharmacist who refused to dispense birth control may be subject to the scrutiny of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. A law firm recently asked the state’s high court to hear an appeal of the disciplinary action, claiming the pharmacist is being punished unjustly for refusing to compromise his religious beliefs. The supreme court justices will vote to determine whether to hear the case.

Insurance Coalition Looks to Pharmacies, Regulators to Reduce Drug Diversion, Abuse
A recent report by the Coalition against Insurance Fraud looks to pharmacies and pharmacy regulators, among others, to cut down on the prevalence of prescription drug diversion, particularly of controlled substance analgesics. Read more in the May 1, 2008 NABP e-News.

State, Federal Regulatory Authorities Combat Rogue Internet Drug Outlets
The public health risk posed by Internet drug outlets that operate in unapproved, unsafe, and illegal manners has continued to grow over the last couple of years. Despite the inherent challenges, those in charge of safeguarding the public health and enforcing compliance with state and federal laws continue to fight this epidemic. Read more in the April 2008 issue of the NABP Newsletter.

Two Additional Facilities Awarded VAWD Accreditation
NABP recently accredited two new facilities through its Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors^® (VAWD^®) program. A full listing of VAWD facilities is available under Accreditation Programs on the NABP Web site.

• AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation distributes prescription medications (including Schedule II-V controlled substances), prepackaged products, over-the-counter medications, and durable medical equipment to hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and part of Wisconsin. The company received accreditation for its Eden Prairie, NM facility.
• MWI Veterinary Supply Company distributes a full line of veterinary prescription drug products to veterinarians and animal hospitals. The company received accreditation for its Edwardsville, KS facility.