The Wisconsin prescription monitoring program (PMP) recently executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to participate in NABP PMP InterConnectx®, joining 24 other state PMPs who have agreed to participate. 

Many Americans are not adhering to prescribed medication regimens, indicates a new patient survey commissioned by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). 

One lot of Rugby Laboratories enteric coated aspirin tablets, 81 mg, has been recalled to the user level. 

With Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Safety Alert! publications making a significant impact on preventing medication errors, the organization will soon be providing a new resource tailored to long-term care facilities.

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy has implemented a new rule that will effectively enable the Board to act more quickly when a potential safety issue at a facility engaged in compounding is detected.

As a result of an investigation initiated in May 2013, FDA has identified bacterial and fungal growth in products compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy of Newbern, TN. 

A ruling by Judge Edward R. Korman, Eastern District Court of New York, will effectively make the Plan B® One-Step, or “morning after” contraceptive pill, available as an over-the-counter product with no age restrictions.

Effective July 1, 2013, Indiana pharmacists will be authorized to administer additional immunizations under a protocol approved by a physician.

A bill aimed to ensure the security of pharmaceuticals in the drug supply chain has passed the United States House of Representatives. 

For 20 years, FDA’s MedWatch program has supported medication safety efforts by providing a means for health care providers and consumers to report safety information regarding FDA-regulated products. 

FDA has announced the availability of grant funds intended to support the National Consumers League (NCL) in expanding efforts to educate the public about medication adherence.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is offering two regional one-day Pharmacy Diversion Awareness Conferences (PDACs) in Portland, OR.

Many legislatures have enacted so called “social legislation” intended to empower regulatory boards to impose administrative sanctions against licensees for certain delineated activities.

The Committee on Law Enforcement/Legislation met January 22-23, 2013.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert warning against the use of sterile products compounded and dispensed by Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC, of Newbern, TN.

FDA will allow the import of injectable drugs used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to a critical shortage of the products.

United States Representative Edward Markey (D-MA) filed an updated version (PDF) of the Verifying Authority and Legality in Drug (VALID) Compounding Act of 2013 on May, 23, 2013. 

Sandoz US is voluntarily recalling two lots of methotrexate sodium, USP, 25 mg/mL, 40 mL vial injectable product because of particulate matter found during a routine test of samples. 

Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, is voluntarily recalling one lot of magnesium sulfate injection, USP because of possible glass particles in the vials, according to an FDA alert. 

The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) presented information on illegal online drug sellers and its efforts to protect patients from the counterfeit and substandard drugs often distributed by such entities.

Resolution No: 109-1-13 Title: Pharmacy Compounding of Sterile Products Action: Pass Whereas, the patient need for compounded medications has increased and pharmacists compounding safe and effective medications of the required quality for their patients is necessary; and

Resolution No:109-2-13 Title: Prescription Medication Distribution – The Five Percent Rule for Resale Action: PASS Whereas, state and federal safeguards, statutes, and regulations for the United States distribution system for prescription drugs secure against adulterated, misbranded, and counterfeit drugs; 

Resolution No:109-3-13 Title: Review and Revise  the Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers Action: PASS Whereas, the member boards of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 

Resolution No:109-4-13 Title: Alternate Patient Medication Information Delivery Action: PASS Whereas, it has been observed that the provision of patient information using paper leaflets or attachments to prescription containers and bags may not be read by patients and is often discarded in trash receptacles upon leaving the pharmacy; and

Resolution No:109-5-13 Title: Definition of Pharmacy Compounding Action: PASS Whereas, pharmacy compounding is regulated by the state boards of pharmacy as a part of the practice of pharmacy; and

Resolution No:109-6-13 Title: Compounding and Reconstituting Drugs for Infusion in Establishments Other than Pharmacies Action: PASS Whereas, recent tragic events involving contaminated, adulterated, or misbranded products that were compounded and 

Resolution No:109-7-13 Title: Performance Metrics and Quotas in the Practice of Pharmacy Action: PASS Whereas, a survey conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) of 673 pharmacists revealed that 83% believed that distractions due to performance metrics or measured wait times contributed to dispensing errors

Resolution No: 109-8-13 Title: Recognition Resolution Action: PASS Whereas, the individuals listed here have made significant contributions to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the protection of the public health, and the practice of pharmacy: