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NABP e-News April 5, 2007
CMS Announces Final Rule on DMEPOS Competitive Bidding and First 10 MSAs
The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program final regulation is now on display at the Office of the Federal Register. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on April 2, 2007, the first 10 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in which competitive bidding will occur, as well as the first items to be competitively bid. Suppliers in the first 10 MSAs who are selected to provide products in the competitive acquisition program must be accredited by a CMS-approved accreditation organization. Bidding suppliers in the top 10 MSAs will be prioritized by the accreditation organizations. The final rule and additional information are posted on the CMS Web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/competitiveacqfordmepos/01_overview.asp. The full press release is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp.
NABP Supports Legislation to Combat Pharmaceutical Counterfeiting
Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Gene Green (D-TX) sponsored a congressional briefing March 29, 2007 to discuss the growing threat of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and to promote their new legislation designed to combat the proliferation of fake drugs into the United States prescription drug supply. Also present were security representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, and NABP Executive Director/Secretary Carmen Catizone, who discussed the problems and threats of counterfeit prescription drugs. The proposed legislation, HR 780, mandates tougher criminal penalties for those found to be engaged in the illegal production, distribution and sale of counterfeit prescription drugs.
NABP, ASCP Issue Joint Report on Model Rules for Long-Term Care Pharmacy Practice
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) and NABP recently issued a joint report addressing model rules for long-term care pharmacy practice. The report reflects the groups’ efforts to balance current long-term care standards with appropriate regulation. NABP and ASCP recommend that the state boards of pharmacy review and, as appropriate, adopt the updates identified in the report and reflected in the Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Canadian Internet Pharmacy Sales to United States Drop Nearly 50% in 2006
Canadian Internet pharmacy sales to the United States dropped sharply in 2006 compared to 2005, according to year-end data released March 19, 2007 by IMS Health, a leading provider of market intelligence to the pharmaceutical and health care industries. While 2005 sales to the US recorded by Canadian Internet pharmacies reached $420 million, 2006 sales declined by almost 50% to reach $211 million. Declining sales have now been observed for every quarter since June 2004. While Internet pharmacies sold more than $121 million to the US in the first quarter of 2005, they made shipments worth just above $40 million in the last quarter of 2006.
Ten Facilities Awarded VAWD Accreditation
NABP recently accredited eleven new facilities through its Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors® (VAWD®) program, bringing the total number of accredited facilities to 86. A full listing of VAWD facilities is available on the NABP Web site.
- ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc is a distributor of albumin, immune globulins, hyper-immune globulins, antihemophilic factors, influenza vaccine and other specialty pharmaceutical products. The company received accreditation for its Brooks, KY facility.
- Cardinal Health provides branded and generic pharmaceuticals to retail, hospital, and alternate site customers. The company received accreditation for two of its facilities located in Zanesville, OH.
- Darby Dental Supply, LLC distributes dental supplies to dentists nationwide. The company received accreditation for its Memphis, TN facility.
- Leitner Pharmaceuticals warehouses and distributes a variety of product including medical devices from a range of therapeutic categories. The company received accreditation for its Piney Flats, TN facility.
- Medco Supply Company, Inc is a supplier of medical, health, and related safety products. The company received accreditation for its Tonawanda, KY facility.
- Midlothian Laboratories, LLC specializes in the distribution of prescription generic pharmaceuticals. The company received accreditation for its Montgomery, AL facility.
- MWI Veterinary Supply Company distributes veterinary pharmaceuticals, biologicals, equipment and instruments. The company received accreditation for its Harrisburg, PA facility.
- Precision Dose, Inc distributes a range of oral liquid medications in both unit dose cups and oral syringes. The company received accreditation for its South Beloit, IL facility.
- Prodigy Health Supplier Corporation offers bio-pharmaceutical products for hospital pharmacies, home health care facilities, cancer centers and physician's offices. The company received accreditation for its Austin, TX facility.
- Walgreen Company's primary distribution center for its pharmacies located in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, and Kansas distributes medications and health care products.The company received accreditation for its Mt Vernon, IL facility.
