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NABP e-News: September 17, 2008
Rx Response Provides Communication Aid in Crisis Situations
Along with high wind and heavy rain, the recent Hurricanes Gustov and Ike brought with them stark reminders of the need to prepare for an emergency situation so that patient access to prescription medications remains unimpeded. To support public health related response, members of the pharmaceutical supply system sponsored the development of Rx Response, which provides an information sharing and problem solving forum for the private pharmaceutical supply system, disaster relief agencies, and government to help ensure the continued delivery of critical medicines to patients whose health is threatened by a severe public health emergency. More information is available on the Rx Response Web site.
Tests Show Water Tainted with Pharmaceuticals Affects 46 million Americans
At least 46 million Americans are affected by drinking water contaminated with trace amounts of pharmaceuticals, according to test results, the Associated Press (AP) reports. Since the release of the AP report in March 2008, agencies in metropolitan areas have tested their drinking water, resulting in 17 positive cases in cities including Reno, NV, Savannah, GA, and Huntsville, AL. Testing in Chicago, IL, for example, found a cholesterol medication and a nicotine derivative; many cities found the anti-convulsant carbamazepine, and Colorado Springs five pharmaceuticals in all, including a tranquilizer and a hormone, AP reports.
New Laws in Three States Allow Pharmacists to Administer Vaccinations
New York Governor David A. Paterson recently signed into law legislation allowing pharmacists in that state to administer influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. Starting December 4, 2008, New York pharmacists who complete state training and certification will be permitted to administer the vaccinations to patients with a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner. Health experts estimate that the new law could increase the number of elderly New York City residents who get the shots by 50,000 or more.
The New Hampshire Legislature also recently authorized qualified community pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines to patients. The act is effective as of August 26, 2008. To administer the vaccinations, pharmacists must have completed appropriate training. The New Hampshire Board of pharmacy anticipates having rules in place to fully define the act on or before January 1, 2009.
Recent legislation in West Virginia, as well, allows pharmacists in that state to administer influenza and pneumonia immunizations. The bill requires the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to promulgate regulations before pharmacists may actually administer any vaccinations or immunizations pursuant to the new law. The rules will be reviewed by the Legislative Rulemaking Review Committee and forwarded to the Legislature for consideration in the 2009 regular session. The rules, as proposed, require pharmacists to receive proper training and be certified by the Board to administer immunizations.
FDA Embarks on Major Hiring Initiative to Strengthen Its Public Health Mission
Biologists, chemists, medical officers, mathematical statisticians, and investigators are among the experts in demand as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begins a multi-year hiring initiative. FDA is hiring hundreds of individuals with science and medical backgrounds to help meet the agency's responsibilities to assure the safety and/or efficacy of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, food, cosmetics and products that emit radiation. In fiscal year 2008 alone, FDA is looking to fill more than 600 new positions and to backfill more than 700 others to implement the FDA Amendments Act of 2007, the Food Protection Plan, and the Import Safety Action Plan. That's nearly triple the number of people hired from 2005-2007. More information is available on the FDA Web site.
NABP Chairman Peacock Receives Prestigious Harold W. Pratt Award from NACDS
Oren M. Peacock, Jr, RPh, chairperson of the NABP Executive Committee received the prestigious Harold W. Pratt Award from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) on August 26, 2008. Peacock was presented with the award, which is the association’s highest honor, at the 2008 NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference on August 26. He was recognized by NACDS for his collaborative spirit and leadership and his contributions to numerous pharmacy-related groups. Peacock was first elected to the NABP Executive Committee in 2003 as a member representing District 6. After his three-year term he was elected president-elect and subsequently assumed the position of president and now chairperson of the Executive Committee. Read more in the September 5 news release under News/Press on the NABP Web site.
