Recent News

• Integrating Pharmacists into Health Information Exchanges
  Pharmacists play an important role in coordination of medication management especially during points of transitional care. The Pharmacy HIT Collaborative developed an education paper to provide best practices to help prepare pharmacists to electronically exchange health information. Adoption and widespread use of Health Information Exchanges (HIE) will improve patient safety by ensuring that health information is available to all health care professionals at the point of care and facilitate coordination of care among physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers. The intent of this paper is to prepare pharmacists to be able to receive and submit clinical information through electronic data exchange with current processes in the delivery of care for all patients. This document can be accessed on the Pharmacy HIT Collaborative's web site at http://www.pharmacyhit.org/pdfs/workshop-documents/WG3-Post-2014-02.pdf.

  Documenting Comprehensive Medication Management in Team-Based Models Using SNOMED CT Codes
  Pharmacists are an integral member of patient centered team-based models of care especially in managing their patient’s medications. This paper will provide guidance to pharmacists who provide medication therapy management (MTM) services in team-based models on how to use Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms Codes (SNOMED CT) to document their care and manage their practices. In order to illustrate the functionality of SNOMED CT codes, this guidance paper uses one team-based model of care, the Patient- Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) model of the medical home, as the foundation for this discussion. This guide will be useful to pharmacists who practice comprehensive medication management (CMM) in medical homes or in other team-based practices such as community-based teams, accountable care organizations (ACO) or as a part of any integrated care teams. This document can be accessed on the Pharmacy HIT Collaborative's web site at http://www.pharmacyhit.org/pdfs/workshop-documents/WG2-Post-2014-03.pdf.

  Workflow of Pharmacist Clinical Documentation Process in Pharmacy Practice Settings
  Workflow is not a new concept to Pharmacists as it relates to dispensing prescriptions. Clinical workflow takes an entirely different path than electronically receiving and dispensing medications. The intent of this paper is to help pharmacy system vendors understand the flow of clinical data by defining the clinical documentation workflow of pharmacists in pharmacy practice settings. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of the process flow and how health information technology (HIT) can affect the pharmacist’s patient care process. Pharmacists are encouraged to work with their system vendor to build functionality into their system to collect, document, and exchange clinical information using electronic structured document standards. This document can be accessed on the Pharmacy HIT Collaborative's web site at http://www.pharmacyhit.org/pdfs/workshop-documents/WG3-Post-2014-03.pdf.

• Put Your Ideals Into Practice: Doctors Without Borders Recruitment Information Session is 7:00 pm on Thursday October 14, 2014 at Mercy Corps Action Center in Portland, Oregon. 
  For more information and to register click here.  Posted 9/22/2014
  *Everyday, Doctors Without Borders/MSF aid workers from around the world provide assistance to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe - treating those most in need regardless of political, religious, or economic interest.  Whether an emergency involves armed conflicts or epidemics, malnutrition or natural disasters, MSF is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis.    
• The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) has recently released its July 2014 issue of Needle Tips, for healthcare professionals who administer vaccines.  Also available is Vaccinate Adults, a shortened version of Needle Tips, modified for those who work only with adult patients. Both are now available for downloading, printing, and reading.  Posted 7/21/2014
  *Here are links directly to the PDFs of the publications: Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults.
  *These publications contain ready-to-print educational materials for healthcare professionals and their patients, vaccine news highlights, and IAC’s popular “Ask the Experts” Q&A column with answers by CDC experts Andrew Kroger, MD, MPH, and Donna Weaver, RN, MN.
  *Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available exclusively online. Current and past issues of Needle Tips are available at www.immunize.org/nt and Vaccinate Adults at www.immunize.org/va.
  *To receive immediate email notification when new issues are released, subscribe at www.immunize.org/subscribe.  On this page, you can also subscribe to IAC’s free weekly email news service, IAC Express, which keeps you up to date on immunization news between issues of IAC’s periodicals.
• The Oregon Health Authority has just published report entitled ‘Drug Overdose Deaths Hospitalizations, Abuse & Dependency Among Oregonians’ that provides an interesting summary of challenges Oregonians and health professionals face in the safe and effective use of medications.  Much of the data is generated through PDMP and it will be interesting to see how the data and the studies recommendations are utilized going forward. - Published on 5/30/2014
  Oregon Health Authority, Center for Prevention & Health Promotion, Injury & Violence Prevention Section
• The 8th DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event - posted 4/17/2014
  *The National Prescription Drug Take-Back is on April 26th from 10am-2pm.  Local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be working together to hold the 8th Drug Take-Back Day.  This event will allow citizens to dispose of unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs (only pills or patches are accepted).  The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.  The last national event held in October 2013 established 4,114 collection sites and received 324 tons of prescription drugs from the community.
  *This initiative addresses both public safety and public health issues.  Unused prescription drugs provide an opportunity for diversion, misuse and abuse.  Medications in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisonings.  Inappropriate disposal of medications in the home may disrupt our water sources or may be diverted.  Therefore, proper removal of medications from the home may help to prevent accidental overdoses and abuse of prescription drugs.  This National Take-Back event provides a mechanism for patients to safely dispose of medications.
  *The Collection Site Locator can be used to identify a location participating in the Take-Back Event in your area.  Get more information at http://1.usa.gov/P9EzM2
• Call for JAPhA Editorial Advisory Board volunteers - posted 11/22/2013
  The publisher and editors of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association invite interested APhA members from pharmacy practice, research, education, industry, and related fields to apply for 10 available positions on the JAPhA Editorial Advisory Board (EAB). The term of service is 3 years, beginning at APhA2014 in Orlando, FL (March 28-31).
  Responsibilities of EAB members are to:
  * Act as a core group of peer reviewers for submitted manuscripts.
  * Serve as consultants to the editors about proposed changes or new directions in journal content and format or in the processes (e.g., peer review) and policies associated with journal production
  * Participate on ad hoc subcommittees to examine specific questions and suggest solutions.
  * Prepare informal critiques of each issue and suggest areas needing improvement.
  Interested individuals should send a cover letter and current curriculum vitae by December 16, 2013, to JAPhA Editor-in-Chief Andy Stergachis, PhD, BPharm, at [email protected]. For more information, contact the editor at 206-221-0703.
• The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) task groups are seeking volunteers to participate. Task group participation is open to NCPDP members and non-members alike. - posted 11/22/13
• October 2013 OSPA Newsletter - posted 10/31/2013  
• Deadline Extended to July 31, 2013 - OSPA Call For Awards Nominations - posted 7/12/13
• GAO report to Congress on Electronic Drug Labeling - posted 7/11/2013
• NCPA: Oregon Governor Signs Comprehensive Pharmacy Bill That Benefits Patients and Small Businesses - posted 7/11/2013
• Heparin label changes article for distribution to members – posted 5/30/2013
• HB 2123 amendment - PBM registration, audit provisions and MAC pricing appeals - posted 5/15/13 
• APhA’s Blog referencing the "10 things your drugstore won't say" article - posted 3/26/2013
• PCAN Partnership - Click here to sign on to this coalition to help promote cost-effective, efficient and sensible solutions for Medicaid pharmacy policy - posted 3/25/2013
• The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) has recently released its February 2013 issue of Needle Tips, for healthcare professionals who administer vaccines.  Also available is Vaccinate Adults, a shortened version of Needle Tips, modified for those who work only with adult patients - posted 3/21/2013
• PTCB Extends March Recertification Deadline until April 30. Click here to renew today - posted 3/18/2013
• CMS will be hosting several webinars on the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program - posted 2/1/2013
• FR ACA Proposed Regulations Announcement - posted 2/1/2013
• Survey: Medicare Beneficiaries Oppose Mandatory Mail Drug Plans- posted 2/1/2013
• New Copays for TRICARE Pharmacy Customers starting February 2013- posted 2/1/2013
• Alert -- New USP Label Standard for Heparain Products - posted 1/21/2013
• Tamiflu Oral Suspension Compounding Instructions Available From FDA - posted 1/17/2013
• 2012-2013 Influenza Season: Information for Pharmacists - posted 1/17/2013
• Pharmacists employ grassroots efforts to officially recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers - posted 1/7/2013
• APhA Immunization Champion Awards Nominations Due November 30th - posted 11/13/2012
• OSPA Announces 2012 Scholarship Award Winners - posted 11/9/2012
  
  
  • OSPA 2012-13 Board of Directors Slate of Candidates & Proposed Bylaw Amendment - posted 8/28/2012
  • OHA Provider Announcement Update - posted 7/20/2012
  • DMAP Transmittals - Provider Announcements Update - posted 7/20/2012
  • Proposed Rules - Oregon Health Plan Program - posted 7/20/2012
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - posted 7/20/2012
  • OHP Public Notices and Meetings Update - Rules and Contracts Workgroup Meeting - CANCELED -  posted 6/26/2012       
  • DMAP - Pharmaceutical Services Program Administrative Rules -  posted 6/26/2012
    • Oregon Medicaid PA Criteria  
    • Preferred Drug List       
  • Oregon DHS Director's Message  - posted 5/31/2012
  • OHP Eligibles Update  - posted 5/31/2012
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update- Oregon Medicaid PA Criteria  -  posted 5/31/2012
  • New Guide to Help Healthcare Organizations Disclose Adverse Events -  posted 5/15/2012
  • Medicare Part D Rx Transfer Guidance Policy Update - posted 5/15/2012
  • ASSISTANCE REQUESTED**: OPEN NOW! Alliance for Pharmacist-Provided Patient Care Volunteer Recruitment  -posted 5/3/2012  
  • OHP Preferred Drug List and prior authorization criteria updates effective April 9, 2012  -posted 4/9/2012      
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update -posted 4/9/2012   
  • DMAP - Legislatively-approved budget with provider rate changes, PDL updates, PA updates, and dispensing limitations 10/25/11: Inserted PDL in 410-121-0030 for review of changes - posted 11/2/2011
  • DMAP - Adoption for rebate agreements and amendment for other DMEPOS rules due to budget reductions - posted 11/2/2011
  • DMAP - Budget/provider rate changes, definition revision, OHP hospital benefits, fraud & abuse, PHI, permanently amend temps - posted 11/2/2011
  • DMAP Temporary or Emergency Administrative Rules Update- posted 11/2/2011
  • DMAP Transmittals - Provider Announcements Update - posted 11/2/2011
  • DMAP - Updated Rulebook with revised rules 410-121-0000 and 410-121-0150 - posted 9/20/2011
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update - posted 9/20/2011
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - posted 9/20/2011
  • DMAP - Home Health rate chart for Revenue Center Codes and copayments - posted 9/20/2011
  • DMAP - Pharmaceutical Services Program Administrative Rules - posted 7/27/2011
    • Prior authorization (PA); usual and customary definitions and billing guidelines
    • New PA criteria (7/25/11: added new Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) criteria.)
  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified - posted 7/27/2011
  • Important Information About A New AstraZeneca Product and Restricted Distribution - posted 7/27/2011
  • DMAP Transmittals - Provider announcements update - posted 7/27/2011
  • OHP Client Update - posted 7/27/2011
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update - posted 7/27/2011
  • DMAP IM Transmittals - Provider Announcements Update - posted 4/28/2011
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update - posted 4/28/2011
  • Upcoming Changes in the Distribution of SINEMET and SINEMET CR Tablets - posted 4/13/2011
  • Board of Pharmacy Bans Dangerous Synthetic Cannabis and Mephedrone - posted 4/13/2011
  • CMCS Informational Bulletin - posted 4/6/2011
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - posted 4/6/2011
  • Pharmacy Updates and changes to the Preferred Drug List (PDL) - posted 4/6/2011
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update - posted 4/6/2011
  • DMAP IM Transmittals - Provider Announcements Update - posted 4/6/2011
  • Pharmacists Evolving Role in Vaccination Delivery - posted 2/2/2011
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - posted 2/2/2011
  • FDA announcement on limiting the maximum amount of acetaminophen in prescription combination products - posted 1/19/2011
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - posted 1/13/2011
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update - posted 1/13/2011
  • DMAP - Amending Preferred Drug List and Prior Authorization Guide  - posted 2/29/2012    
  • DMAP Transmittals - Provider announcements update - posted 1/18/2012     
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update: Fee-for-service pharmacies - How to adjust point of sale claims submitted before Jan. 1, 2012  - posted 1/18/2012
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update - Oregon Medicaid Criteria - effective 1/1/12  - posted 1/18/2012
  • Improving Patient and Health System Outcomes through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Report   - posted 1/9/2012
  • From CDC - Refresher on Vaccine Administration  - posted 1/6/2012
  • DMAP Pharmaceutical Services Program Update  - posted 1/6/2012
    • Oregon Medicaid Criteria - effective 1/1/12 The Oregon Pharmacy Call Center uses this information when reviewing prior authorization requests for fee-for-service prescriptions. Refer to this document to find out which drugs require prior authorization.   
    • To view the updated information, click here.          
  • DMAP Transmittals - Provider Announcements Update - posted 1/3/2012      
  • OHP Provider Announcements Update  - posted 1/3/2012         
  • Pharmaceutical Services Rulebook Update  - posted 1/3/2012   
  • DMAP General Rules Program Update  - posted 1/3/2012   
  • Oregon Health Authority January 1, 2012 Changes - posted 1/3/2012