Pharmacists asked to help curb antipsychotic use in nursing facilities
A powerful congressman has asked long-term care pharmacists to help monitor and reduce antipsychotic use in nursing homes.
National Community Pharmacists Association
Pharmacists object to further restrictions for hydrocodone combination products
Hydrocodone combination products such as Vicodin will now be in the same, more-restrictive category as OxyContin and fentanyl under the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced Thursday.
The evolving role of the alternate site pharmacist
As the Baby Boom generation continues to age and move through the healthcare system, there are approximately 10,000 people entering Medicare every day. Additionally, some estimates are that the number of people over 65 will increase by 50% by 2020. However, there is not a linear translation into an increase in the traditional nursing home beds. With patients demanding more options for care, there is an increased focus on treating patients in a variety of non-acute care settings.
Bill would tighten oversight of compounding pharmacies
A bill proposed in the House of Representatives would increase oversight of compounding pharmacies, which long-term care operators and other healthcare stakeholders called for after last year’s deadly outbreak of meningitis was traced to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts.
Short-cycle dispensing provision irks providers
Long-term care pharmacies are struggling with an Affordable Care Act provision related to short-cycle dispensing of brand name oral solid drugs, according to a recent letter from the Long Term Care Pharmacy Alliance and the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Pharmacists push for study before implementing short-cycle dispensing rule
The National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday called for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to collect additional data before implementing a rule that would shorten the medication dispensing cycle in long-term care facilities.
