CEO Message January 18, 2008

Author: Lynn Rolston
CEO Message
     
     

Countdown to Outlook: 20 Days...

Have you heard about all the great Outlook programs? A recent addition to the schedule includes Senator Sheila Kuehl, or her staff member, who will be at the opening session of the House of Delegates to talk about healthcare reform in California.  As you may recall, Kuehl is the author of SB 840, the universal healthcare bill. Don't miss this exciting session.

 

Another recently confirmed addition to Outlook is that of NCPA President, Steve Giroux. He will join us at the APO Expo on Friday evening as a member of the legislative panel.  We are very pleased to have Steve on board.  He will be around for several days during Outlook to provide members with a national pharmacy perspective.  Outlook 2008 is going to be a great event, come join us!  Visit www.cpha.com to find out more about Outlook 2008.

 

Dear Member,

 

Model Pharmacy Benefit Language

On Tuesday, CPhA President Paul Lofholm, Gary Gray, Kathy Lynch and I met with Sara Rogers, the staff member for Sheila Kuehl who is responsible for SB 840.  It was a very productive discussion.  One of our goals was to present the idea of including model pharmacy benefit language into the bill.  Sara was receptive to the idea and said that we would need to further develop the concept and meet again.  Paul drafted the language and it is his goal during his presidency to be sure that we include model pharmacy benefit language whenever possible.

 

Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association Meeting

Representatives from the Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association, including Pierre Del Prato, the new president, visited CPhA to talk about the needs for their local, such as a Web site, electronic elections, and more complete membership data.  We came up with many solutions and plan to work with other locals to better meet their IT needs going forward.  It was clear that it will take a partnership, including participation by local members, to really make a difference in this area.  This fit in well with CPhA's commitment to give greater support to all of our locals in 2008.

 

CSHP e-Pedigree Task Force

On Wednesday afternoon, Paige Talley, Executive Director, Long Term Care Management Council and Director of Academy Affairs and Virginia Herold, Executive Officer with the State Board of Pharmacy, participated in a CSHP e-Pedigree Task Force conference call.  CSHP discussed e-Pedigree from the perspective of the hospital pharmacy setting.  While the hospital market is a fraction of the size of the retail market, it is critically important that whatever solution is developed for e-Pedigree that it meets the needs of all pharmacists in every practice setting.  It is great working along side CSHP as we all work to solve this important problem.

 

FDA Releases Recommendations Regarding Use of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products
On Thursday morning CPhA was one of the stakeholders that participated in an FDA conference call held in advance of their public announcement regarding the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory for parents and caregivers, recommending that OTC cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants nor children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use.  To read more, click here. A recommendation such as this highlights the need for consumers to speak with a pharmacist for further guidance, and in many cases the pharmacist's guidance will include the need for parents to go back to their child's physician for additional help.  

 

APhA Conference Call

This morning, I participated in a nationwide APhA call for state association executives.  It was on the progress of federal AMP legislation.  A key senate staffer briefed the group on progress made to date regarding the overall climate of Congress on this issue and the possibility of a timely and positive outcome.  While it still looks like some relief is possible, the success of the federal AMP lawsuit has in some ways slowed the legislative process.  It is currently uncertain as to what the outcome might be.  It is important that all pharmacists continue to contact their Congressional representatives, urging them to support pharmacy by passing this legislation.

 

State Board of Pharmacy Meeting

This is just a reminder that the California State Board of Pharmacy meeting will be held on January 23-24 in San Diego.  On January 23, the topic will focus upon e-Pedigree and the readiness of e-Pedigree implementation by January 1, 2009. On January 24, a hearing on the proposed compounding regulations will take place.  Many of us from CPhA will be present and we encourage you to attend as well if you have a strong interest in these topics. The Board's agenda is now posted online.

 

New Amendment Adopted for AB 1x

AARP, a member of the California Chronic Care Coalition in which we are also a member, had an amendment adopted in the new version of AB 1x.  The adopted amendment reads as follows: "The health care service plan contract or health insurance policy used to calculate the monthly average cost pursuant to this paragraph shall be one that provides prescription drugs, physician visits, and preventative services, including the cost of managing chronic conditions, outside of any deductible."  This sets-up an important opportunity for pharmacy to participate more fully in the California healthcare environment.  Congratulations to AARP, this serves their members and ours well!

 

Student Sponsors Needed!

Every year, student pharmacists come to Outlook to network and get involved with CPhA. This year is no different. To help offset some of the costs for student pharmacists, CPhA has a sponsorship program. Anyone can sponsor a student, even if you are not planning on attending Outlook. Sponsorships are $100.00 and can go to the student pharmacist or school of pharmacy of your choosing. The $100.00 sponsorship is a great way to support those students who are involved at your workplace or local association or your alma mater. When registering for Outlook, please be sure to select a student sponsorship. If you are not attending Outlook but would like to sponsor a student, contact Theresa Andrews at tandrews@cpha.com or (916) 337-8877.

 

Use of Social Security Numbers Prohibited as of February 1, 2008
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) published various bulletin articles regarding the new billing requirements prohibiting use of Social Security Numbers.  These requirements go into effect within a couple of weeks.  Please review the article synopsis and Web links that follow.  All providers are expected to use the 14-character Medi-Cal identification number from the recipient's Benefits Identification Card (BIC) or paper ID card when submitting claims. The ID number is located on the front of the card and consists of a 9-digit Client Index Number, a Check Digit and a 4-digit issue date. The issue date is used to deactivate cards that have been reported as lost or stolen. 

Effective for dates of service on or after February 1, 2008, most providers may no longer bill Medi-Cal or the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program using a recipient's Social Security Number (SSN). Claims submitted with a recipient's SSN for a date of service on or after February 1, 2008 will be denied.  Please refer to the December 2007 Medi-Cal Update for information on billing exceptions.  An even more expansive breakdown of exempt vs. non-exempt providers is detailed in the February 2007 bulletin.

Claims submitted with a valid 9-digit Client Index Number will continue to be accepted. The Medi-Cal claims processing system currently only validates the first nine digits of the BIC ID. Changes to process the full 14-digit BIC ID for claims and reporting (for example, RADs) will be implemented in 2008.  In addition, all providers are expected to use the Medi-Cal identification number from the recipient's BIC or paper ID card when verifying eligibility, billing Medi-Cal or submitting a Treatment Authorization Request (TAR).  Please refer to the January 2008 Medi-Cal Update to read the full article.

NASPA Residency Opportunities

The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations is promoting its Executive Residency to students interested in a career in Association Management.  This is an exciting opportunity to interact with influential leaders from national and state pharmacy associations, other provider and advocacy organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and academia. It's also a great opportunity to gain an insider perspective on the most pressing health care issues facing pharmacy today.  To learn more about this opportunity, visit NASPA today.

 

In the News:

Veronica Bandy was awarded the 2008 Pharmacy Today One to One Counseling Recognition Program! She is one of 10 pharmacists and 5 pharmacy students nationwide to be honored with this award.  She will receive airfare to San Diego for the 2008 APhA Annual Meeting, hotel accommodations and full meeting registration.  All of the honorees will be invited to a celebratory dinner at the APhA 2008 meeting.  Congratulations Veronica!

 

Question of the Week

 

Hello Lynn,

 

Would you pass on the information regarding the My Health. My Medicare conference call? As the CPhA point person for Medicare Part D, I think this would be very helpful.

 

Thank you,

 

Paige Talley

Executive Director, Long Term Care Management Council

Director of Academy Affairs

 

Answer

 

Hello Paige,

 

Of course I would be happy to forward the information.  Here it is:

 

The next presentation in the My Health. My Medicare. series of audio-conference training sessions sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. EST.  Topics covered include:

    * 2008 Part D transition reminders
    * Medicare coverage of vaccines and vaccine administration
    * Update on new payment process for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS)

Policy experts will be available to answer questions.  Dial toll-free: 800-779-8412 (Please call in 15 minutes before the session begins.).  Pass code: NMTP.  You may download the PowerPoint slides for this session on the morning of the call. A live link to the slides will be provided with the reminder notice.  Questions or problems? Please email NMTP@cms.hhs.gov.

 

TTY Communications Relay Services are available for people who are hearing impaired. Dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880, and for Internet Relay services click here. A Relay Communications Assistant will help.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Lynn Rolston

Chief Executive Officer

California Pharmacists Association

 

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