Latest news with #PennsylvaniaPharmacistsAssociation
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Continued pharmacy closures prompts calls for reform
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) —The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association says pharmacies continue to close because they're under-compensated for prescription reimbursements. Since January 2024, almost 200 pharmacies have closed in Pennsylvania despite legislation being passed to help keep them open. 'If you look at current reimbursement that we have for retail pharmacy, pharmacists are paying one price for a product and being reimbursed below that cost,' says Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association President John DeJames. The Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act, or Act 77, expands the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's authority to regulate and audit Pharmacy Benefit Managers. State lawmakers say the insurance department and Department of Human Services are needed to fully implement the law. Act 77 also prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers from paying independent pharmacies less than what is reimbursed to their own affiliated pharmacy. 'The pharmacy benefit managers, which are the middlemen in between your insurance company and your pharmacy, that actually pay the pharmacy, they're continuing to find ways to manipulate the system, even though there's new laws and regulations that they're supposed to follow,' says Rep. Jessica Benham (D) – Allegheny County. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Some of these things can actually be implemented even without legislation and that's why we're here calling on the governor, DHS and the insurance department,' says Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R) – Allegheny County. As pharmacies continue to close, customers may have to drive farther to get their prescriptions. 'Your wait time can be potentially much longer because one pharmacy is doing the work for two or three pharmacies in the area,' says Value Drug Company President Rick Seipp. Rep. Benham says there are constraints as to what can be done at the state level and more reform would need to come from the federal level. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pharmacists gather for annual conference in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pharmacists from across Pennsylvania are in Harrisburg this weekend for an annual conference. The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association hosts the conference where they are discussing new trends, therapies, and more. One of the topics, the new opportunity they have with the Department of Human Services and Medicaid. 'Last year for the first time, recognized pharmacists as what we call health providers,' Victoria Elliott, CEO of the association, said. 'That means that we, along with other mid-level providers can actually build for services they were already providing in the pharmacy environment.' They are also discussing challenges pharmacists face. In the past year, 150 community pharmacies statewide have closed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RxTechExam and Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Join Forces to Launch Technician Training Program Ahead of Regulatory Changes
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RxTechExam and the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at addressing upcoming pharmacy technician regulations in Pennsylvania through a comprehensive, online training solution. This collaboration is designed to provide a seamless pathway for pharmacy technicians to achieve certification and meet new regulatory requirements. With pending legislation from the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy that mandates the completion of an approved technician training program, the partnership seeks to bridge the gap between current practices and future regulations. As part of this initiative, PPA members and their affiliated pharmacies will gain access to discounted training for their staff. Additionally, students who successfully complete the program will receive a one-year PPA technician membership to support their continued growth in the field. RxTech Logo 'Our shared goal is to provide a practical but thorough training program that prepares pharmacy technicians for both Pennsylvania registration and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam® (PTCE®),' said Preston Davis, CPhT-Adv, Managing Partner of RxTechExam. 'With draft legislation under consideration, this online solution ensures that technicians can conveniently access the necessary training and be fully compliant when the new requirements take effect.' The collaboration is designed to benefit both pharmacy professionals and the communities they serve by strengthening the technical skills of pharmacy technicians, ultimately enhancing patient care. PPA's CEO, Victoria Elliott, RPh, MBA, CAE, emphasized the importance of this initiative: 'As the pharmacy landscape evolves, PPA remains committed to supporting pharmacy technicians, whose work is integral to the success of pharmacies across the state. This partnership with RxTechExam ensures that our technicians have access to top-tier education and the tools they need to succeed in their careers.'Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Logo "Our shared goal is to provide a practical but thorough training program that prepares pharmacy technicians for both Pennsylvania registration and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCE)' The joint program offers flexible online training, making it accessible for technicians at any stage of their careers. Participants will not only gain the knowledge required to meet Pennsylvania's regulatory standards but will also be equipped to sit for the nationally recognized PTCE certification exam. About RxTechExam:RxTechExam provides comprehensive online training and resources for pharmacy technicians, preparing them for certification exams and career advancement. About the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA):PPA is dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy in Pennsylvania, supporting pharmacists and technicians through advocacy, education, and resources. Media Contacts: Preston Davispr@ Images accompanying this announcement are available at:
