I A C P C H A N G E S i n C O M P O U N D I N G Heighten the Need for IACP Participation By Ernie P. Gates Jr, RPh, FASCP, FIACP It is hard to imagine a more dynamic field than compounding pharmacy. Compounds and the illnesses that they treat are constantly evolving. New research points the way toward new treatments and this requires the compounding pharmacist to learn new skills and adapt their practice.The shortages of certain drugs also are prompting members of the profession to learn to prepare new compounds that replicate drugs that are commercially unavailable. Additionally, our regulatory system is in a state of flux. What was permissible six months ago might now be prohibited and the burden is on the pharmacist to incorporate these changes into their practice. The compounding pharmacist can’t go it alone. There is simply too much information on which one must stay IACP is very pleased current, and that is the case whether the pharmacy to reach out to IACP accepts cash only, third party reimbursement only, or members and non- some combination. This reality makes membership in members throughout organizations such as IACP vitally important. IACP’s North America involvement in regulatory affairs enables the compounding through our Regional pharmacist to do what they do best: prepare customized Meetings! Be on the medications for patients who need a strength or form that is not commercially manufactured. lookout for meetings I recently had the opportunity to participate in an IACP regional meeting and found it to be very valuable. coming to your area. While the CEUs are important for licensure, the credits are a small part of what a compounding pharmacist To date in 2012 – can take away from the session. Here are a few things that I think make the regional meetings a “must we’ve held IACP attend” opportunity. Regional Meetings in Knowing the Regulations – These sessions provide attendees with a comprehensive view of Dallas, Texas; Dana regulatory changes, one that simply can’t be gained by reading an e-newsletter or waiting for a Point, CA; Sherman government transmittal.The IACP team communicates with regulators and policy makers so they Oaks, CA; Leesburg, know what is coming down the pike long before the notice of a regulation change arrives in the VA; Swedesboro, NJ mail from Medicare or Medicaid. This is particularly important now, when our entire healthcare and Exton, PA. system is undergoing dramatic change. Collaboration – The opportunity to speak with local and neighboring colleagues about challenges in the profession and to work collaboratively toward a resolution has much more value than trying to think through problems alone in a clean room.IACP encourages and facilitates that collaboration, and with it comes a professional camaraderie that makes the time very enjoyable. Local compounders not only face national issues, but they face state issues as well, and the IACP regional meetings are specially designed to address these. Many compounding businesses face the same regulatory and reimbursement roadblocks, which can more easily be removed by IACP, through its collective voice. Be it pharmacy regulations established by non-pharmacists or burdensome requirements that add no value in terms of patient safety and create extra work for your practice, IACP is your voice. 18 I A C P C U S T O M Rx C O N N E C T I O N I A C P R X . O R G
Custom Rx Connection August 2012
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