Alexandria, VA--The American Society of Consultant Pharmacist (ASCP) has engaged with new leadership at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), hosting several meetings over the past six months to reconnect with senior policy staff at the DEA and to address Controlled Substance Act (CSA) issues faced by long-term and post-acute care pharmacy providers.

ASCP's Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force (DEA TF), chaired by ASCP member, Blake Griese, legal counsel and regulatory affairs manager at AlixaRX, met in December 2015 with senior representatives from the DEA including section chief, Ruth Carter. During these meetings, the parties discussed slow adaption of controlled drug e-Prescribing and challenges associated with the unique three-way secure communication required in the long-term care space. "Senior-care pharmacists have been working since 1970 to establish systems to ensure their patients have access to controlled-drug analgesics while complying with the law, and preventing abuse and diversion. The new DEA leadership is excited to work with the DEA TF to address problems and ensure patient access," said Frank Grosso, chief executive officer of ASCP about the positive nature of these meetings.

In addition to the closed-door meetings in December 2015 and February 2016, ASCP was invited to a DEA-sponsored forum with other leading groups in the pharmacy industry on February 29, 2016 in Washington, D.C. DEA acting administrator, Chuck Rosenberg, and the chief of DEA's Office of Diversion Control, Lou Milione, hosted this frank discussion on patient access issues. During the meeting, DEA leadership recognized Grosso and Arnie Clayman, ASCP's vice president of pharmacy practice and government affairs for the work the DEA TF did to address patient access issues. In addition to the discussion, the DEA highlighted their comprehensive strategy to address and break the cycle of drug trafficking, violence, and abuse called DEA 360 Strategy.

Carter also spoke to an overflow audience in October 2015 at ASCP's 2015 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Society and Agency plan to meet again in April 2016 to address problems that the DEA TF identified along with potential legislative, regulatory, and sub-regulatory guidance-based fixes.

"We are pleased with the progress made so far and excited to continue working the DEA," said Griese.

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons. ASCP's members manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing facilities, sub-acute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and home and community-based care. Learn more at ascp.com.

Press Contact:
Christine Polite
703-739-1300 x134
cpolite@ascp.com