News

Governor DeWine signs bill legalizing CBD, hemp

August Legislative Update: Fixing the Broken Medicaid Payment Model

On July 18, Governor Mike DeWine signed the state budget bill, obliterating the current pharmacy benefits system ...

Governor DeWine signs Ohio budget bill overhauling Medicaid pharmacy program!

BREAKING: State budget deal boots PBMs and reinvests in Ohio pharmacies!

September 19 Deadline: OPA Awards Solicitation

Media awards accepted through February 17, 2020

AWARDS: OPA will recognize the accomplishments of members throughout the state at the 2020 OPA Annual Conference, April 3 - 5, 2020, in Columbus. Any OPA member may nominate any eligible member for the awards.

Nominations needed for OPA Emerging Pharmacy Leaders Conference

September 19 Deadline: OPA Leadership Nomination Solicitation

OPA BOARD: Consider a position on OPA's 2020 ballot. Exciting things are happening with the practice of pharmacy. Be a part of it!

OPA Names First Executive Fellow

Vyishali Dharbhamalla, PharmD

The road to PBM and pharmacy payment reform in Ohio

September 8: OPA Compound Conference | Columbus, Ohio

Registration is open.

The OPA Compound Conference brings together leaders in the pharmacy compounding profession. OPA Compound Conference 2019 brochure coverAt the OPA Compound Conference, attendees have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with compounding pharmacists, technicians, and marketing representatives as well as vendors who support compounding pharmacy. Don’t miss this unique conference.

September 22: The Midwest Independent Pharmacy Expo

Registration is open! The Ohio Pharmacists Association will hold an event designed for independent Midwest Independent Pharmacy Expo Brochurepharmacists. The 4th Annual Midwest Independent Pharmacy Expo will be held Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the Makoy Center in Hilliard, Ohio.

June Legislative Update: Ohio lawsuit against PBM

In March, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that he was filing a lawsuit against PBM OptumRx over the nearly $16 million in alleged overcharges on prescription drugs...

2019 Online OSHA Training offered

The Ohio Pharmacists Association will offer the Live Webinar: Required OSHA Training - Bloodborne Pathogens in 2019. Pharmacists and others providing immunizations and/or point-of-care tests involving blood have the potential to be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen and must meet the OSHA requirements standard, including annual live training, or risk facing fines.

April 2019 OPA Extern Profile: Anna Crooker

Payor Toolkit Now Available

May Legislative Update: CareSource announced its intent to implement a new, integrated approach...

CareSource, a leading nonprofit multi-state health plan serving government sponsored programs, announced its intent to implement a new, integrated approach...

Tim Ulbrich Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Jeffrey Strouble Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Chelsey Smith Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Kelly Reilly Kroustos Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Diana Issacs Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Jessica Hinson Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Austin Hilverding Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Justin Friesner Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Amy Fanous Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Stu Beatty Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

2019 PAC Breakfast Speaker Announced!

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to Speak at OPA Annual Conference!

April Legislative Update: PBM “spread pricing” in Ohio Medicaid managed care

Early this year, amid growing controversy over rising drug costs and declining pharmacy reimbursements, the state of Ohio officially ended the practice of ...

March 2019 OPA Extern Profile: Heather Fogarty

February 2019 OPA Extern Profile: Vyishali Dharbhamalla

Exhibit at the OPA Compound Conference | Columbus OH | 9/8/19

Exhibit at the Midwest Independent Pharmacy Expo | Columbus OH | 9/22/19

Apply for NPX Vice-Chair Position - April 1, 2019 Deadline

Notice of Application for NPX Vice-Chair Position Query: Member Query NPX No Cat 15 WS2

March Legislative Update: The Fight Isn't Over Yet

The fight to lower drug costs for Ohioans isn’t over yet. OPA is pleased to announce that Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) and Representative Thomas West (D-Canton) have introduced...

Ohio Days - NPX Newsletter Winter 2019

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Winter 2019

Rx Impact - NPX Newsletter Winter 2019

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Winter 2019

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Winter 2019

January 2019 OPA Extern Profile: R. Jed Swackhammer

Legislation re-introduced to end PBM co-pay clawbacks & gag orders!

OPA member spotlight: Jim Kiffmeyer, RPh

February Legislative Update: 132nd General Assembly in Review

Three key pharmacy bills that were in the process of advancing through the legislature at the end of 2018 landed on the desk of Governor John Kasich...

Apply for the OPA Executive Fellowship in Leadership and Association Management

January Legislative Update: Here's where things stand

It was one of the most wild political seasons we’ve been a part of. Overall, OPA specifically was monitoring and working on more than 40 pieces of legislation ...

Epinephrine Accessibility Act passes Ohio legislature and heads to Governor Kasich!

Pharmacist provider status legislation passes Senate and heads to Governor Kasich!

Pharmacist provider status legislation passes Ohio House unanimously!

Rx Impact - NPX Newsletter Fall 2018

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Fall 2018

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Fall 2018

December Legislative Update: Kevin’s Law Reminder

On December 31, 2013, Kevin Houdeshell began a journey he would never recover from. On his way to work he stopped at his pharmacy

November 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Zak Fettman

October 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Taylor Allen

November Legislative Update: Finish our Legislative Priorities

The last 22 months have been a whirlwind of legislative activity, and while we have succeeded in paving the way for a great close to the 132nd General Assembly (which concludes at year’s end), we still have to finish the job on our major legislative priorities.

Promote the value of pharmacists this American Pharmacists Month!

Bocce with Burke! Join us for a fun evening with Senator Dave Burke!

September 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Jessica Ward

October Legislative Update: Results of the Ohio Medicaid Prescription Drug Program Audit Presented

In an August presentation to the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, Ohio Auditor Dave Yost released the results of his audit of the Ohio Medicaid prescription drug program. To be blunt, the results are jaw-dropping.

September Legislative Update: Continued fighting for substantive reforms to the Ohio Medicaid pharmacy program

While lawmakers are on break, OPA has continued fighting for substantive reforms to the Ohio Medicaid pharmacy program. With the persistent investigative reporting of the Columbus Dispatch...

Midyear Meeting Sunday, November 4 - Sharpen Your Professional Skills

Trade Show for Midyear Meeting Sunday, November 4

Pharmacist Training for Long-Acting Injectables - September 21

OPA Office 2674 Federated Blvd, Columbus

Ohio Days - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

OPA Annual Conference & Trade Show

April 12-14, 2019

Check out a few of the photos from the 2018 Annual Conference!

140th OPA Annual Conference & Trade Show with Exhibit Hall

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Fall 2017

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Fall 2017

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Fall 2017

New Practitioner eXperience News Summer 2017

New Practitioner eXperience News Winter 2017

November 2016 OPA Extern Profile: Jordan Long

NPX Newsletter Archives

New Practitioner Experience (NPX)

The New Practitioner Experience (NPX) is an automatic Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) member benefit for pharmacists who have been in practice for 7 years or less.

New Practitioner eXperience News Fall 2016

Immunization Updates

Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunizations
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS
Legislative Information

Immunization Training and Updates

Pharmacist Training Program for Immunizations

OPA Office 2674 Federated Blvd, Columbus

This program meets the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy guidelines for immunizing pharmacists. It can also serve as a refresher course for pharmacists who may have been trained previously, but who would like to review injection technique, especially if they have not administered immunizations recently. The course will also provide information on currently available vaccines and the recommended dosing schedules.

OPA Immunization

Immunization Home Study Programs

Influenza, Pneumococcal, Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B Immunizations for Adults home study continuing education is now available from OPA. The goal of this lesson is to provide background information on adult immunizations and a working knowledge of influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, and hepatitis A & B vaccines.

New laws and rules impacting consult agreements and emergency dispensing now in effect!

Archived Ohio Pharmacist Journals - December 2010 through May 2016

2015 OPA Salary Survey -Web Version Now Available

Simply click on the links provided in the article text to view downloadable PDF versions of the 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015 Salary Surveys.

New Practitioner eXperience News

See what state legislation OPA is currently tracking

March 2015 OPA Extern Profile: (Victoria) Shea Pennington

2015 Drug Info Challenge:

Learning Objectives OPA Home Study Educational Programming: Patient Safety, Law & Immunization

Pre-Teen Poison Prevention Resources

Pre-teen Poisonings and Inhalants

Poisonings in the Elderly

Legislative - Contact Information & More

Your Legislative Connection - Contact Information

Online CE Resource from OPA!

Ohio Pharmacists Foundation Research Grant Program

Guidelines for Potential Applicants

Social Media

Ohio Pharmacists Foundation Silent Auction

Get in on the Auction Action!

September 2010 OPA Extern Profile: Jennifer Remot

Thanks to all our Annual Conference supporters!

OPA Launches Social Media Network

Use social media and OPA to expand your network!

The Basics: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

OPA Members - We Need Your Email Address !

Please use the "Modify My Account" link under "My Profile" on the OPA Members Only page to update your email address and other contact information online.

October is Control Your Health, Talk to Your Pharmacist Month!

Public Relations Posters Available for Your Pharmacy

Let your patients know the important role pharmacists play in their personal healthcare.

The OPA Public and Professional Relations Committee created two posters for you to display in your pharmacy.

Ohio Pharmacists Foundation Research Grant Program

Guidelines for Potential Applicants

University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy ASP Chapter News

Recent Programming

Recent programming highlights.

2007 Salary Survey

We are pleased to announce that the 2007 Ohio Pharmacist Salary survey is now available.

Survey of the week

Click here to take survey

OPA Resource Center

Are you planning a presentation in your community?

Check out the OPA Resource Center of materials available for loan to OPA members.

PhMIC offers Member Discounts on Long Term Care Coverage

Pharmacy Quality Commitment: A Systems View of Patient Care

Majority of Medicaid to be Managed Care: Is Your Pharmacy Signed Up?

Also: Information for Pharmacists Calling Medicare

Course Descriptions - 2006 OPA Annual Conference

When a Hero Comes Along: Robert E. Lee, Ph.D.

Erica Scheuffele, Pharm.D. Candidate, University of Cincinnati, OPA extern

I would like to take this time to remember a hero who has not only inspired my life, but many other lives as well.

Ask Your Pharmacist
(Answers-Service-Knowledge)

A.S.K Consumer Safety Program Information

A.S.K. Presentation NOW AVAILABLE on CD or Slides

Reye's Syndrome Awareness

This article includes information about Reye's Syndrome with links to a list of medications containing aspirin.

Pharmacist Training Program for Adult Immunizations

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - Makoy Center, Hilliard, OH

The goals of this program are to train pharmacists to set up an adult immunization program for influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, and hepatitis A & B; and to train pharmacists to properly administer vaccines and meet the requirements established by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy for recordkeeping and for the use of physician protocols. Sample forms and protocols will be distributed at the seminar.
Registration will begin on April 25, 2006.

2005 OPA Annual ConferenceEducational Offerings - Course Descriptions

Course offerings, descriptions, presenter, date and time are listed in the article.

OPA Historical Video Directory

OPA Historical Video Directory

Budget Measure Includes Sales Tax Hike & Additional Medicaid Funding

Diabetes Health Care Coverage Proposed

House Sends Budget Measure to Senate with Sales Tax Hike; Additional Medicaid Funding
HB 146/SB 61: Diabetes Health Care Coverage
HB 142/SB 60: Meningitis Vaccine
SB 281: Medical Malpractice
Important Committees to Watch

History of the Ohio Pharmacists Association

OPA formed in 1879

History and purpose of OPA.

Legislature Moving Fast on Pharmacy Issues

Prescription Discount Cards for Seniors and MORE!

Revised Schedule for Distribution of the Settlement Money in the BNPD Antitrust Litigation

The second checks for distributing the money from settlement of the Brand Name Prescription Drug (BNPD) Antitrust Litigation have been delayed because of the unexpected number of conflicting claims (i.e., two or more people filing claims on the same pharmacy.)

Latest News on Compliance Campaign

ASK Radio/TV Campaign Begins This Month

Listen for a series of public service announcements on radio and television stations in Ohio that tell patients to ASK the pharmacist for information about prescription and nonprescription medications. ASK stands for Answers, Service, and Knowledge. Here is the script for one of the brief messages.

State Affiliated Chapter Survey

Perceptions of Quality and Value in Pharmacy Professional Organizations

The Ohio Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (OSHP) in collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is conducting a survey sponsored by The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The survey is aimed at determining where significant gaps lie between the services currently provided by State and Local Chapters of ASHP Organizations and the services desired by the members of these organizations.

Taking Medicines Right - New Statewide Program to Rollout in January

Ernest Boyd, Pharmacist, CAE, Executive Director

As you know, approximately 15 to 20 percent of hospital admissions can be connected with improper drug use. The physician prescribed the right drug, the pharmacist dispensed the proper medication, but the patient takes it incorrectly, resulting in serious consequences. We have known about the problem for years, but little has been done to educate the public. The Ohio Pharmacists Foundation (OPF) is about to launch a great program that should help solve the problem.

State Teachers Retirement Board Changes Drug Plan to Mail Order

The State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) has announced that several changes are being made to the system's drug plan effective January 1, 2001. One of these changes will be the mandatory use of Merck-Medco's Prescription Mail Order Service for STRS Ohio's enrollees.

S.B. 172: Pharmacy Practice Act, S.B. 248: Pharmacist Drug Administration

S.B. 172: Pharmacy Practice Act Revision and S.B. 248: Pharmacist Drug Administration

Check Your CE Recordkeeping Now

Beginning in the year 2001, all pharmacists required to report continuing education for license renewal will be required to report 6 CEUs of approved continuing education.

Nurse Practitioners Prescribe, Pharmacist Confidentiality, and HB 307

Prescribing rights for nurse practitioners is tightly controlled, and Pharmacist confidentiality bill and any willing pharmacy legislation are pending.

H.B. 241:Prescriptive Authority for Advanced Practice Nurses

This bill would permit certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse mid-wives, and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe drugs and therapeutic devices.

Clinton Announces Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Plan

President Clinton recently announced a plan where every elderly American would be able to get federal help in buying prescription drugs.

Pharmacists and Congress React to FDA MedGuide Regulations

"Pharmacists Patient Protection Act of 1999 "

Allowable Changes by a Prescriber to an Original Prescription

Numerous complaints concerning a major third-party payer that was auditing Ohio pharmacies were received by OPA.

Druggists/Pharmacists Top List for Tenth Consecutive Year

#1in 1998 CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll for Honesty and Ethics

Pharmacists again topped the list as America's "most trusted" professionals.

The Prescription Drug Benefit Equity Act

(H.R. 1525)