News

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!

Seeking Nominations for the State Board of Pharmacy

Want to make a difference? Then, consider applying for the Board of Pharmacy.

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

Ohio Research/Innovative Forums and Posters

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

Nominate a Colleague for the UNDER 40 Recognition Award

Trade Show for Midyear Meeting Sunday, November 4

Pharmacist Training for Long-Acting Injectables - September 21

OPA Office 2674 Federated Blvd, Columbus

Sept 20 Deadline: OPA Awards & Leadership Nomination Solicitations

Media awards accepted through February 26, 2019

AWARDS: OPA will recognize the accomplishments of members throughout the state at the 2019 OPA Annual Conference, April 12 - 14, 2019, in Columbus. Any OPA member may nominate any eligible member for the awards.

OPA BOARD: Consider a position on OPA's 2019 ballot. Exciting things are happening with the practice of pharmacy. Be a part of it!

Ohio Auditor releases stunning Medicaid PBM audit report

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Summer 2018

Ohio Days - NPX Newsletter Summer 2018

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Summer 2018

Rx Impact - NPX Newsletter Summer 2018

Ohio Medicaid announces plans for significant reforms to pharmacy program

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Summer 2018

August Legislative Update: Recognizing the national attention on Ohio due to OPA’s work to shed light on our dysfunctional prescription drug supply chain

Recognizing the national attention on Ohio due to OPA’s work on our dysfunctional prescription drug supply chain...

August 22: APhA's Delivering MTM Services Certificate Training Program for Pharmacists

July Legislative Update: Ohio House unanimously passes HB 479 to end PBM co-pay clawbacks and “gag orders,”

The Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed HB 479, legislation prohibiting PBM co-pay clawbacks and “gag orders,” 

Legislation aimed at increasing naltrexone access in Ohio passes Senate!

Ohio House unanimously votes in favor of HB 479 to end PBM co-pay clawbacks & gag orders!

Pharmacist Training Program for Immunizations - August 29, 2018

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.

Medicaid analysis shows hundreds of millions in PBM spread pricing dollars

The Midwest Independent Pharmacy & Compounding Expo

Saturday, August 11 & Sunday, August 12, 2018 / Education and Expo

Midwest Independent Pharmacy & Compounding Expo CPE topics include: How Pharmacies Can Capitalize on a New Revenue Game Navigating the 340B Prescription Program for Pharmacy Navigating Audits – Key Information to a Successful Outcome New Opportunities in Medicare Part B Building Your Pharmacy’s Brand with Social Media Opportunities To Be or Not to Be...A Compounding Pharmacist Hot Topics in Compounding Social Media - Key To Expanding Your Compounding Business Ohio Compounding Law

OPA supports legislation aimed at increasing naltrexone access in Ohio

June Legislative Update: Provider Status and Pulling Back the PBM Curtain

On April 17, hearings officially commenced on SB 265, which would grant provider status for pharmacists in Ohio law.

April 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Austin Hilverding

April 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Mackenzie Harrell

Ohio House committee votes in favor of bill to end PBM co-pay clawbacks & gag orders!

Exhibit and Sponsor the Midwest Independent Pharmacy & Compounding Expo

Saturday, August 11 & Sunday, August 12, 2018 / Education and Expo

Midwest Independent Pharmacy & Compounding Expo

May Legislative Update: Applauding how ODI edict aims to prohibit clawbacks and

OPA applauds a recent announcement from the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) on an immediately effective edict that aims to prohibit pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) co-pay clawbacks and pharmacist “gag orders.” OPA thanks ODI for their proactive action

September 25: APhA’s The Pharmacist & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care Certificate Training Program

OPA has scheduled another session of APhA’s The Pharmacist & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care Certificate Training Program

OPA Honors Excellence in Pharmacy

Melody Hartzler takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Mark Kratzer receives pharmacy Good Government Award

Greg Kramp takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Deb Randall takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Dan Krinsky takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Bob Blake receives OPA Life Member Award for outstanding contributions to pharmacy

Ralph Bouvette receives OPA Honorary Member Award for outstanding contributions to pharmacy

Jeff Polzin takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Brigid Groves takes office as President-Elect of Ohio Pharmacists Association

Jeff Steckman takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Trustee

Emlah Tubuo receives Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award

Larry Schieber receives award for service to Ohio Pharmacists Association

Don Bennett receives award for outstanding contributions to pharmacy

T.J. Grimm takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Vice President

Tim Ulbrich takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association Treasurer

Micah Sobota’s commitment to community drug abuse outreach recognized with statewide award

Frank Wickham receives OPA Life Member Award for outstanding contributions to pharmacy

Ryan Schneider takes office as Ohio Pharmacists Association President

Amy Fanous receives pharmacy award for community outreach efforts

Dan Karant receives pharmacy award for community outreach and volunteerism

Aaron Clark receives pharmacy award for innovative pharmacy practice

March 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Emily Carlson

February 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Joshua Willoughby

February 2018 OPA Extern Profile: E. Michael Murphy

January 2018 OPA Extern Profile: Wendy Lin

Lindsey Peters is Recognized for UNDER 40 Award

Brigid Groves is UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Melody Hartzler Named UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Ryan Schneider is Named UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Kevin Day Honored as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Michelle Musser Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Honoree

Jennifer Rodis is Named UNDER 40 Award Honoree

Michael Rush Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Kristen Sobota Honored as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

Brandon Craig Recognized as UNDER 40 Award Recipient

OPA Honors Inaugural UNDER 40 Award Recipients

The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) is pleased to announce many qualified applicants were nominated for the inaugural UNDER 40 Recognition Program. This program grants young pharmacists the unique opportunity to have their professional achievements highlighted,

2018 PAC Breakfast Speaker(s) Announced!

Ohio Days - NPX Newsletter Spring 2018

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Spring 2018

Ohio takes first step to permanently prohibit co-pay clawbacks & gag orders

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Spring 2018

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Spring 2018

Passion for Advocacy Fueled at the 2018 OPA Student Legislative Day

It isn’t often that people know that they’re making a difference. That wasn’t true on February 27 when over 240 Ohio student pharmacists converged on Columbus to make an impact on the profession. This year’s Student Legislative Day was a success ...

Pharmacy Technician Education Program - May 10

Ohio lawmakers call on Auditor to review PBM practices in Medicaid program

March Legislative Update: Prescription Drug Co-Pay Integrity Act

OPA applauds new legislation, HB 479, introduced by Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) and Representative Thomas West (D-Canton) that would prohibit the practice of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) requiring pharmacists to charge patients

New rules on “E-to-Fax” prescriptions, approval of electronic prescription transmission systems & computerized prescriber order entry systems

Pharmacist provider status legislation introduced in Ohio Senate!

OPA leads the charge on Medicaid managed care drug spending reform

OPA applauds White House report calling for breaking up anti-competitive PBM industry

PBMs’ Medicaid role under attack in some states

February Legislative Update: Medicaid Drug Benefits

In 2016, Ohio pharmacies saw a dramatic cut in reimbursements, estimated by more than $200 million,

Ohio Days - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Money Matters - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Professional Pearls - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

Practitioner Profile - NPX Newsletter Winter 2018

March 6: APhA’s The Pharmacist & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care Certificate Training Program

OPA has scheduled another session of APhA’s The Pharmacist & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care Certificate Training Program

2018 Annual Conference Program Descriptions

Join your fellow students on April 20-22 in downtown Columbus.

Legislation introduced to prohibit PBM clawbacks & pharmacist gag orders in Ohio

OPA/NPX Mentorship Program

OPA signs onto letter calling for DIR fee reforms in Part D rule

CVS/Aetna: State regulators urged to investigate CVS Caremark reimbursement cuts, solicitation letters, as part of Aetna review

January Legislative Update: MCO PBM Offer to Purchase Your Pharmacy

As members continue to report that Medicaid MCO PBM reimbursements are at historic lows, adding insult to injury, we are aware

November 2017 OPA Extern Profile: Sam Martin

December Legislative Update: Crushing Defeat of Ohio Ballot Issue 2

Legislative Update: Locking prescription vials, palliative care

Proposed mandates for locking prescription vials, as well as pharmacist inclusion on proposed palliative care commission

October 2017 OPA Extern Profile: Neal Fox

November Legislative Update: "Locking" & "Tamper-Evident" Prescription Vials

February 20: APhA's Delivering MTM Services Certificate Training Program for Pharmacists

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

October Legislative Update: Opioid Analgesics

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

Provider status legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate!

Governor Kasich signs four pharmacy bills into law!

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.

Medication synchronization legislation signed into law by Governor John Kasich!

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 February 2015

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

August Legislative Update: MAC Transparency/PBM Regulation

HB 64/HB 127: MAC Transparency/PBM Regulation

Governor Kasich signs crucial MAC transparency legislation into law!

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

Workplace Safety Information

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)