Innovations-Magazine-April-2023 - 3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Fellow Members,
As the practice of pharmacy has advanced, along with the health care
industry, we, as regulators, have generally continued to respond and
adjust to protect patient safety.
The focus of this issue of Innovations - integrated delivery
Caroline D. Juran,
BSPharm, DPh (Hon)
NABP Chairperson
networks (IDNs) - will likely demand our adaptability once again,
in order to ensure that the systems have guardrails in place
to protect the public. At a time when staffing shortages and
increased demand for services have stressed the health care
system and pharmacy profession, IDNs are becoming increasingly
important for ensuring that patients receive the care they need
in a timely and efficient manner. However, important regulatory
questions remain about these networks. The cover story provides
background on the IDN model, how it compares with the
pharmacy benefits manager models, and suggests some of the
regulatory concerns the boards of pharmacy may want to consider.
This issue also includes a high-level look
at mobile pharmacy units, which have
traditionally been used as a temporary
solution in response to natural disasters
and other emergencies, so patients can
have access to pharmacy services when
traditional options may not be accessible.
Mobile units can play an important
role in improving health care access to
underserved populations, including rural
areas, but they will undoubtedly require
some scrutiny as legislative and regulatory
actions around mobile pharmacies
grow and states seek to increase access
to medication therapy in communities
struggling with the opioid crisis.
As we continue to navigate this
changing pharmacy landscape, it seems
more important than ever that we
come together as a community to share
knowledge, learn from each other, and
discuss solutions to shared problems.
To that end, I want to remind readers about
the NABP Annual Meeting on May 10-12,
2023, in Nashville, TN. This meeting will
provide an opportunity to connect with
colleagues, attend educational sessions,
and engage in discussions on the latest
developments in the pharmacy profession.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Caroline D. Juran, BSPharm, DPh (Hon)
NABP Chairperson
APRIL 2023 | 1
Innovations-Magazine-April-2023

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