Innovations-Magazine-February-2023 - 3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Caroline D. Juran,
BSPharm, DPh (Hon)
NABP Chairperson
Fellow Members,
A near universal challenge in pharmacy and general health care
has been ensuring that patients are taking their medications
as prescribed. The causes for nonadherence are many, but the
bottom line is that when patients are unable or unwilling to take
medications as intended, they are less likely to have the positive
health outcomes intended by that therapy. As regulators, we can
take steps to encourage or require patient counseling and to allow
packaging solutions, such as blister packs that make it easier for
patients or caregivers to adhere to the dosage schedule. But, at
the end of the day, pharmacists' responsibility can only extend so
far outside of the pharmacy. This topic is important to understand
in the ever-evolving landscape of health care, which is why this
month's issue of Innovations puts a spotlight on medication
nonadherence by exploring many of the factors that contribute
to this problem, including the role pharmacists and technology
can play in improving adherence.
Another development in health
care and health care regulation has
been the increasing legalization and
decriminalization of Schedule I controlled
substances at the state and municipal
levels. Medical and recreational cannabis
has been the most visible example, but it
is not the only previously illicit substance
that pharmacists should be aware of
today. Psilocybin, also known as " magic "
mushrooms, has been legalized for use in
both Colorado and Oregon under certain
restrictions. As with medical cannabis, it
is important for pharmacists in affected
states to be aware of this drug. This month's
Policy Perspectives article, provided by
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP,
outlines the recent developments in this
arena, how pharmacies may be affected,
and whether we can expect medical or
recreational use of psilocybin to be allowed
in more states in the coming years.
With spring right around the corner,
I would also like to remind you all to
save the date for the 119th
NABP Annual
Meeting, which will take place in Nashville,
TN, from May 10-12, 2023, with the
Educational Poster Session and networking
events planned for the afternoon of May
10. Online registration is now available. As
I have said before, these meetings are an
invaluable opportunity to meet, discuss,
and collaborate with board of pharmacy
colleagues from every part of the country,
and I encourage every board member and
executive director to participate if they are
able. The event this year is going to be a
wonderful experience, and I look forward to
seeing many of you there.
Sincerely,
Caroline D. Juran, BSPharm, DPh (Hon)
NABP Chairperson
FEBRUARY 2023 | 1
Innovations-Magazine-February-2023

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