Pharmacy Voices

E-prescribing has impacted the way pharmacies conduct their business. However, as technology helps solve problems, it may also create new problems.

The FDA recently published a proposed rule that would convert the manufacturer’s paper labeling, either on or in a product from which the drug is being dispensed, to electronic media. This would provide for far more timely information on warnings, adverse reactions, and contraindications.

Recently, I came across a couple of books that are very interesting and well written. One is about the people who “invented” computers. The other is about the people who “created” Obamacare. Both examine how things get done and how people interact in the process.

The FDA issued its proposed rule for the electronic distribution of prescribing information on Dec. 18, 2014, with the stated purpose of being sure that health professionals have access to the most current prescribing information for prescription drugs at the time of clinical decision-making and drug dispensing.

A new year is upon us. Soon we all will be getting meeting notices: conventions, alumni reunions, CE meetings, etc. I have been to an awful lot of these gatherings and the different roles I've taken have given me different perspectives.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has adopted a new strategic plan outlining the federal government’s IT vision and mission. The plan’s goals are to keep up the momentum of health IT adoption and, at the same time, improve IT implementation beyond hospitals and physician practices.

With the new year, we want to start with what we have seen in 2014 and then look ahead for this year. 2014 was a critically important year for pharmacists, in the form of H.R. 4190, the legislation that is poised to bring provider status to pharmacists.

As we begin a new year, we decided that an annual forecast of market changes would be in order. What follows is what we believe will have the greatest impact on pharmacy this year.