5/20/19
Day 2 of IACP CCH has come to a close, and it was a whirlwind! I end each day more inspired, and have learned so much in just a couple days so far.
We started with a session on Clinical and Legal Considerations with CBD (cannabidiol). This is a huge topic of discussion across the medical profession right now, and Christine Roussel educated us on the scientific action of all the forms of the cannabis sativa plant. CBD is a negative allosteric modulator and can effect ligands that will decrease nausea, pain, inflammation, and seizures, as well as any negative effects from THC. There are some demonstrated adverse effects, most notably with drug interactions. It is essential that a medical professional be involved with the sale and counseling for this substance and its many variances. APhA-ASP actually just passed a policy at the 2019 Annual Meeting regarding education of pharmacy students on this topic as well. Click here to read more about this.
This was followed by a session on FDA inspections by Stephen Snow, Robert Stannard, and Jennifer Bellis. They explained the 3 options that pharmacists have when faced with an FDA inspection: Standing firm with a motion to quash the warrant, Acquiese (accepting reluctantly without protest), or compromise. They explained that preparation with self or external audits are the best way to avoid consequences like a 483, warning letter, recalls, or referral to the state board of pharmacy.
Next, Jeffery Baird and Bradley Howard led a session on marketing practices. They explained the various considerations when developing a marketing strategy such as the anti-kickback statute, stark physician self-referral, safe harbors, and HIPAA.
Then, the Innovation Pharmacy team took me to a delicious Dim Sum lunch! Thank you again to them for being so kind to include me throughout this conference.
After lunch, we were back for more educational sessions. First, Erik Tosh spoke about NIOSH and USP 800, defining them as well as OSHA and their importance to the profession. Then we got a pharmacy law update from Deborah Pearce, who explained the many differences between 503a and 503b pharmacies and the requirements for each.
Finally, Shawn Hodges introduced our last session, a “What you need to know for Hill Day” presentation by Rachael Pontikes, David Pore, and former congressman Jim Turner. To read my adaptation of this excellent presentation, click here.
After the sessions, there was a COMP PAC reception for Congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas who introduced the HR2871 last year. The innovation compounding team Shawn Hodges, Mitchell Bell, and Blake Sears were hosting this event, and were incredibly gracious enough to allow me to attend as well. I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Turner personally to get some more advice on being the most effective in meetings with legislators before he introduced Congressman Cuellar to the group.
Congressman Cuellar addressed the group and acknowledged how important our profession is and reiterated his support for our goals. It was an inspiring and exciting end to the night to see a politician open to the needs of pharmacists and our patients.
