House resolution calls on FDA to reverse its policy on estriol for menopause
A large group of physicians, pharmacists, and patients have pressed Congress to urge FDA to rescind its policy that bars the use of compounded estriol to treat menopause.
NACDS unveils its position on healthcare reform
NACDS releases a document stating its position on healthcare reform
AAHomecare says DMEPOS bidding program is flawed
In testimony before a House subcommittee, a homecare organization labels the DMEPOS competitive bidding program as a train wreck.
McKesson pays $13 million fine for violations of the Controlled Substances Act
McKesson is settling allegations that it violated federal reporting provisions relating to its handling of controlled substances at six of its distribution centers.
IDSA to take another look at long-term use of antibiotics for Lyme disease
In a settlement with the Connecticut attorney general, the Infectious Diseases Society of America agreed to evaluate its Lyme disease guidelines and use of antibiotics.
Don't get caught in the feds' fraud and abuse dragnets
There has been an "explosion in interest" in pharmacy fraud and abuse (F&A) over the past few months.
To speed claims processing, payers should allow a non-NPI prescriber ID
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued an FAQ that explains about the use of a non-NPI for prescribers who are not covered entities.
NACDS to Congress: Don't mandate track and trace
In testimony before Congress, an NACDS executive argues that track and trace should not be required.
DEA proposes listing three steroids under Schedule III
Since three steroids have a high potential for drug abuse and trafficking, the Drug Enforcement Administration wants to classify them as Schedule III controlled substances.
Comparative effectiveness idea is gaining support in Washington
Industry discussed their views on comparative effectiveness of healthcare treatments.
Pharmacist files new appeal for failure to dispense sanctions
A Wisconsin pharmacist is appealing to the state supreme court over sanctions imposed by the pharmacy board for failure to dispense birth control pills.
GAO says FDA's foreign drug inspections can be improved
In testimony before a House subcommittee, the Government Accountability Office identifies weaknesses in the Food & Drug Administration's foreign drug inspection program.
Court rules PCMA can challenge PBM fiduciary disclosure law in D.C.
An appeals court in D.C. said a suit PCMA filed against a D.C. law can go ahead in a lower court.
PBMs must meet new rules on transparency, drug switching in Maryland
The Maryland legislature has passed five bills that regulate pharmacy benefit managers.
NACDS urges caution on federal pedigree legislation
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores opposes new legislation that would create a federal e-pedigree requirement for tracking and tracing pharmaceuticals.
OIG proposes new requirements for nursing homes to meet
The Office of Inspector General has issued a new guide listing standards nursing facilities must comply with.
CDC criticized for lack of leadership in curbing hospital infections
The Government Accountability Office urged Health & Human Services to prioritize practice recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in order to prevent hospital infections.
NACDS, NCPA ask CMS to withdraw multisource drug rule
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association criticize the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' interim final rule on multiple-source drugs.
New report warns of link between insurance fraud and drug diversion
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud has issued a report about the harmful effects of insurance fraud and what actions can be taken to prevent it from occurring.
Insmed selected to complete Congressional questionnaire on establishing follow-on biologics regulatory pathway
Insmed has received a questionnaire from House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Health on develdoping legislation to establish a follow-on biologics regulatory pathway.
CMS outlines 2009 Part D plan requirements
CMS will require Medicare Advantage annd prescription drug plan sponsors in the Medicare Part D program, cover more HIV retrovirals, include more MTM data, and specify prior authorization requirements.
CMS issues new rule on multiple-source drugs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a new definition of multi-source drugs
Viewpoint: Are state boards of pharmacy abusing their power?
John Lemberger gives his point of view about a failure to counsel citation from the Wisconsin Board of Pharmacy
Panel will ask for a system that will allow pharmacists to practice across state lines
The National Governors Association will recommend that a cross-state cooperative pharmacist licensure system be created so that pharmacists can practice across state/territorial lines.
Cardinal caught between DEA and pharmacies over diversion control
Pharmacies fight back after pressure from the Drug Enforcement Administration has forced Cardinal Healthcare and other wholesaler drug distributors to implement systems to stop drug diversion
This time pharmacists, doctors, and states are ready for tamper-resistant prescription pads
States issue guidelines for the April 1st implementation of Medicare's tamper-resistant prescription pad rule
E-prescribing grows in Massachusetts, but other states lag behind
Thirteen percent of all eligible prescriptions are transmitted electronically in Massachusetts.
NCPA endorses Jones in NC race
Walter Jones has received the endorsement from the National Community Pharmacists Association in his primary battle for the rural North Carolina House district.
Drug Topics survey finds most think FDA needs more resources to do its job well
A Drug Topics survey finds that most think FDA could use more funding to redress its deficiencies.
Medicare fraud lands Miami Medicare billing service owner in jail for 10 years
Miami Medicare billing service owner sentenced to 10 years in prison for Medicare fraud.